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Sean Mann, a notable figure in waterfowl calling, is from Easton, Maryland. His journey into hunting began early, at the age of five, when his father introduced him to the sport with his first goose hunt. Armed with a .410 shotgun, Sean successfully bagged his first goose, sparking a lifelong passion for hunting and conservation.
Growing up with the Walsh family, Sean learned from Joe Walsh, his classmate and the son of Dr. Harry M. Walsh, author of the influential book The Outlaw Gunner and founder of the Waterfowl Festival in Easton. Under Dr. Walsh’s mentorship, Sean developed a profound respect for the natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay, acknowledging the importance of stewardship and conservation.
The evidence
At 13, Sean entered the professional realm of waterfowl hunting by working as a ‘Go-Fer’ for a local guide service. By 15, he was leading goose hunters across Maryland’s Eastern Shore, gaining essential experience. In 1981, driven by a dare, Sean participated in his first World Goose Calling Championship, finishing fourth. He repeated this performance the following year, but by 1983, his determination propelled him to a third-place finish.
Frustrated with the limitations of commercial goose calls, Sean ventured into innovation. He designed his own call, marking the beginning of the long call revolution. In 1984, he introduced his prototype at the World Goose Calling Championship. Although he did not secure a top finish, demand for his calls surged, leading to the creation of “The Eastern Shoreman” goose call.
The timeline
In March 1985, Sean won the Mid Atlantic Goose Calling Championship in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This victory was followed by a win at the prestigious World Goose Calling Championship later that same year. Sean continued his success in 1986, claiming titles in both the Mid Atlantic and World Goose Calling Championships with his custom long goose call.
His remarkable achievements in goose calling have paved the way for contemporary call makers. Over the years, Sean’s innovative designs and talent have garnered over 40 World and International Titles, along with more than 150 state, regional, and local accolades. His calls have proven pivotal for many champions in the World Game Calling Challenge, solidifying his legacy in the field.
Key players
In 1997, Sean Mann’s Outdoor Adventures launched a waterfowl guide service in Alberta, Canada, which he managed until 2012. This initiative led to the creation of specialized calls for different subspecies of Canada geese, including the White Out Snow Goose Call and the White Front Specklebelly Goose Call. Each innovation contributed to Sean’s reputation as a premier call maker.
Sean’s talent in duck calling is equally impressive. He triumphed at the Mason-Dixon Regional Duck Calling Championship in 1994 and repeated this success in 1995. His crowning achievement came in 1995 when he became the first winner of the “World Goose Calling Champion of Champions” title, leading to his retirement from world competition.
The implications
By 1997, Sean secured his third victory at the Mason-Dixon Regional Duck Calling Championship, marking his retirement from this competition as well. Over 15 years, he became a finalist in 12 World Goose Calling Championships and 9 Mason-Dixon Duck Calling Championships—a record yet to be matched.
To further promote the sport, Sean established several competitions, including the Maryland State Duck and Goose Calling Championships and the Chesapeake Bay Open Duck and Goose Calling Championships. His commitment extended to the Waterfowl Festival Board of Directors, where he served multiple terms, also contributing as Chairman and Master of Ceremonies for various prestigious events.
What happens next
Growing up with the Walsh family, Sean learned from Joe Walsh, his classmate and the son of Dr. Harry M. Walsh, author of the influential book The Outlaw Gunner and founder of the Waterfowl Festival in Easton. Under Dr. Walsh’s mentorship, Sean developed a profound respect for the natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay, acknowledging the importance of stewardship and conservation.0