Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

RENO, Nev. --(Ammoland.com)- Elk callers from nine states and one Canadian province have earned Top 3 honors in the RMEF/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships for 2011.

Competition was held as part of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo, which ended March 6 in Reno, Nev.

The event helps raise awareness of elk, habitat and the conservation initiatives of RMEF.

Results:

Professional Division
1. Corey Jacobsen, Boise, Ida.
2. Joel Turner, Eatonville, Wash.
3. Audrey McQueen, Eagar, Ariz.

Men’s Division
1. Dirk Durham, Moscow, Ida.
2. Gary Nemetchek, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
3. Dustin Howard, Friday Harbor, Wash.

Women’s Division
1. Misty Jacobsen, Priest River, Ida.
2. Amy Morris, Payson, Utah
3. Jessie Coy, Cody, Wyo.

Natural Voice Division
1. Michael Hatten, Elko, Nev.
2. Remi Warren, Reno, Nev.
3. Sheila Veerkamp, Victor, Mont.

Youth Division
1. Greg Hubbell Jr., Belmont, Calif.
2. Brayden Langley, McMinnville, Ore.
3. Russell Nemetchek, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Pee Wee Division
1. Colton Crawford, McMinnville, Ore.
2. William Card, Fallon, Nev.
3. Tucker Rash, Fallon, Nev.

In the competition, amateur-level callers have 30 seconds to mimic cow elk sounds, followed by bull sounds. Professionals are required to make specific calls such as barks, whistles and screaming bugles. Most callers blow across a latex reed placed inside the mouth. In the natural voice division, however, no reeds are allowed. A variety of plastic tubes are used like megaphones, giving the sounds realistic resonance. Judges score each competitor anonymously.

Winners received prizes and cash ranging from $500 to $2,500.

Prize sponsors included Leupold, Block Fusion, Cabela’s, Horn Hunter Packs, Hoyt, Kershaw Knives, Montana Decoy, Montana Silversmiths, New Archery Products (NAP), Remington, Schnee’s and Traditions Performance Firearms.

Leupold, America’s Optics Authority™, has been a title sponsor of the competition for three years, as well as a longtime supporter of RMEF’s work to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Amateur and professional elk callers from across the U.S. will converge on Reno, Nev., for the RMEF/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships, March 4-5, 2011.

Preliminary rounds begin March 4 at 9:00 a.m. (PT), and championship rounds begin March 5 at 9:00 a.m. (PT), at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center.

The championships are a centerpiece of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo. The four-day convention, March 3-6, 2011, helps raise awareness of elk, habitat and RMEF conservation initiatives.

Competition will be held in six divisions: professional, men’s, women’s, natural voice, youth and pee-wee. Amateur-level callers have 30 seconds to mimic cow elk sounds, followed by bull sounds. Professionals are required to make specific calls such as barks, whistles and screaming bugles. Most callers blow across a latex reed placed inside the mouth. In the natural voice division, however, no reeds are allowed. A variety of plastic tubes are used like megaphones, giving the sounds realistic resonance. Judges score each competitor anonymously.

Winners receive prizes and cash ranging from $500 to $2,500.

Prize sponsors included Leupold, Block Fusion, Cabela’s, Horn Hunter Packs, Hoyt, Kershaw Knives, Montana Decoy, Montana Silversmiths, New Archery Products (NAP), Remington, Schnee’s and Traditions Performance Firearms.

Leupold, America’s Optics Authority™, has been a title sponsor of the competition for three years, as well as a longtime supporter of RMEF’s work to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.

Defending world champion elk callers include:

Professional Division

1. Joel Turner, Eatonville, Wash.
2. Rockie Jacobsen, Kamiah, Idaho
3. Bryan Langley, McMinnville, Ore.

Men’s Division

1. Thomas Diesing, Loveland, Colo.
2. Dirk Durham, Moscow, Idaho
3. Greg Hubbell, Belmont, Calif.

Women’s Division

1. Misty Waggener, Priest River, Idaho
2. Amy Morris, Payson, Utah
3. Brittani Currier, Montrose, Colo.

Natural Voice Division

1. Greg Hubbell, Jr., Belmont, Calif.
2. Gavin McKitrick, McAllister, Mont.
3. Michael Hatten, Elko, Nev.

Youth Division

1. Ross LeValley, Hotchkiss, Colo.
2. Brayden Langley, McMinnville, Ore.
3. Austin Durham, Moscow, Idaho

Pee Wee Division

1. Colton Crawford, McMinnville, Ore.
2. Morgan Priest, Reno, Nev.
3. Matthew Bertero, Reno, Nev.

Elk Camp also includes Cabela’s-sponsored seminars led by authorities on bowhunting and other hunting skills, horse packing, marksmanship, wild game cooking, game calling strategies and more.

Also included are displays of record elk, attractions and activities for the whole family, plus a 450-booth expo hall filled with outfitted hunting and fishing opportunities, art, gear, firearms and everything elk. For details, visit www.rmef.org.

Daily admission is $12 per person or $25 per family, and free for kids 5 and under.

Show hours: Thurs., March 3, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Fri., March 4, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sat., March 5, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Sun., March 6, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

RENO, Nev --(AmmoLand.com)- Elk hunters, listen up: ESPN Outdoors.com will carry live coverage of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships, March 5-6, from Reno. Nev.

Live streaming video will begin with preliminary rounds of competition at 9:00 a.m. (Pacific time) on Friday, March 5. Finals begin at 9:00 a.m. (Pacific time) on Saturday, March 6.

“If you like to hunt, call or listen to elk—and if you can go online—this event will be a real treat,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “These competitors are the best elk callers on the planet and viewers will learn a lot about elk.”

Cash, prizes and world-champion honors will be awarded in six divisions: Pee Wee (age 10 and under), Youth (age 11-17), Natural Voice (no calling devices allowed), Women’s, Men’s and Professional (sponsored competitors).

Judges include naturalists, hunters and former elk calling champions.

The event is being held as part of the annual RMEF Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center, March 4-7.

To watch the RMEF/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships, and to see daily coverage of the entire event, go to www.espnoutdoors.com.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.7 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Cass Creek Game Calls

Traverse City, MI --(AmmoLand.com)- For the hunter, photographer or videographer reliably bringing game in close requires using a true sounding, natural call. Cass Creek has a full line of handy, easy to use electronic calls taken from vocal sounds of real animals in their natural environment.

These compact, hand held calls allow the user to imitate and fool even the most careful, cautious animals from turkey, duck and goose to coyotes, fox and crow and whitetail deer, moose and elk.

Natural wildlife sounds pre-recorded that leave nothing to chance.

Altus Brands, LLC spokesman EVP Sales/Marketing, Charles Ricci explained the product line.

“Cass Creek is a leader in the industry for electronic game calls. Ten years of development went into the first Cass Creek calls with expertise gathered from renowned hunters, respected wildlife biologists, outdoor writers, naturalists, electronic engineers, world class game callers, teachers and outdoor photographers.

All of this knowledge combined with real life experience goes into every Cass Creek call. Every sound produced by these units has been taken in the natural environment from the particular animal in different situations. Rugged, dependable game call systems for every outdoor situation.”

Ricci continued: “For those who want to bring game in close Cass Creek has a Call system for you.”

Altus Brands, LLC also owns Pro Ears electronic and passive hearing protection/amplification products, BenchMaster Rifle Rests, Rifleman HP, CrossFire Slings, Concealor Boonie Hats, Woodland Whisper and Quicksit. Visit: www.casscreek.com

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont.—-(AmmoLand.com)- If you’re a screamer, bugler, grunter or chuckler, you may have what it takes to win the Super Bowl of elk calling, March 4-7, 2010, in Reno, Nev.

Competition is open to the public in the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation/Leupold 2010 World Elk Calling Championships. The event will be held as part of the annual RMEF Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center.

Featured in recent years by The New York Times and CBS Sunday Morning, the competition will return to Reno following a 2009 stint in Fort Worth, Texas.

“We’re searching for the world’s best elk callers and we think Reno may be the place to find them,” said Beth Shipley, RMEF special events director, who has been involved with the World Elk Calling Championships for 15 years. “No experience is necessary to enter and compete in the prelims, although many serious callers have already qualified for the finals by competing in regional competitions held around the country over the past several months. So, if you’re thinking of entering, start practicing now!”

An RMEF video featuring the natural elk sounds that competitors will be asked to mimic is at www.rmef.org/NewsandMedia/Videos/BullElkSounds.htm.

Competitors must be registered by 5:00 p.m. on Thurs., March 4. Registration forms and rules are available at www.rmef.org.

Entry fees are $10 for Pee Wee (age 10 and under) and Youth (age 11-17) divisions, $35 for Natural Voice (no calling devices allowed), Women’s and Men’s, and $100 for Professional (sponsored competitors). Entry fees also provide contest participants with admission to the expo.

Cash and prizes will be awarded for first- through third-place in all six divisions.

Preliminary rounds of competition begin Fri., March 6, at 9:00 a.m. Finals begin Sat., March 7, at 9:00 a.m., followed by awards and crowning of 2010 world champions.

Judges include naturalists, hunters and former elk calling champions.

A just-for-fun team competition also will be held. Up to three callers can work together in a comedy skit simulating interactions between bulls, cows and calves. Winners are chosen by the audience. There is no registration fee for the team event.

Spectator seating for the elk calling championships is included with daily admission to the expo: $12 per person or $25 per family, and free for kids 5 and under.

Along with the RMEF/Leupold 2010 World Elk Calling Championships, the expo will fill the Reno/Sparks Convention Center with elk hunting seminars, displays of record elk, kids’ activities, auctions and an exhibit hall filled with art, gear, firearms and outfitted hunting and fishing opportunities. It’s all a showcase and fundraiser for one of the nation’s premier conservation organizations. The Elk Foundation recently topped 5.6 million acres of elk habitat conserved or enhanced.

Show hours: Thurs., March 4, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Fri., March 5, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sat., March 6, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Sun., March 7, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.6 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont.—-(AmmoLand.com)- She used to cry when her father came home with a dead deer.

Now she’s the first woman hunter to bag an elk in Tennessee in at least 144 years. Tami Miller of Franklin, Tenn., hopes her story will inspire other women to take up hunting.

“It’s hard to get a babysitter at 4:30 in the morning but the experience of hunting is worth the trouble,” laughs Miller. “My husband introduced me to hunting. It has definitely enhanced our marriage and our family life. It’s something we can share, something that brings us all together in the outdoors. I wish more women would try it.”

She added, “Hunting is exciting. It’s empowering and it’s beautiful. When you’re out there at sunrise, and it’s so quiet you can hear a leaf falling from a tree, it’s priceless.”

Miller and her husband, both avid conservationists and supporters of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, in October participated in the state’s first elk hunt in modern times.

Elk disappeared from Tennessee in 1865 following years of habitat changes and unregulated hunting. In the 1990s, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and RMEF began an historic effort to restore a wild herd to the Volunteer State. By 2009 the population had expanded enough for hunters to take five surplus bulls. Four permits were awarded via random drawing, one via auction on eBay.

Knowing that auction proceeds would fund elk and habitat conservation, Andrew Miller didn’t mind paying $17,700 for the permit—or giving the permit to Tami as a special gift.

“My husband and I scouted together through September and October and I grew more and more excited about the hunt. The historical aspects were always on my mind. I thought about the women who walked these hills a long time ago, hunting for elk so their families could survive. I felt honored to represent them,” said Miller.

When the hunt day arrived, Miller joined the four other hunters—all male—in a group elk camp co-sponsored by RMEF and staffed by volunteers.

“I was a little worried about being accepted. I wondered if the men would think I was pushing my way into their fraternity. But everyone was supportive and wonderful. I met so many great people who really wanted me to succeed,” she said, adding, “I was actually surprised at how many people were watching to see how the woman hunter would do. In my hometown, girls and women that I didn’t even know were coming up and wishing me luck.”

When all four of the men killed their bull on the first day, but Tami hadn’t even seen an elk yet, anxiety simmered as she worried about letting people down.

“Hunting isn’t all about getting an animal but I didn’t want to be the only hunter who didn’t get an elk. I probably should have prayed for help finding a big bull. But, the next morning, as my husband and I hunted together in a beautiful place, with the colors of fall all around us, the stress melted away and I just thanked God for this day,” she said.

At dusk, after a long stalk, with her husband and two friends by her side, Miller finally steadied crosshairs on a bull elk, an animal many times larger than her. She was nervous. As her husband had taught her years before, she drew two deep breaths, then held the third and squeezed the trigger.

When the rifle spoke, the elk was hers.

“When I started hunting, I knew it would be fun to get outdoors with my husband and watch him doing something he loved, but I wasn’t sure I could kill an animal. Since then, I’ve learned that I can be a provider, too. I can bring food home to my family,” she said.

Miller’s 5×6 certainly wasn’t the biggest bull in the Tennessee woods but it will always symbolize an enormously important part of her life:

“Marriage is about sharing things, and, for us, hunting has become one of those things.”

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.6 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Hunter's Specialties

Cedar Rapids, IA - -(AmmoLand.com)- For over twenty five years the name Wayne Carlton has been synonymous with elk calling. PrimeTime Bulls 7 – 25 Years of Elk Hunting Evolution with Wayne Carlton covers the entire history of the elk calling revolution.

Wayne has seen it all, from his first combination of a diaphragm turkey call with a swimming pool hose for a bugle tube, to the latest innovations, including the Mac Daddy and Squeeze Me calls and the use of Scent-A-Way to fool the elk’s nose.

Primetime Bulls 7 celebrates the growth and development of the sport over the last quarter century, along with the development of Wayne Carlton Calls. It includes vintage video of Wayne calling in all types of animals and ends with his latest hunt where he takes the largest elk of his hunting career, a monster bull scoring nearly four hundred inches.

In addition to the great footage of Wayne, PrimeTime Bulls 7 also features great hunts with Al Morris and the rest of the Hunter’s Specialties family.

The DVD sells for a suggested retail price of $12.99. A Wayne Carlton Calls window sticker is included.

For more information, log onto the Hunter’s Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com, write to 6000 Huntington Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, or call a Consumer Service Specialist at 319-395-0321.

About:
Hunter’s Specialties is the world’s largest manufacturer of hunting accessories and has been producing quality products since 1977. Hunter’s Specialties manufactures over 900 products. Owners David and Carman Forbes, who live by the company motto “For Sportsmen, By Sportsmen,” started H.S. with just one product–No-Mar Camo Gun & Bow Tape.

Hunter's Specialties National Pro Staff Member Audrey McQueen Wins 9th Women's World Elk Calling Title

Hunter's Specialties

Cedar Rapids, Iowa - -(AmmoLand.com)- Audrey McQueen, a member of the Hunter’s Specialties National Pro Staff, recently won her 9th Women’s World Elk Calling Championship at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s 25th annual convention.

Audrey currently lives in Eagar, Arizona and operates Trophy Ridge Outfitters (www.trophyridgeoutfitters.net) with her husband Roger; offering hunts for elk, mule deer, antelope and oryx.

“I grew up on a ranch near the small town of Luna, New Mexico,” said McQueen. “My favorite hobbies were always fishing and hunting. I have always been very competitive and enjoy calling contests. A couple of years ago I started competing on the Women’s Bassmaster Tour as a professional angler. Last year I placed second in the Women’s Bassmaster Tournament championship.”

In addition to her record 9 World Elk Calling titles, Audrey has also won back-to-back Best of the West elk calling titles and twenty-three first place state championships. She continues to consistently be one of the top callers in the country.

“We’re excited to have Audrey as a member of our National Pro Staff,” said Hunter’s Specialties Field Services Coordinator Neal Denison. “Her abilities not only as a competition caller, but a hunter, have placed her in an elite group of professionals in the industry. It’s pretty amazing that just 7 days after winning the championship she gave birth to her first child, Taylor Lynn. That’s what I call dedication.”

The World Elk Calling Championships are held to help raise awareness of elk habitat and conservation initiatives of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. To date, the RMEF has helped to protect or enhance more than 5.5 million acres. Winners receive prizes ranging from $500.00 up to $2500.00 for first place.

For more information, log onto the Hunter’s Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com, write to 6000 Huntington Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, or call a Consumer Service Specialist at 319-395-0321.

Hunter's Specialties

Cedar Rapids, IA - -(AmmoLand.com)- Al Morris, a member of the Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff, has started off the year with a bang by not only winning the top three elk calling contests in the country, but the World Coyote Calling Championship as well.

“This is turning into a dream year for me,” said Morris. “My predator hunting partner and I, Garvin Young, won the 2009 World Coyote Calling Championship, making us the first three time winners in the history of the competition. After that I traveled to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to compete in the Northeastern Elk Calling Championship where I won first place. At the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Convention in Fort Worth, Texas, I entered in the Professional Division and took home another first place prize. Lastly, I went to Utah for the Best of the West contest and managed to win that one as well.”

“Al’s hard work and dedication to the sport has paid off for him in a big way,” said Hunter’s Specialties Field Services Coordinator Neal Denison. “He’s definitely at the top of his game right now.”

“I have to give Hunter’s Specialties a lot of credit for my success,” said Morris. “The new Infinity Latex that we’re using in our Wayne Carlton’s Calls has really helped me to make quality elk sounds. It’s so consistent and durable that I don’t have to worry about the sound of my calls changing in the middle of a competition. The Johnny Stewart Calls all use the original authentic Johnny Stewart sounds, so I have a lot of confidence when calling predators. With the great start I’ve experienced in 2009, I’m definitely looking forward to what the rest of the year has to offer.”

For more information, log onto the Hunter’s Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com, write to 6000 Huntington Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, or call a Consumer Service Specialist at 319-395-0321.

Hunter's Specialties® Pro Staff Member Al Morris Wins World Elk Calling Title

Hunter's Specialties

Cedar Rapids, IA - -(AmmoLand.com)- Al Morris, a member of the Hunter’s Specialties Pro Staff, emerged from a pack of professional callers at the 25th Anniversary Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation World Elk Calling Championships with the first place crown in the Professional Division.

“This is an awesome feeling,” said Morris. “I have had several second and third place finishes at the World Championships over the years, so to finally win first place is a dream come true. As always, there was another tough field of competitors this year. All my years of hunting, guiding and entering calling contests have really paid off.”

Contestants in the professional division are required to make specific calls such as cow and calf calls, barks, whistles, growls and screaming bugles before a panel of judges. Each contestant is then given 60 seconds for free-style cow and bull calls.

“The new Infinity Latex that we’re using in our Wayne Carlton’s Calls has really helped me to make quality elk sounds,” said Morris. “It’s so consistent and durable that I don’t have to worry about the sound of my calls changing in the middle of a competition.”

“We’re excited for Al,” said Hunter’s Specialties co-owners David and Carman Forbes. “We’ve been a big supporter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation over the years and the great conservation work they do. It’s special to see one of our own do so well in the competition.”

The World Elk Calling Championships are held to help raise awareness of elk habitat and conservation initiatives of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. To date, the RMEF has helped to protect or enhance more than 5.5 million acres. Winners receive prizes ranging from $500.00 up to $2500.00 for first place.

For more information, log onto the Hunter’s Specialties website at www.hunterspec.com, write to 6000 Huntington Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, or call a Consumer Service Specialist at 319-395-0321.

MISSOULA, Mont.— -(AmmoLand.com)- The long-running CBS News magazine “Sunday Morning” on March 22 is scheduled to feature competitors from the 2009 Leupold/Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation World Elk Calling Championships.

CBS correspondent Bill Geist covered the event held as part of the Elk Foundation’s recent Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo in Fort Worth, Texas.

For local show times, visit www.cbsnews.com. Click on “Sunday Morning.”

Geist, a best-selling humor writer and chronicler of “quirky people and places,” and a CBS crew followed father-and-son elk callers, Greg Hubbell and Greg Hubbell Jr., of Belmont, Calif., leading up to and through the competition.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.7 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

FORT WORTH, Texas — -(AmmoLand.com)- Amateur and professional elk callers from four states—Arizona, California, Oregon and Utah—have been crowned new world champions.

The Leupold/Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation World Elk Calling Championships concluded March 7 in Fort Worth, Texas. The event was held as part of the Elk Foundation’s 25th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo.

Results:

Professional Division
1. Al Morris, Payson, Utah
2. Rockie Jacobsen, Kamiah, Ida.
3. Joel Turner, Eatonville, Wash.

Men’s Division
1. Bryan Langley, McMinnville, Ore.
2. Patrick Whitaker, Lebanon, Ore.
3. Cody Rich, Dallas, Ore.

Women’s Division
1. Audrey McQueen, Eagar, Ariz.
2. Misty Waggener, Priest River, Ida.
3. Crystal Hulsey, Luna, N.M.

Natural Voice Division
1. Greg Hubbell Jr., Belmont, Calif.
2. Samuel Valentine, Springer, N.M.
3. Michael Hatten, Elko, Nev.

Youth Division
1. Ross LeValley, Hotchkiss, Ore.
2. Morgan Love, Salida, Colo.
3. Jared Hansen, New Harmony, Utah

Pee Wee Division
1. Brayden Langley, McMinnville, Ore.
2. Wyatt Schearer, Great Falls, Mont.
3. Cole Burford, Fort Worth, Texas

In the competition, amateur-level callers have 30-45 seconds to mimic cow elk sounds, followed by bull sounds. Professionals are required to make specific calls such as barks, whistles and screaming bugles. Most callers blow across a latex reed placed inside the mouth. In the natural voice division, however, no reeds are allowed. A variety of plastic tubes are used like megaphones, giving the sounds realistic resonance. Judges score each competitor anonymously.

The annual event helps raise awareness of elk, habitat and conservation initiatives of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Over the past 25 years, the organization has helped protect or enhance more than 5.7 million acres.

Winners received prizes and cash ranging from $500 to $2,500.

Prize sponsors included Blacks Creek Guide Gear, Cabela’s, Hoyt, Kershaw Knives, Knight, Montana Decoy, Remington and Schnee’s.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.7 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

FORT WORTH, Texas - -(OutDoorWire.com)- The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has generated $1.5 million from its first-ever convention in Texas.

Proceeds from the organization’s 25th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo, which ended March 8 in Fort Worth, will help support initiatives to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. The Elk Foundation recently topped 5.7 million acres conserved or enhanced.

“Elk Camp is a showcase for our mission, accomplishments and the amazing spirit of our volunteers-and it’s also our largest annual fundraiser. This year our auctions grossed $1.1 million while new memberships, raffles, merchandise sales and public admission fees added another $400,000. We’re pleased considering the new site and economy,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

Highlights also included:

· Numerous awards and recognitions for Elk Foundation volunteers.

· Entertainment by country stars Randy Travis, Sawyer Brown and Travis Tritt.

· Appearances by NASCAR’s Richard Childress, Realtree’s Bill Jordan and Dallas Cowboys legend Walt Garrison who helped honor wounded veterans of the Iraq War.

· New winners in the RMEF/Leupold 2009 World Elk Calling Championships, including Al Morris of Payson, Utah, as the top new world champ in the Professional Division.

· Many celebrations of 25 years of conservation successes.

Event sponsors included Roper, Leupold, Cabela’s, Hunter’s Specialties, Mossy Oak, North American Hunter Magazine, Brunton, Browning, Boyt Harness, United Country and Budweiser.

Allen said, “We can’t say thank you enough to our sponsors, exhibitors and attendees for their continuing support. Together, we’re helping to shape the future of elk country.”

The 26th Annual Elk Camp and Expo will be in Reno, Nev., March 4-7, 2010.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.7 million acres-a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

NWTF Convention

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – -(OutdoorWire.com)- Grand National Callmaking judges graded hundreds of game calls on appearance and sound quality before crowning the 2009 champions during the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 33rd annual Convention and Sport Show, held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center February 19-22.

Each year, the NWTF’s convention is a gathering place for outdoors enthusiasts in search of the latest outdoor gear, hunting and game calling techniques, entertainment and fun. This year’s convention attracted thousands of sportsmen and women that appreciate and use game calls and understand how a call is supposed to look and sound.

“The NWTF’s Grand National Call Making Competitions are the premier call making competitions in North America,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “They are best place for up-and-coming callmakers to contend with seasoned veterans as they strive to outdo their creations from years past and win bragging rights.”

The NWTF is a national nonprofit conservation organization that was founded in 1973 and has worked with wildlife agencies to restore wild turkey populations from 1.3 million wild turkeys in 1973 to nearly 7 million today. Now, NWTF volunteers raise funds and work daily to improve critical wildlife habitat, increase access to public hunting land and introduce new people to the outdoors and hunting.

A panel of experts in the fields of callmaking, calling and hunting evaluated calls within four divisions: the Grand National NWTF Hunting Turkey Call Contest; the Grand National Decorative Turkey Call Contest; the Grand National Decorative Duck and Goose Call Contest; and the Grand National Hunting Duck and Goose Call Contest.

Each division of this fierce competition was divided into a number of categories based on the various types of calls hunters use. In the Hunting Call Contest alone, call makers had the opportunity to enter their calls in up to 15 categories.

After the contest, the calls were auctioned at the convention, with some calls raising thousands of dollars for conservation.

Top winners of the 2009 Grand National Call Making contest were:

2009 Grand National Champion Decorative Turkey Call Maker of the Year & Earl Mickel Purchase Award Winner
John Parker, Trenton, Ohio

Earl Mick Mickel was a pioneer in developing and creating interest in turkey callmaking and collecting. He published three books on call makers and generously supported both call makers and the NWTF.

Each year, a panel of judges juries the entries in the Decorative Turkey Call Competition and selects a Best of Show call, whose maker is named the Earl Mickel Award winner. The call is then purchased by the NWTF and placed on permanent display in the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, S.C.

2009 Grand National Champion Hunting Turkey Call Maker of the Year
Niles Oesterle, Dardenne Prairie, Mo.

Champion of Champions – Neil Cost Award Winner
Scott Baseshore, Denver, Pa.

The Champion of Champions – Neil Cost Award attempts to call attention to and recognize those few select individuals who have mastered the art of callmaking. Cost was responsible for developing the long box or boat paddle style of call. He also was one of the first call makers to checker his box calls and write special inscriptions on them. Cost made all types of calls, scratch boxes, pot and peg calls, wing-bone yelpers and box calls. His integrity as a call maker is unsurpassed and he never let a call leave his shop that did not meet his high standards.

Gibson Award Winner, Box Calls
Niles Oesterle, Dardenne Prairie, Mo.

The Gibson award recognizes the best-sounding box turkey call and box call maker and is named in honor of Henry Gibson, who patented the first box call in 1897.

Jeremiah Stevens Award, Scratch Box Calls
Michael Lapp, Honey Brook, Pa.

The prestigious Jeremiah Stevens award is named in honor of an African American and former slave who was known for his turkey hunting skills and the making of gun stock or scratch box calls in Virginia. The award recognizes the best-sounding scratch box call and call maker.

D.D. Adams Award, Best-sounding Friction Call
Tim Clayton, Sumterville, Fla.

The coveted D. D. Adams award recognizes the best sounding friction call and striker combination and is named in honor of D. D. Adams, a pioneer friction call maker.

Tom Turpin Award, Best-sounding Air Operated Call
Dewey W. Johnson, Hazlehurst, Ga.

The Tom Turpin award recognizes the best-sounding turned trumpet call and is named in honor of Tom Turpin, a call maker and innovator known for, among other things, his turned trumpet calls.

Charles Jordan, Best-sounding Wingbone
Ralph Permar, Old Zionsville, Pa.

The Charles Jordan award recognizes the best-sounding wing bone/cane or other material call. The award is named in honor of outdoor and wildlife conservationist and call maker Charles L. Jordan.

Outstanding Youth Decorative Turkey Call Maker of the Year
Justin Bald, Elk Grove Village, Ill.

Rookie Decorative Turkey Call Maker of the Year
Mark Wheeler, Kansas City, Kan.

2009 Grand National Champion Decorative Duck & Goose Call Maker of the Year
Best of Show: Mike Houlihan, Portland, Ore.
2nd Best of Show: Jim Dester, Sycamore, Ill.
3rd Best of Show: Joe Bucher, Louisburg, Kan.

2009 Grand National Champion Hunting Duck & Goose Call Maker of the Year
Best of Show: Mike Stelzner, Zumbrota, Minn.
2nd Best of Show: Mike Stelzner, Zumbrota, Minn.
3rd Best of Show: Herb Ohley, Alton, Ill.

2009 Box Call Sets Awards
Don Chancey Award: Scott Basehore, Denver, Pa.
Youth Callmaker of the Year: Josh Shoemaker, Lebanon, Va.
Rookie Callmaker of the Year: James Harrison, Hillsboro, Md.

2009 Convention Sponsors
Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, Chevrolet, Crescent Cardboard Co., LLC, Federal Premium Ammunition, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Longleaf Camo, Marlin Firearm/H&R 1871 LLC, Mathews Bows, Inc., MeadWestvaco, Motorola, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Band and Tag, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Outdoor Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Inc., Remington Arms Company, Inc., S.C. State Chapter, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Tennessee State Chapter, The Sportsman Channel, USDA Forest Service, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Weatherby, Inc., Weyerhaeuser, Wild Turkey Bourbon and Winchester Olin

About:
NWTF: In 1973, Tom Rodgers founded the National Wild Turkey Federation in Fredericksburg, Va., as a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization with a mission dedicated to conserving wild turkeys and preserving hunting traditions. Shortly thereafter, Rodgers relocated the NWTF to Edgefield, S.C., where it’s still headquartered today.

At the time NWTF was established, there were only 1.3 million wild turkeys. Today that number stands at more than seven million birds throughout North America, thanks to the efforts of state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members and partners.

Growth and progress define the NWTF as it has expanded from 1,300 members in 1973 to nearly a half million today. With that growth has come impressive strides in wildlife management as the NWTF has forged dynamic partnerships across the country to further its conservation mission. Together, the NWTF’s partners, sponsors and grassroots members have raised and spent more than $286 million upholding hunting traditions and conserving nearly 14 million acres of wildlife habitat.

While wild turkey restoration is nearing completion, the NWTF still has much work to do. Across North America, supporters are working to enhance habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife while providing hunters with more opportunities and access to public and private land. In addition, NWTF volunteers and partners are introducing youth, women and people with disabilities to the outdoors through special educational events.

If you would like to become a member of Team NWTF, join a committee or start a chapter, please visit our Web site at www.nwtf.org or call us at 800-THE-NWTF.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont.— -(AmmoLand.com)- Attention all squealers, grunters and shriekers: OK, so you’re a loudmouth, but do you have what it takes to win the Super Bowl of elk calling?

If so, bring your A-game to the Fort Worth (Texas) Convention Center, March 6-7, for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation/Leupold 2009 World Elk Calling Championships. Registration is open to the public.

The raucous competition will be held as part of the Elk Foundation’s 25th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo, March 5-8. Spectator seating for the elk calling championships is included with daily admission to the expo: $12 per person or $25 per family, and free for kids 5 and under.

Preliminary rounds of competition begin Fri., March 6, at 9:00 a.m. Finals begin Sat., March 7, at 9:00 a.m., followed by awards and crowning of 2009 world champions.

“We’re searching for the world’s best elk callers. No experience is necessary to enter and compete in the prelims, although many serious callers have already qualified for the finals by competing in regional competitions held around the country over the past several months,” said Beth Shipley, longtime director of the RMEF/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships.

Cash and prizes will be awarded for first- through third-place in six divisions—Pee Wee (age 10 and under), Youth (age 11-17), Natural Voice (no calling devices allowed), Women’s, Men’s and Professional (sponsored competitors). Judges include former champs, naturalists and hunters.

Competitors must be registered by 5:00 p.m. on Thurs., March 5.

Entry fees are $10 for Pee Wee and Youth, $35 for Natural Voice, Women’s and Men’s, and $100 for Professional. Entry fees also provide contest participants with admission to the expo. Registration forms and rules are available at www.rmef.org.

A just-for-fun team competition also will be held. Up to three callers can work together in a comedy skit simulating interactions between bulls, cows and calves. Always hilarious, winners are chosen by the audience. There is no registration fee for the team event.

The 2008 World Elk Calling Championships were featured in the New York Times, bringing international exposure to the event.

Along with the RMEF/Leupold 2009 World Elk Calling Championships, the expo will fill the Fort Worth Convention Center with elk hunting seminars, displays of record elk, kids’ activities, auctions and an exhibit hall filled with art, gear, firearms and outfitted hunting and fishing opportunities. It’s all a showcase and fundraiser for one of the nation’s premier conservation organizations. The Elk Foundation recently topped 5.5 million acres of elk habitat conserved or enhanced.

Show hours: Thurs., March 5, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Fri., March 6, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sat., March 7, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Sun., March 8, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more details, visit www.rmef.org.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.5 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.