Cody, Wyoming – January 4, 2012. For the first time, interested bidders from across North America and around the globe can participate in the legendary WSF auctions LIVE online via streaming video on the Wild Sheep Foundation’s website.

“While the real action and excitement is in the banquet and expo halls, WSF through live streaming video technology will open our Friday and Saturday evening auctions to interested bidders worldwide online for the first time during the 2012 convention in Reno, Nevada January 18th - 21st ” Gray N. Thornton, President and CEO announced.

The Friday and Saturday evening Auctions, featuring a blazing array of hunts, special permits, art, firearms, furs, trips and equipment, in the Reno Downtown Ballroom will be “wired” and streamed LIVE online on the Foundation’s website. Interested bidders can review the items now online at www.wildsheepfoundation.org determine which items they are interested in bidding, and then register online as pre-authorized bidders.

“WSF auctions are world renowned for their excitement, action, and altruism for the mission, as well as often mind blowing bids placed to raise funds for wild sheep and other wildlife conservation and habitat enhancement. All of the WSF events, either at expo hall or auctions, are open to the public with proper registration but if you cannot attend in person, now for the first time interested bidders  can view and participate in the Friday and Saturday evening auctions LIVE through your computer monitor” Thornton added.

Interested bidders must pre-register online through WSF’s secure online auction system at www.wildsheepfoundation.org. A $1,500 pre-authorization will be initiated on the bidder’s credit card Friday, January 20th prior to the first live auction. If not a successful bidder, the pre-authorization will be released by the bidder’s credit card company. To cover credit card processing fees to ensure the maximum funds can be directed to WSF conservation programs, a 3% credit card convenience fee will be charged successful bidders using credit cards. In addition, a 5% buyer’s premium added to all special permits (unless prohibited by statute.) These same auction policies apply to persons participating in the auctions onsite in Reno.

The three-day WSF Convention and Sporting Expo is open to the public, Thursday through Saturday, January 19-21 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Show hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday.

Daily Expo admission is only $10 with $5 off coupons available at Reno-Sparks Cabela’s, Scheels, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and Scolari’s Food and Drug Company stores. As an added incentive to attend the show, “Floor Credit” drawings will be offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday for credits valued at $1,000 to $5,000 to be used with Expo exhibitors. Five $1,000 credits will be drawn Thursday, two $2,500 credits drawn Friday and one $5,000 credit Saturday. Attendees must be present to win. Daily passes are available at Expo Registration at the convention center.

The banquet and live auction events kick off Wednesday evening January 18th at the Silver Legacy’s Downtown Reno Ballroom. WSF will hold their legendary auctions Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings as well as the Friday Ram Awards Breakfast in the Reno Ballroom. The Thursday Russian Nights International Night party, Friday “Fire & Ice” Ladies Luncheon, and Saturday Life Member Breakfast will be held at the Silver Legacy Resort and Hotel in their Grand Exposition B Ballroom. The Friday and Saturday evening auctions will be streamed LIVE on the Foundation’s website.

Other events include a Sporting Clays Shoot with USA Shooting Team members Thursday morning at Sage Hill Clays, and a wine tasting in the expo hall Saturday. For banquet and event ticket pricing, and a full schedule of the events, please visit www.wildsheepfoundation.org.

The Wild Sheep Foundation, formerly the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep (FNAWS,) was founded in 1977 by wild sheep conservationists and enthusiasts. With a membership of more than 8,000 worldwide and a chapter network in North America, WSF is the premier advocate for wild sheep, wild goats, other mountain wildlife, and their habitat. Since forming in 1977, the Wild Sheep Foundation and its chapters and affiliates have raised and expended more than $85 million on conservation, education and conservation advocacy programs in North America, Europe and Asia. These and other efforts have resulted in a five-fold increase in bighorn sheep populations in North America from their historic 1950-70s lows.

For more information on the WSF 2012 Convention, and to register for the LIVE ONLINE AUCTIONS please visit www.wildsheepfoundation.org. Telephone 307-527-6261 or 800 OK FNAWS. Email info@wildsheepfoundation.org. Follow us on Facebook™ Facebook.com/WildSheepFoundation.

Wild Sheep Foundation - 720 Allen Avenue – Cody, Wyoming 82414 USA

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