In Memory of James “Cowboy” Fernandez (1931-2018)

by
posted on September 8, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
cowboy-memorial_lead.jpg

It was there at a dining room table where James “Cowboy” Fernandez taught me how to run a duck call, and not just any duck call, his duck call—the Yentzen Classic double-reed duck call. The passion Cowboy radiated while teaching a novice caller the finer points of sounding “ducky” was more than obvious. We laughed and carried on that night, and I was left with fond memories and skills that will carry me a lifetime. I thank you, Cowboy. 

On August 16, 2018 James “Cowboy” Fernandez departed this earth. “There was only room in this world for one Cowboy Fernandez,” explained Charlie Holder, current owner of Sure-Shot Game Calls. “He will be sorely missed. Cowboy had a life more full than most people dream of.”

As a first-generation American, Cowboy grew to become a legend in the waterfowling world. In fact, in 2014 he was inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame. No stranger to hard work, his prominence began to flourish while working with George Yentzen, where he helped design and patent the first double reed duck call in 1950 following a run-in with a local shoemaker. Cowboy was the first Texan and first double-reed contestant to win the World Duck Calling Championship in Stuttgart, Ark. in 1959 using the double reed Yentzen Caller. Others followed, racking up more world championships for the Yentzen. Well known for his calling prowess, Cowboy would go on to win numerous regional and international competitions. The most humble man I’ve met to date, James “Cowboy” Fernandez will be missed.

James “Cowboy” Frernandez, born Dec. 12, 1931 in Port Arthur, Texas, is survived by his sister, two daughters, two sons, eight grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Charlie Holder purchased the company in 2011. “He never let the quality diminish all those years. He never went to China, either. He was passionate about his brand. He invented something that was quality that I could work off of and keep alive,” lamented Holder.

Today, Sure-Shot Game Calls offers over two dozen game calls for waterfowl, predator, deer and turkey.

Latest

LEDE John&Jim
LEDE John&Jim

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Oklahoma Wildlife Commission Passes Rules for Nonresident Hunters, Public Hunting Lands

New emergency rules and resolutions for public hunting lands were approved last month by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.

First Look: Premium and Premium Deluxe Die Sets From Redding Reloading Equipment

Redding Reloading Equipment has expanded its Premium Die Set and Premium Deluxe Die Set product lines, including over seventy of the most popular cartridges in the industry today.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.