According to the auction literature, this auction item includes far more than the tag. First of all, the hunt will take place in August, 2012 on the 3,000-acre R&R Ranch in Potter Valley. It will be a fully-guided hunt by the ranch manager. We have been told that this will not be a physically challenging hunt, and there are likely to be a number of trophy animals available to choose among. Also included in the package is a discount on taxidermy services from Forrest Farnsworth of Big Game Taxidermy in Sebastopol, California.
Sonoma County businessman and hunter Gary Rasche, owner of the R & R Ranch, is donating the hunt to the Sonoma County Farm Bureau and will actually be hosting the hunting party. The hunt will include a four-day stay for the tag holder and four guests at Rasche's Victorian mansion. The eight-bedroom mansion is furnished with antiques and priceless collectibles including the mounted game that Rasche has taken on his worldwide hunting expeditions. According to the auction description, "Guests will be treated to lavish meals and drink during their stay at the R & R Ranch, enjoying both luxury and outdoor adventure on the sprawling spread in Mendocino County."
The elk hunt is expected to go for between $15,000 and $30,000. Individual tickets to the banquet at which the auction will be held are $75. Off-site bidding will be allowed by prior arrangement. For more information go to http://sonomafb.org/Annual+Events/Auction+Items/Tule+Elk+Hunt.htm or call 707-544-5575. You can also email Steven Knudsen (steven@sonomafb.org) for details.
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