DOWAGIAC — Amongst the commotion inside the packed clubhouse of the Dowagiac Conservation Club Saturday afternoon, a distinct, high-pitched squawking could be heard emanating from one of the back corners of the structure.

The noise was, at times, a steady warble that reverberated throughout the hall. A few moments later, it would transform in a staccato “chirp, chirp, chirp” that would pierce the chatter and hubbub from the hundreds of guests inside the clubhouse, only to fade into silence once more.

While one could easily mistake the source of the chirping to an errant bird that had the misfortune of wandering inside a building packed with hunters, the sound actually emanated from a small wooden device that was passed amongst a group of children and teenagers.

The youngsters took turns attempting to perfectly emulate the pitch and warble of a hen’s call by repeatedly opening and closing the small box.

A group of judges evaluated each of the children’s calls, and gave out free turkey calls to the best three.

The competition was one of several youth-oriented activities that took place at the local conservation club during the 21st annual Hunter’s Rendezvous Saturday.

Hundreds gathered inside the clubhouse that afternoon, where they had a chance to enter in a raffle for one of many outdoor-themed prizes, as well as bid on one of dozens of different items in a silent auction, or enjoy some hotdogs and camp chili. Just a short distance away, inside the club’s trophy barn, people could bring in mounted deer heads to have them scored and placed on a wall for display.

The turnout that day was nothing short of awesome, said Adam Maxey, who, along with fellow conservation club member Craig Lyons, organized this year’s gathering. The pair took over this year from longtime organizer Richard Atkinson, who created the event more than two decades ago.

While the surge in attendance was certainly not hurt by the warm, spring-like conditions outside that day, both Maxey and Lyons said they were hopeful heading into Saturday that they had done enough to spread the word to hunters, fishermen and other outdoor lovers in the area to fill up the conservation club hall that afternoon.

“We tried to keep an open mind,” Lyons said. “We were hoping to get more people to attend this year, but you never know until you actually start getting people inside the building.”

Proceeds from the event will go toward the conservation club’s litany of programs aimed at local youth, including its free hunter safety courses it hosts several times a year at its property, where certified club members demonstrate proper outdoor safety to youngsters. In addition, the club also sponsors children to attend annual outdoor summer camps, and pays for wildlife demonstrations and subscriptions to “Tracks Magazine” for local schools.

This year, Maxey and Lyons wanted to focus more on activities aimed at youth. Besides the turkey calling contest, children could also learn more about wood carving, how to create lures for fly fishing and could practice on a virtual hunting simulator.

Like in previous years, organizers also auctioned off several hunting rifles and bow and arrow kits for children in a series of free raffles.

“That’s what this is all about,” Lyons said. “Eventually these kids will get to enjoy the outdoors like we do. We just want to make sure they have a place to do so.”

While they do not have an exact estimate on how much money the club was able to raise Saturday, the organizers said they are confident the fundraiser will be a massive success. By 2:30 p.m., they had almost sold out of the 1,500 raffle tickets they printed for the event, they said.

While aimed at youth, Maxey and Lyons said they hope that this year’s Rendezvous will also inspire some adults with a passion for the outdoors to get involved with the conservation club. Even those who do not wish to become  members may volunteer their time to help with the various other functions the club sponsors every year, Lyons said.

“We’re always looking for new members and new ideas,” he said. “Anyone who wants to get involved is welcome.”

People interested in learning more may contact the Dowagiac Conservation Club at (269) 782-5508 or may visit dowagiacconservation.org.