SR teen places 2nd in national calling contest
SLIPPERY ROCK — He's only 16, but Alec Nebel might already have found his calling — turkey calling.
The Slippery Rock High School sophomore recently placed second in the youth division of the National Wild Turkey Federation's Grand Nationals Calling Contest at the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show in Harrisburg.
Nebel was up against about 15 competitors in the 17-and-under division. He received a trophy and $150 worth of outdoors merchandise for his efforts.
"I was a little nervous, but I was prepared at the same time," Nebel said.
The competition was Nebel's first, but he had been working with Pennsylvania resident Adam Spittler from the show "Archer's Choice," which is televised on the Outdoor Channel.
Spittler, 32, is from Pine Grove, near Harrisburg, and learned of Nebel's aspirations in the outdoors world from fellow show members Terry and Kim Edwards.
"Alec and his father attended an outdoors show at Cabela's in Wheeling and met Terry and Kim down there," Spittler said. "They talked for a while and were so impressed with Alec that they gave me a call.
"Since we live in the same state, Terry and Kim suggested Alec and I get together. They described him as a special kid who really wants to build a career in the outdoors."
Nebel has been hunting with his father, Chuck Nebel, since age 12. He first met Spittler last year at a outdoors show in Harrisburg.
"Adam decided to sponsor me," Nebel said. "He gave me a turkey caller, worked with me on my calls and we're going to hunt together next turkey season."
Turkey calling competition requires each participant to perform four different calls: the chuck, purr, yelp and caller's best call.
"The judges are behind a black curtain and can't see you. It's all about the sound," Nebel said.
Spittler said that "doing the calls in front of a big crowd is the hardest part." Callers must pay attention to detail and know the precise sounds the bird makes.
"I was surprised Alec did this well because it was his first competition." Spittler said. "But in a way, I wasn't surprised because I know how dedicated he is."
Nebel is pursuing a career in the hunting and outdoors industry. He recently joined the new Ameristep Youth Pro Staff and is working toward becoming a member of the POSSE, a group of 30 to 40 hunters filmed for the "Archer's Choice" program.
He was filmed for the show last spring on the youth turkey hunt in eastern Pennsylvania.
"All it takes is hard work and dedication to become a regular member of the POSSE," Spittler said. "Alec is well on his way.
"I want to help him all I can. He reminds me a lot of myself when I was that age. I believe Alec is going to be someone special in the outdoor industry one day."
