L. Wayne Carlton

L. Wayne Carlton, 81, passed away on February 11, 2025 at his home in Montrose, Colorado. 

Wayne was born on January 27, 1944, in Washington, D.C. He grew up in central Florida where his lifelong passion for hunting and fishing began with the guidance and enthusiasm of his beloved Uncle, Harvey Beckham. Wayne was known for his ability to mimic countless animal sounds—a skill that earned him the nickname "the kid with 1,000 noises" in his youth. 

At the age of 17, Wayne enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country for 3 1/2 years. He was assigned to the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA-42 and then to the USS Shangri-La CVA-38 aircraft carriers. One of the most unforgettable stories he told from his time in the service, was the tale of how he 'fell' overboard off the aircraft carrier into the Mediterranean Sea, all to settle a debt on a bet—an early testament to his tenacity and fearlessness. This determined spirit and intestinal fortitude to face a challenge and do the unexpected was prevalent throughout his entire life. After he was honorably discharged from the Navy, he returned to Florida and married his high school sweetheart Linda Lea Willits in 1966. 

In 1967 he went to work for his mentor and dear friend Dempsey Sapp, owner of Florida Pest Control. With dedication and determination, he became the highest grossing pest control service salesman within a short time during his 9-year employment. He attributed this success in large part due to a training course given by Dale Carnegie called “The 5 Great Rules of Selling”. He highly valued the knowledge gained from his Dale Carnegie training and relied on this throughout his life. He would often say, “Well, I just used my Dale Carnegie on ‘em!”

Wayne fell in love with Colorado after making a few hunting trips out west with Dempsey. Wayne's entrepreneurial spirit led him to move to Colorado in 1976, where he and Linda built a legacy through their many business ventures. He founded and operated several companies, including Carlton's Pest Control, Inc., Carlton's Calls, Inc., CamoWest and Native by Carlton. His ingenuity and creativity revolutionized the hunting industry after he developed the first diaphragm elk call in the early 1980s. This innovation forever changed game calling and cemented his reputation as a pioneer in the field. 

In 1982 a local hunting guide hired Wayne to call elk for Rich LaRocco, writer for Outdoor Life Magazine. Once the article “Get Elk With A Turkey Call” was published, Wayne and Linda’s lives were set on a new course to what would become Carlton’s Calls, Inc. Wayne invested great thought and creativity into each product he sold and seminar he gave. He wanted others to experience a close encounter in the wild and have their own story to share. 

In 1988 Wayne moved his family and business to Edgefield, SC, home of the National Wild Turkey Federation and then returned to Montrose in 1991. Carlton’s Calls, Inc. was sold to Hunter’s Specialties in 1998. Wayne remained a lifelong advocate for hunters and wildlife conservationists. He continued for years as a game call consultant and public speaker. In 2016, Wayne and his son Marc, again with the support of Linda behind the scenes, started Native by Carlton. 

For many years Wayne was actively involved in the National Wild Turkey Federation and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He was a lifetime member and past Board of Director for both organizations. He was the founding president of the NWTF Chapters in Gainesville, FL and Montrose, CO. While involved with the RMEF at the national and local levels, many people from across the United States were inspired by Wayne from attending one of his many game calling seminars. He often helped these organizations with fund raising efforts. One of his more memorable contributions was donating his iconic western hat for auction that raised $24,000. 

Though many people might assume elk hunting was his first love, it was turkey hunting. When he moved to Colorado and discovered the Western Colorado turkey population was nearly decimated, he brought the NWTF and Colorado Parks and Wildlife together. He and 17 volunteers worked to reintroduce turkeys to the Western Slope.

Wayne’s other accomplishments during his career included hosting Elk Country Journal TV Show for 6 years. He also appeared on numerous TV shows such as The Ultimate Outdoors, Bushnell’s Secrets of the Hunt, Turkey Call, and many hunting shows on the Outdoor Channel. 

Wayne had a vast array of hobbies and interests and was always a goal setter. When he said he was going to do something, he did it. He was not bashful to try new things and was a lifelong learner. In addition to his knowledge and experience with pest control, game calling and hunting, he was also a mule man, songwriter, singer, racquetball player and auctioneer. 

His love for mules started with his first mule, Rocky. Wayne trained Rocky to jump in the back of his Dodge pickup truck just like a dog. He enjoyed the competition of playing racquetball. He participated in many tournaments at the Montrose Athletic Club. Those who ever had the privilege of playing against him would learn firsthand how he earned the nickname “Killer Carlton.” He had a wicked kill shot that he perfected with lots of practice. He wrote songs and took singing lessons so that he could sing his songs in public. With the help of Dave Watson, fellow hunter and former bass guitarist for the Oak Ridge Boys, and some other talented musicians, the “Wayne & Watson” music CD was completed. 

Wayne was not shy about giving credit to the Lord for his life and accomplishments. Many times, during his adventures he called out to the good Lord to help him in his time of need. His understanding of the Lord’s creation and creatures was as unique as he was. 

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Linda Lea Carlton; his children Rachel (Dean) Cooper, Marc (Stephanie) Carlton, 4 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter whom he loved to sing to. From his first marriage while in the Navy, he is survived by his daughters, Deborah Samuels, and Dorothy Graff and 4 grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 nieces and his younger sister Suzanne (Jay) Carlton-O’Leary. He was preceded in death by his parents John Thomas Carlton Jr. and Dorothy Mae (Beckham) (Carlton) Brown; his brother Marc Allen Carlton; and sisters Kathleen Ann Carlton and Priscilla Leah (Carlton) Brick. 

Wayne's influence was truly immeasurable on his family, friends, hunters, and outdoors enthusiasts across North America. His infectious zest for life, generous sharing of knowledge, and ability to entertain with his storytelling will be profoundly missed. However, the legacy he leaves behind guarantees that he will never be forgotten. When you hear the bugle of the mighty wapiti, you will remember Wayne. 

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the support Wayne received from his friends, personal trainers, therapists, doctors, nurses, and caretakers during his 20-year journey with Parkinson’s Disease.

While at auctioneering school, Wayne became aware of the needs of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. It was his wish, if someone wants to donate in remembrance of him, please consider giving to St. Jude’s.