Steve Wagner, Blue Heron Communications, 800-654-3766 or steve@blueheroncomm.com

March 7, 2010 Elk Callers from 8 States Medal in World Championships

MISSOULA, Mont.—Amateur and professional elk callers from eight states—California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington—have earned medals in the RMEF/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships for 2010.

Competition concluded March 6 in Reno, Nev., held as part of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s 26th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo.

Results:

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.

 

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.

The event helps raise awareness of elk, habitat and conservation initiatives of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

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

Prize sponsors included Cabela’s, Eberlestock, Hoyt, Kershaw Knives, Montana Decoy, Montana Silversmiths, Remington, Schnee’s and Traditions Performance Firearms.