The convention will be held at the Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City on May 19. The auction begins at 7:30 p.m.

Hunters who are unable to attend the auction may bid by telephone. To make arrangements to bid by telephone, contact Cynthia Martinich at the Oregon Hunters Association at (541) 772-7313.

The auction tag awards the winning bidder an extended season from September 1 through November 30, 2001 to take one elk from any of Oregon's wildlife units. The successful bidder may choose from either a Rocky Mountain or Roosevelt elk. Any legal weapon may be used during the hunt. The winning bidder is also eligible to harvest an additional elk with the appropriate 2001 controlled or general season tag.

A&H Deer and Elk Raffle Hunt and Bighorn Sheep Raffle Hunt winning tickets will also be drawn at the convention. Individuals holding raffle tickets may hand deliver them until 7:30 p.m.

Oregon's Access and Habitat Board, on behalf of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, is providing the tag to be auctioned. Proceeds from the auction will be used by the Access and Habitat Board to fund projects that improve wildlife habitat and increase public hunting access throughout Oregon. The Access and Habitat Board was created by the 1993 Oregon Legislature and is funded by a $2 surcharge included in hunting license fees.

The Oregon Hunters Association is a statewide organization that promotes hunting rights and abundant huntable wildlife resources for present and future generations. For more information on the Access and Habitat Program, contact program coordinator Matt Buhler at (503) 872-5260, extension 5349.