Q-Tip: RMEF Elk Camp

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is holding its 19th Annual Elk Camp and Exposition at the Reno Hilton Hotel and Casino, beginning today and running through Sunday

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 mission is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.

Visitors to the Elk Camp, which is open to the general public, will enjoy more than 400 exhibit booths featuring wildlife art, outdoor gear, jewelry and outfitted hunting trips.

Seminars led by outdoor experts will cover hunt-planning, and shooting skills, survival techniques, wild game care and family activities in the Great Outdoors. They include:

"Solving Elk Hunting Problems."

"Chronic Wasting Disease."

"Archery Hunting for Elk and Deer."

"The Art of Cooking Outdoors."

"First Aid Kits for Hunters."

"Map and Compass Use"

"Elk dressing in the Field."

"Elk Hunting Secrets."

"The New Elk Rifle."

"Finding Elk in Boot Tracks."

In addition, a "Becoming An Outdoor Woman" workshop, sponsored by Budweiser, will provide women with an opportunity to learn outdoor skills and to meet other women with similar interests.

Other highlights include the RMEF/Realtree World Elk Calling and Bugling Championship. That contest will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Callers in the professional, men's, women's, voice, youth and pee wee divisions will compete for cash prizes.

You can also see the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's World Record Elk Display, which includes the largest bulls ever taken in the world.

Children will enjoy the "Spike Camp for Kids," which will feature free, educational seminars for kids of all ages.

Dining, dancing and lively auctions will round out the Elk Camp schedule.

The Exhibit Hall hours are:

Today: Noon to 6 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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

The cost to attend per day is $10 general admission or $4 for children age 12 and under.

Admission tickets allow access to the Exhibit Hall and seminars, featuring more than 400 exhibits and outdoor seminars with industry experts.

For information, call the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation at 1-800-CALL ELK or visit website www.elkfoundation.org.