The Three Rivers Buglers chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will kick off its third decade of conservation work May 11 when it hosts its 21st annual big game banquet at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.
“We expect a great crowd,” said committee member Rick White, who anticipates 400 or more people to attend. “It’s amazing the support we get from the community, and we appreciate it.”
The doors at the Black River Coliseum will open at 5 p.m., according to committee member Lenard Wagganer, and games, raffles and a silent auction will begin immediately.
Plenty of hunting gear, knives, home decor, framed prints, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation merchandise and more will be up for grabs.
“We buy a lot of things (for our banquet) locally, including nice guns and nice optics,” White emphasized.
“We’ll also have special ladies’ and kids’ tables,” added Wagganer.
Also returning this year will be the popular 12-gun giveaway.
After the initial social hour, the reigning Miss Missouri will sing the national anthem and a steak dinner will be served by Karon Campbell’s Tasteful Creations.
Following the dinner, a live auction will be conducted by volunteer auctioneers Speedy Ketcherside, Felix Baker and Haven Willis.
Like the past couple of years, a four-person African hunt with Fig Tree Safaris will be one of the big-ticket items available on the live auction.
Wagganer expects “close to 50” guns to be given away over the course of the night, including the RMEF Gun of the Year, a Weatherby Mark V rifle in .300-Weatherby caliber.
Other guns include Browning X-Bolt rifles, including one in the new .28-Nosler caliber, plus a Ruger AR-556 rifle, Ruger LCP-II and Taurus Judge pistols and a lot more.
Tickets to the banquet must be purchased in advance and can be picked up in Poplar Bluff at Shooters Shack, Twisted Arrow or PB Outdoor Power Equipment. They also can be purchased online at www.rmef.org/events or by calling Wagganer at 573-718-5030 or White at 573-429-3967.
Tickets cost $35 for a RMEF membership, plus $25 for each meal. Those attending as a couple can purchase a single membership and two meals.
Sponsorships also are available for $300, plus meals at $25 each.