Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003
For more information:  Chuck Schlueter, 773-3904

WIN A TRIP TO ELK CAMP THROUGH YOUTH ESSAY CONTEST

PIERRE – Youth ages eight to 15 can win a trip to Elk Camp, but they must choose their words carefully. The opportunity is available through an essay contest sponsored by Daisy Outdoor Products and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF).

"Daisy Outdoor Products and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation want to hear how discipline, self-control, patience and responsibility, the cornerstones of safe hunting and shooting, have impacted youths’ views about hunting and shooting sports," said Game, Fish and Parks Communications Manager Chuck Schlueter. "The reward is a trip to RMEF’s Annual Convention for the winning youth author and a parent or guardian."

Interested contestants should write a 250-750-word essay that answers the question: How do the important principles of safe shooting (discipline, patience, self-control and responsibility) extend into other aspects of hunting? For example, hunter ethics, respect for the animal and ensuring the future of hunting.

To enter, applicants should send their essay to: "Take Aim at Safety" Essay Contest, Attn: Doug Burgess, Bugle Hunting Editor, P.O. Box 8249, Missoula, MT 59802. The deadline is Jan. 1, 2004. Judging will be done by RMEF Bugle Magazine Staff. Winners names will posted online at www.elkfoundation.org on Jan. 15.

The first-prize winner receives round-trip air fare for the winner and one parent or guardian from within the Continental U.S. to Reno, NV, three nights at the Reno Hilton and full registration to RMEF’s annual Elk Camp. Elk Camp will be held Feb. 19-22 in Reno, NV, where the winner will be recognized. The winning essay will be published in an issue of Bugle magazine.

Second through fifth place will each receive a Daisy Red Ryder BB gun.

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