RMEF World Champion Elk Callers Crowned

RENO, Nev.-- The bugling has ended and awards have been presented in six different divisions at the 2011 Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships.

Held in Reno, NV, awards were handed out to elk callers from nine states and a Canadian province to the top three competitors from each division.

The competition was a part of the RMEF's annual Elk Camp and Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo, which helps raise awareness of elk, habitat and the conservation initiatives of RMEF.

The competition requirements varied depending on skill level. Professional callers were required (most callers used a latex reed inside their mouth) to mimic specific calls such as barks, whistles and screaming bugles. The natural voice division prohibits reeds and callers use a variety of plastic tubes to create the elk sounds. Amateur callers had 30 seconds to best create their cow elk call followed by their finest bull effort. Each competitor was judged and scored anonymously.

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

Results:
Professional Division
1. Corey Jacobsen, Boise, Ida.
2. Joel Turner, Eatonville, Wash.
3. Audrey McQueen, Eagar, Ariz.

Men's Division
1. Dirk Durham, Moscow, Ida.
2. Gary Nemetchek, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
3. Dustin Howard, Friday Harbor, Wash.

Women's Division
1. Misty Jacobsen, Priest River, Ida.a
2. Amy Morris, Payson, Utah
3. Jessie Coy, Cody, Wyo.

Natural Voice Division
1. Michael Hatten, Elko, Nev.
2. Remi Warren, Reno, Nev.
3. Sheila Veerkamp, Victor, Mont.

Youth Division
1. Greg Hubbell Jr., Belmont, Calif.
2. Brayden Langley, McMinnville, Ore.
3. Russell Nemetchek, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Pee Wee Division
1. Colton Crawford, McMinnville, Ore.
2. William Card, Fallon, Nev.
3. Tucker Rash, Fallon, Nev.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres--a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.