By PAUL DAVIS
Outdoors Editor
The Three River Buglers chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's annual banquet and auction is right around the corner.
The 19th annual event is slated for May 13 at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff, Mo., and promises to be a big one.
"We're expecting somewhere around 400 people," said committee member Lenard Wagganer.
The doors to the event will open at 5 p.m. for a social hour, during which several games, raffle and a silent auction will be available for patrons to partake in.
Hunting gear, such as ground blinds, game calls and knives, Wagganer said, will be up for grabs, as will a variety of framed prints and other home decor.
Special youth- and ladies-oriented tables, with items just for them, also will be set up.
A steak dinner, prepared by Karon Campbell's Tasteful Creations, will be served later in the evening, followed by a live auction conducted by volunteer auctioneers Felix Baker, Haven Willis and Speedy Ketcherside.
Just like last year, a mule deer hunt for two will be available in the live auction, as will a four-person African safari with Fig Tree Safaris.
At least 45 guns will be given away, according to Wagganer, including multiple AR-15 rifles, Henry Golden Boy rifles, Browning X-Bolt rifles, a Kimber 1911 pistol in 10mm caliber and several more.
The RMEF Gun of the Year, a Weatherby Vanguard rifle in .300-Weatherby caliber, also will be up for grabs. In addition, one in five sponsors will win a Browning AB3 rifle.
Tickets to the event must be purchased in advance and cost $60 for a single and $85 for a couple, which includes meals and a single membership.
Sponsorships also are available for $300, plus the cost of meals.
Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased at Twisted Arrow, Shooters Shack and Poplar Bluff Outdoor Power in Poplar Bluff, Fine Woodworks in Piedmont, Mo., or by calling Rick White at 573-429-3967 or Wagganer at 573-718-5030.
Money raised at Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquets and events helps the organization fund its wildlife habitat projects around the country, among other things.