He is barely old enough to get his Arkansas driver’s permit, but on Thanksgiving weekend, 15-year-old Hayes Kibe of Batesville drove a stake into the history books of the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest. Held in Stuttgart on Nov. 29, Kibe competed in a field often dominated by veterans and calling titans three times his age.
Kibe didn’t just compete — he conquered. Shattering a nearly 50-year-old record set by a 16-year-old in 1976, Kibe became the youngest world champion in the history of the Wings Over the Prairie Festival. His victory is more than a title; it is a testament to dedication, focus and the unwavering pursuit of a dream, regardless of age.
Last year, when Kibe won his fourth consecutive world title for duck calling, winning the 2024 Intermediate World Championship, he said then he hoped to earn more championships and one day win in the men’s division.
“Complete shock! Really in disbelief. Just couldn’t believe it!” Kibe said, still processing the stunning announcement that crowned him the 2025 world champion.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Kibe’s history-making World Championship win was the defining moment of a perfect weekend, which also saw him secure the Intermediate World Championship title again. While he cherishes both, the ultimate victory carried the profound weight of a lifetime goal achieved.
“Definitely the World Championship. However, the Intermediate was special to me,” he said.
To reset a record that has stood for half a century is an achievement few can comprehend, and Kibe is no exception.
“It’s hard to wrap my head around. I feel extremely blessed … more than I deserve,” he shared.
Success on the world stage requires immense preparation, and Kibe’s journey began months ago.
“I’ve been preparing since June, getting my routine ready,” he explained. But when he qualified for both major contests, the final challenge was internal. “It was really more getting mentally prepared,” he noted.
Facing down the best callers in the world — including two-time champion Seth Fields — Kibe had to manufacture his own calm amid the competitive noise. His strategy was pure focus. “I was just trying to put all of that aside and stay focused on my routine … block out all the noise,” he said.
Kibe’s secret weapon in his winning routine wasn’t a trick call, but a mastery of the basics. He avoids over-practicing in short bursts, which he says can lead to mistakes. Instead, his focus is surgical.
“I focus on tone, power, and flow. I try to blow clean routines without mistakes,” he said. On the final stage, his self-assurance was simple and powerful. “I tried to be smooth, clean, and powerful. I told myself, just don’t mess up,” said Kibe, who blows an Echo duck call, possessing one of many built by Echo founder and owner Rick Dunn since his first competition in 2021.
For Kibe, duck calling is less a hobby and more a birthright.
“I started getting calls when I was born. My parents have shown pictures of me blowing duck calls at the age of 1,” he said.
Growing up in Batesville, in the heart of Arkansas’ hunting culture, provided the perfect incubator for his talent. “Batesville is a supportive community that loves hunting and fishing. I feel lucky to live in the Ozarks,” Kibe said.
He attributes his refinement to four key mentors: Jonathan Mortin, David St. John, Rick Dunn and Lana Van Winkle. The most impactful wisdom passed down was brutally honest and vital for a competitive spirit: to “Have thick skin.” He also learned to always “blow 95%,” holding back just enough to ensure control and a clean sound.
As a high school student, Kibe’s schedule is now a delicate balance between classes, sports, and maintaining his champion-level talent. “I just have to try and prioritize school, sports, and duck calling,” he said.
While the spoils of victory are plentiful — including $10,000, a gold ring from Wilkerson’s Jewelry, a Benelli shotgun, and many other items — it’s the promise of future adventures that excites him most. His favorite prize? “Most definitely the War Eagle boat,” he beamed.
With the world title secured, Kibe has set his sights on the next, higher achievement.
“My ultimate long-term goal would be to win two more Worlds and Champion of Champions,” he said. But for now, the teenage prodigy is taking a moment to fully appreciate the historic win before shifting his focus back to the blind, exclaiming, “Now I’m ready to hunt and enjoy this moment.”
