International event brings outdoor lovers together to celebrate commitment to elk, habitat protection and the hunting legacy

(Feb. 8, 2007) Reno, Nev. — Gather ‘round! The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation invites the public to the best hunting expo in the world in the “Best Little City in the World,” as members, partners, and supporters come together for the 23rd annual Elk Camp, the ultimate hunting, fishing and outdoor expo, Feb. 22–25, 2007 in Reno, Nevada. 

The 2007 Elk Camp promises to be bigger and better than ever, with fun events for the whole family, including fly-casting and hunting seminars, a simulated archery contest, a youth fishing pond and other activities for children, world-class auctions, the World Elk Calling Championships, over 500 exhibits, and much more.

Elk Foundation members and supporters will also celebrate the 2007 launch of the “Be the Future of Elk Country” national mission campaign. The campaign’s vital mission — to ensure the future of elk country for generations to follow — begins with its “Five for the Future” strategies: habitat stewardship; permanent land protection; conservation education; elk restoration and building and securing the Elk Country Endowment Fund.

Successful Elk Foundation mission projects in 2006 included protecting critical elk habitat from California to the Appalachians, conservation education and hunting heritage programs throughout the country, and research projects that have benefited wildlife and those who have a passion for wild places. 

“Our Five for the Future program could not come at a more critical time,” said Peter J. Dart, President and CEO of the Elk Foundation. “Land development and fragmentation is a real threat to elk country. We hope everyone will leave Elk Camp 2007 with a renewed commitment to ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.”

It’s not a real hunting camp without gathering around and telling jokes late into the night.  To make that happen, the Elk Foundation will bring to Reno one of America’s funniest comedians — Bill Engvall, known for his success on Blue Collar TV with Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy,  not to mention his platinum-selling albums, books, DVD specials, music hit with Travis Tritt and numerous TV appearances. Engvall will be the star performer at the opening ceremonies banquet on Thursday, Feb. 22.

Events at this year’s Elk Camp will offer something the whole family can enjoy. The list of events includes:

• The debut screening of the Elk Foundation’s new DVD Opportunity for All, narrated by renowned biologist and outdoorsman Shane Mahoney, which celebrates the success of the  North American Model of Wildlife Conservation: the most successful model in history for the protection of wildlife species and their habitat.

• Hunting, packing and calling seminars will be led by some of the top experts in the field  — including Wayne Carlton, Wayne Van Zwoll and Dieter Kaboth — giving Elk Camp attendees the chance to hone their skills tracking and calling in the big bulls. Speakers will offer information and advice on elk hunting, outdoor survival tips, equipment and much more.

• Two of Anheuser-Busch’s world-famous Clydesdales will be available Friday and Saturday for the public to view. The giant mare and her colt, representing one of the largest and most majestic horse breeds in the world, are as well known as the Budweiser brand itself and are certain to please individuals of all ages. The colt will be sold to the highest bidder at Saturday’s afternoon auction. 

• Designed for the next generation of aspiring hunter-conservationists, the Kids Camp, which includes storytelling, wildlife bingo, and archery and calling lessons, promises to be fun and educational for kids of all ages.

• Hunters can enjoy a variety of hands-on activities at this year’s Elk Camp, including a fly-casting pond where anglers can practice their fishing skills and learn from the experts, and an archery range with 3-D pop-ups and an archery tournament.

• Professional auctioneers will be on hand each day of Elk Camp, auctioning off world-class items that include a 10-day hunt in Africa, a rare matched set of Blackhawk revolvers, a Daytona 500 weekend stay, and much, much more.

• The “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” Workshop (BOW) will benefit women interested in trying new activities or just wanting to improve their outdoor skills.

• Rounding out the events, the popular Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Dickies/CamoWest World Elk Calling Championships takes place on Friday, Feb. 23 and Saturday, Feb. 24. Hear the best professional, amateur and youth elk callers as they squeal, grunt and bellow.

Elk Camp Hours:

Thursday, Feb. 22    Friday, Feb. 23
8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.    8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 24    Sunday, Feb. 25
8 a.m. – 10 p.m.    8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

For more information on Elk Camp 2007, please visit www.elkfoundation.org.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Missoula, Mont., the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. The Elk Foundation and its partners have permanently protected or enhanced more than 5 million acres, a land area nearly twice as large as Yellowstone National Park. More than 500,000 acres previously closed to public access are now open for hunting, fishing and other recreation. To help protect wild elk country or learn more about the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, visit www.elkfoundation.org or call 800-CALL ELK.