Jeff Murphy of Rayle, took third place in the 2008 Wild Turkey Bourbon/National Wild Turkey Federation Grand National Friction Calling Championships in Atlanta February 22-24.

Callers were judged on their ability to mimic at least four different calls with a box, a paddle, a pot and peg or a scratch box. Many turkey hunters spend years perfecting the friction call, so it was only natural to include the competition in the Grand National Calling Contest.

"Friction calls are very popular with hunters," said Rob Keck, NWTF CEO. "Most hunters carry at least one or two friction calls when hunting. This event is a tribute to that popularity."

All 27 contestants entered in the event were NWTF members, over age 21 and have won first place in an NWTF-sanctioned open, state or friction calling contest during the past year. The top fivecontestants received trophies and split $3,100 in prize money with the top winner receiving $1,000.

"The Grand National Calling Contest is the premier turkey calling contest," said Keck. "So, it's natural that we hold the Friction Division. They're popular calls that hunters have spent years perfecting."

The top fivefinishers in Atlanta were Matthew Van Cise, Brookville, Pa., first; Terence Williamson, Buhl, Ala., second; Jeff Murphy, Rayle, Ga., third; Matt Morrett, Harrisburg, Pa., fourth; and Sadler McGraw, Camden, Ala., fifth.