February 8, 2008
Tips, Tactics and Tales from Elk Hunting Experts
MISSOULA, Mont.—Some of world’s foremost experts on elk hunting will share tips, tactics and tales as part of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s 24th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo, Feb. 21-24, in Reno, Nev.
Public seminars are scheduled throughout the four-day event. Topics include elk calling strategies, hunting public lands, creative bowhunting, aggressive hunting techniques, best rifles and ammunition, field dressing and cooking. There’s even a packing clinic for hunters who use horses. Three “Shooting the Bull” discussions will feature panels of experts with unique insights on elk hunting.
Other presenters include:
Rich Birdsell—A native of Montana, graduate of University of Montana, and founder of Montana’s Northern Rockies Outfitters, Birdsell operates out of Kalispell, Mont. His business focuses on client service and high success rates. Birdsell is a member of the Elk Foundation and Montana Outfitters and Guides Association.
Wayne Carlton—A life member of the Elk Foundation, Carlton was the first to market a diaphragm elk call and has designed many types of calls and products for the hunting market. Moving from his native Florida to Colorado in 1976, he applied familiar turkey hunting skills to elk—and became a legend in the sport.
Ron Dube—A 35-year professional horseman and 30-year outfitter in Wyoming, he’s also the founder of Ron Dube’s Wilderness Adventures. He’s been widely featured in many hunting magazines and television shows. Dube is active in many conservation groups and is passionate about the Elk Foundation.
Jim Horn—A former staff shooter for Fred Bear, Horn’s archery, hunting and calling skills became a second career. He’s helped build some of the most respected brands in the outdoors: Primos, Mossy Oak, Wildlife Research, Ripcord Arrow Rest and others. Horn also writes articles and hosts a TV show on hunting.
Blain Jackson—A guide in Nevada’s Jarbidge Wilderness and other areas, Jackson manages hunting operations for Cottonwood Ranch. His specialty is elk and his outfit maintains a rifle- and muzzleloader-hunting success rate of 100 percent. Jackson and his crew teach the popular horse-packing clinic.
Dieter Kaboth—A four-time world champion elk caller, Kaboth has been developing calls and calling techniques for the hunting industry since 1985. He’s appeared on ESPN, Outdoor Channel, Versus, The Sportsman’s Channel and Men’s Channel. Kaboth is a longtime devoted supporter of the Elk Foundation.
J.B. Klyap—A veteran hunter and guide, J.B manages and outfits Dome Mountain Ranch just north of Yellowstone National Park. He has been featured in Bugle and several television shows. A strong advocate of fair chase, J.B.’s motto is, “If you ain’t bleedin’, sweatin’ or pukin’, you ain’t hunting elk.”
John McGannon—A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, McGannon has served as head chef at fine restaurants and private clubs. He also founded Wildeats Enterprises and has contributed wild-game cooking articles to Bugle, Eastman’s Hunting Journal, Petersen’s Hunting, Sports Afield and others.
Ralph Ramos—A middle-school principal, hunting guide and pro-staffer for PSE Archery, Montana Decoys, Relentless Pursuit TV, Today’s Bowhunter and others, Ramos has taken over 60 big-game animals with bow and arrow. A “creative elk hunter,” he utilizes rattling, teamwork, X-zone setups and more.
Wayne van Zwoll—A 20-year contributor to Bugle, van Zwoll is considered by many to be today’s finest gun writer. His articles are widely published and he has authored 10 books on big-game hunting and shooting. Van Zwoll guided elk hunters for 10 years, still shoots competitively and holds a PhD in wildlife policy.
Jim Zumbo—A 40-year veteran outdoor writer, Zumbo is arguably America’s most prominent big-game hunter. With more than 2,000 published articles and 3,000 photos, numerous TV appearances, countless lectures and 250 days per year of travel, his work and expertise are familiar to hunters nationwide.
In addition to the expert seminars, the Elk Foundation’s 24th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo will feature displays of trophy-class and record-book elk, kids’ activities, auctions and a 400-exhibit expo filled with art, gear, firearms and outfitted hunting and fishing opportunities.
Also included is the RMEF Dickies/CamoWest World Elk Calling Championships, where dozens of youngsters, women and men, including reigning and former champs, will compete for 2008 world titles.
Admission is $12 per person or $25 per family, and free for kids 5 and under.
Show hours are Thurs., Feb. 21, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Fri., Feb. 22, 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 23, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Sun., Feb. 24, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.