RMEF Elk Camp at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center next week

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) will hold its Annual Elk Camp and Exposition at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center on Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 23-26.

Admission Cost

The cost to attend per day is $12 general admission.

it is $4 for youngsters ages 13-17 and free for youngsters under the age of 13.

A 4-day pass will cost $25.

Admission tickets allow access to the Exhibit Hall and seminars, featuring more than 500 exhibits and displays of wildlife art, outfitted hunting trips, fishing trips and the very latest in outdoor gear.

Exhibit Hall hours

Thursday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CONCERT

Country Music stars Brooks and Dunn will kick off things with a concert on Feb. 23 at 8 p.m., following the opening ceremonies and banquet.

EVENTS

Other activities include:

Hunting, packing and calling seminars, hosted by well-known experts, including Wayne Carlton and Jim Zumbo.

Practice your fishing skills and learn from the experts at the Fly-Casting Pond.

Strap on a harness to get a birds-eye view of the Elk Camp when you tackle the 28-foot Climbing Wall.

Challenge yourself or a friend in the Archery Range with 3-D Pop-Up Archery Tournament.

Rounding out the offerings, the popular Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Realtree World Elk Bugling Championship takes place on Saturday, February 25 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Hear the best professional, amateur and youth elk callers as they squeal, grunt and bellow to try to impress the judges.

Preliminary bugling rounds will be held Friday, February 24 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Great Elk Tour

An unmatched opportunity to see seven of the largest elk racks in the world, many world-class record holders.

Hunting Seminars

A great opportunity to improve your elk hunting skills and hear what's new in the hunting and outdoor industry.

Speakers, including well-known elk hunting writers Wayne van Zwoll and Chad Schearer, will offer information and advice on elk hunting, outdoor survival tips, equipment and much more.

Kids' Camp

Designed for kids, this round of Spike Camps promises to be fun and educational. Thursday through Sunday afternoon.

Woman's Workshop

Build your confidence, have fun and enjoy the camaraderie at this special Saturday morning workshop for women.

Whether you're interested in trying new activities or just want to improve your skills, you'll benefit from this hands-on workshop.

Finally

The RMEF is headquartered in Missoula, Montana. It has more than 130,000 members in all 50 states, every Canadian Province and 35 countries around the world.

It's primary mission is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.

Since 1984, the RMEF has helped conserve more than 164,000 acres of wildlife habitat in the State of Nevada.

The nonprofit Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has permanently protected more than 1,000 square miles of critical elk habitat and enhanced another 3.4 million acres of elk country.

In addition, over 400,000 acres have been opened to public access for hunting, fishing and other enjoyment.

The annual camp and exposition will attract elk enthusiasts and dedicated conservationists from across the United States and Canada.

This year more than 20,000 elk foundation members, wildlife artists, photographers, writers, hunters and other wildlife fans are expected to come and enjoy the elk camp and foundation.

For information

Call the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation at 1-800-CALL-ELK or you can visit Internet website www.elkfoundation.org.

• Bet Your Favorite Pigeon

Bet your favorite pigeon that he can't tell you if I have ever been a contestant in the RMEF Celebrity Elk Bugling Contest at the Elk Camp in Reno.

If he grins and says, "In 2004, Don was one of several dozen contestants. The good news is that he finished second, in front of more than 1,000 spectators,. The bad news is that the winner was a nine-year old girl," he could have been in the audience that year.

• Don Quilici is the Outdoors editor for the Nevada Appeal.