Registration open for RMEF World Elk Calling Championships in Big Sky

The Western News, Libby, Mont.
·2 min read

Mar. 26—MISSOULA — Youth cow elk and deer hunts as well as the return of the voice division highlight new offerings at the 2024 Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation World Elk Calling Championships.

The competition, presented by Sportsman's Warehouse, takes place on Saturday, June 15 in Big Sky, Montana, with more than $45,000 in cash and prizes going to top finishers.

Respective first and second-place callers in the youth division win an opportunity to go on a New Mexico cow elk and a deer management hunt. Gunwerks and the NRA Whittington Center will supply food, lodging, gear, an instructor for pre-hunt training and a loaned rifle.

"We are excited to partner with RMEF and the Whittington Center in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to make this happen," said Garrett Wall, Gunwerks chief brand officer. "Like RMEF, we are strong advocates of hunting and conservation and look forward to providing memorable hunts and life-long memories for two standout young elk callers."

Also new in 2024 is the return of the voice division where callers use only their voice with a grunt tube to make elk sounds. Participants will go head-to-head in a bracketed format in all six divisions — professional, women's, men's, voice, youth (ages 11-17) and pee wee (10 and under).

Preliminary round matches are single elimination but shift to double elimination in the pro, men's and women's divisions once down to their final four.

Two-time defending pro division champion Beau Brooks of La Center, Washington, looks to defend his title. Ten-time world champion Corey Jacobsen of Donnelly, Idaho, who finished runner-up in 2023 and in third in 2022, is among those looking to take him down.

"The field is aways stacked with so many talented elk callers. We're all friends but we're also competitive and want to beat each other. It should be a great time, as always," said Brooks.

Montana had a number of place finishers at the 2023 Championships.

Josh Fields, of Columbia Falls, was fourth in the professional division while Ruben Hunt, of Anaconda, was third. In the men's division, Helena's Shaun Boese was fourth. In the women's division, Marisa Pagano-Noteboom of Anaconda, was third.

Missoula's Wyatt Hedges was fourth in the Pee Wee Division.