EDGEFIELD, S.C — This year's winner of the National Wild Turkey Federation's prestigious Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award held a passion for hunting at a very early age. When he was 5, an eager Will Primos, of Flora, Miss., couldn't wait until he was old enough to tag along with the older guys on one of the family's many duck hunts. Back then, he never could have guessed that many years later, he'd be one of the most recognizable hunters in North America.

Will Primos, founder of Primos Hunting Calls, received the Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award at the 34th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show.
Photo by: Author

The honor — presented on Feb. 20, during the NWTF's 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tenn. — is awarded each year to an individual who has displayed an exemplary dedication to preserving the future of hunting by passing on North America's rich hunting heritage.

"Will Primos' contribution to our hunting heritage is unquestionable," praised NWTF CEO George Thornton. "Even as a child, he was drawn to creating instruments to help hunters attract game animals closer to the bow or gun."

In 1963, the founder of Primos Hunting Calls — as an 11-year-old — crafted his first duck call. "I was duck hunting with my Uncle Gus in green timber," Primos remembers. "Uncle Gus was an expert duck caller, and I was absolutely enthralled hearing him make that call sing. That was my first experience witnessing the magic; and when I got home, I made my own call by copying my uncle's."

Hooked on the thrill of the pursuit, Primos continued to hunt through high school and into college, and says he was an "obsessed and possessed" hunter. "Anything that flew, crawled, walked or swam, I was after it," he says.

From a gleam in the eye of a young boy who was fascinated with calling in ducks, Primos Hunting Calls has grown into a major force in the hunting industry. The company produces calls for elk, deer, turkey, predator and waterfowl as well as clothing, accessories, hunting videos and "Primos' TRUTH About Hunting" television show.

Today Primos Hunting Calls has more than 120 employees, most of whom are avid hunters and users of their own 620 products.

The Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award is given in honor of the woman for whom it is named. Boykin was a former president and chairman of the board of the NWTF. During her tenure, she emphasized the importance of our hunting heritage. Her leadership forged a new outlook for the NWTF. Today, the Federation's mission to celebrate and preserve North America's hunting heritage is some of its most important work.

The 34th annual NWTF National Convention and Sport Show was sponsored by MidwayUSA. For more information about the NWTF's convention or the NWTF, visit nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

2010 Convention Sponsors:
Affinity4, ATK/Federal Premium Ammunition, Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, Benelli, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, CamoFX, Chevrolet, Farm Service Agency, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Marlin Firearms Company, MeadWestvaco, MidwayUSA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Band & Tag Co., O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak and The Pursuit Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, Inc., SHE Outdoor Apparel, TriStar Sporting Arms, USDA Forest Service, Weatherby, Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Division/Olin Corp.