For the true sportsman, the allure of the wild and the pursuit of game are more than just hobbies; they’re a way of life. Marisa Pagano-Noteboom embodies this spirit, not only as a 3x World Champion Elk Caller but also as a dedicated public land hunter with over three decades of experience. Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity, a narrative that resonates deeply with those who understand the draw of the wild.
Marisa’s connection to the outdoors began in her childhood in rural Oregon, where she spent countless hours with her father hunting, fishing, and exploring the wilderness. This early immersion in nature instilled in her a deep respect for wildlife and a desire for a more intimate hunting experience. This desire ultimately led her to bowhunting and, subsequently, to the captivating world of elk calling.
But Marisa isn’t just a stage performer; she’s a seasoned hunter with a proven track record in the field. With over 30 years of experience hunting public lands, she has consistently demonstrated her skill and knowledge of the wild. Her impressive hunting resume includes record book bear and moose, along with numerous deer and trophy bull elk—a testament to her understanding of animal behavior, effective hunting strategies, and dedication to fair chase ethics. This real-world experience undoubtedly informs her exceptional hunting skills and elk calling abilities.
Elk calling, as any seasoned hunter knows, is an art form. It requires more than just mimicking sounds; it demands a deep understanding of elk behavior, communication, and the nuances of the environment. Mastering this craft involves precise control of breath, pitch, and tone, combined with an innate ability to connect with these majestic animals. It’s about telling a story, evoking emotion, and understanding the subtle messages conveyed through bugles, cow calls, and calf calls.
Marisa’s dedication to perfecting her hunting skills and elk calling was unwavering. She immersed herself in the study of elk behavior, meticulously analyzing recordings and dedicating countless hours to practice. She sought mentorship from experienced callers and spent countless hours in the field learning about both the behavior and the language of elk.
In 2017, Marisa’s husband, Damian Pagano, a talented elk hunter and elk caller himself, was encouraged to compete in the World Champion Elk Calling Contest in Utah—and he emerged victorious. This victory ignited Marisa’s own competitive fire. In 2018 and 2019, she took the stage and won the Women's division. Damian and Marisa Pagano made history as the first husband and wife to both win world champion titles in the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s elk calling competition. With their elk calling titles and hunting experience, Damian and Marisa decided to build their own game calls that they felt better mimicked the true sounds of game animals. They launched Liberty Game Calls in 2020, further cementing their presence in the hunting industry.
However, their journey took a series of devastating turns. The 2020 elk calling competition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, just two days before the 2021 competition, tragedy struck: Damian Pagano tragically passed away from a heart attack at the young age of 36. This profound loss was a crushing blow for Marisa, both personally and professionally. Continuing their shared dream after such a devastating loss required extraordinary strength and resilience.
Despite this immense personal hardship, Marisa found the strength to return to the field and the stage. She didn't hunt much in 2021 without Damian, but in 2022, bow hunting solo, she harvested another trophy bull. In 2022 and 2023, she competed again at the RMEF elk calling championships; with a heavy heart, earning emotional 2nd and 3rd place finishes, respectively. These performances were a powerful testament to her unwavering spirit and a poignant tribute to Damian’s memory. In 2024, Marisa achieved a remarkable comeback, capturing her 3rd World Champion Elk Calling title, as well as taking another good bull and a trophy buck. This victory, both in the field and on the stage, was more than just a personal accomplishment; it was a symbol of perseverance, healing, and the enduring power of love and memory for her late husband, Damian Pagano. Today, Marisa is remarried to Rob Noteboom, and they are raising her and Damian's two daughters. Marisa continues to pass on Damian's legacy through Liberty Game Calls and by hunting with her husband and children.
Marisa’s story resonates with the values of a true sportsman or sportswoman. She holds dear a deep respect for the outdoors, a commitment to fair chase hunting, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. Her journey, marked by both triumph and tragedy, serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable adversity, passion and dedication can prevail. Her story is not just about hunting or elk calling; it’s about the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love, the memories of those lost, and the importance of carrying on and passing down the hunting tradition.