RMEF, NRA Whittington Center to Host ‘Big Bull Shootoff'

From Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s Northeast New Mexico Chapter is teaming up with the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, N.M., for a one-of-a-kind shooting sports event especially for hunters, August 26-28.

The “Big Bull Shootoff” simulates field situations and shot opportunities encountered during archery and firearms hunts for big game. The course is designed to challenge and hone shooting skills.

The event is open to anyone interested in hunting, shooting and conservation.

Competition is being divided into classes for men, women and youths—plus special divisions for RMEF chapters from around the country vying for organizational bragging rights and unique traveling trophies for the best rifle and archery teams.

“The event begins on a Friday with open shooting to allow registered shooters to warm up, followed by several fun-shoot events and a special RMEF reception. On Saturday, the shooting events begin in earnest. Saturday night features a big game banquet, auction, raffles and games. We’ll wrap up on Sunday with a breakfast awards ceremony to honor our shooting champions,” said Doug Doherty, RMEF regional director for New Mexico.

The main rifle competition offers 10 stations with 20 targets out to 400 yards, with scores based on shot placement and time. United Bowhunters of New Mexico is working with the RMEF chapter to set up a 3-D archery course using the same concept as the rifle competition. Both are limited to 150 competitors each.

In addition to these featured competitions, other attractions will include sporting clays, five-stand and other shotgun, pistol and rifle shooting, product vendors exhibiting their latest and greatest, and RMEF’s new Project SAFE program to help young and novice shooters discover America’s hunting heritage and conservation.

For event details, pricing and registration, contact RMEF volunteers Ira or Lynette Simpson at (575) 445-3988. Reservations are limited. Registration closes Aug. 12.

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The entire event is a fundraiser to support RMEF’s mission to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. Since 1985, RMEF and its partners have completed 256 different conservation and education projects in New Mexico with a combined value of more than $19.3 million.

The NRA Whittington Center is one of the nation’s premier shooting sports facilities. Founded in 1973, the center offers many competitive, educational and recreational activities in all shooting disciplines—and hosted more than 115,000 visitors in 2010. On site camping and lodging facilities are available (there also are many hotels in Raton). Learn more about the center at www.nrawc.org.

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.