A packed Caliente Fire Station set the stage for this year’s Meadow Valley Wildlife Unlimited (MVWU) Conservation Banquet on Saturday, March 21. Hundreds gathered for an evening centered around conservation, community and outdoor tradition.

The 19th annual event once again drew a strong turnout. The venue was filled wall-to-wall with attendees seated at tables beneath a backdrop of sponsor banners and displays.

Throughout the evening, guests participated in a variety of raffles, auctions and games. Guests had the opportunity to place raffle tickets into buckets corresponding with specific prizes or enter into general raffles for broader chances to win.

Additional raffles were held throughout the night, including drawings tied to drink purchases and MVWU merchandise such as hats and shirts. A silent auction ran alongside the event, giving attendees even more opportunities to participate.

One of the most recognizable features of the event was the red balloon raffle, where attendees purchased balloons with attached metal tags. Each tag corresponded to a hunting-related prize, adding an element of anticipation as tags were claimed and prizes revealed.

Dinner was served beginning at 5:30 p.m., with guests choosing between ribeye steak or chicken, accompanied by Dutch oven potatoes, sides and dessert. Beer, wine and soft drinks were available throughout the evening.

While raffles and games kept the crowd engaged, attention ultimately turned to the live auction portion of the night. After an extended round of competitive bidding, the Nevada Heritage Rocky Mountain elk tag sold for a record-breaking $375,000, marking the highest total in the event’s history. The elk tag allows the successful bidder to hunt anywhere in Nevada with an extended season, making it one of the most sought-after opportunities of the evening.

Funds raised during the banquet will benefit the Nevada Heritage Trust Fund through the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), supporting wildlife conservation, habitat restoration and outdoor education programs. MVWU continues to serve as a vendor for the state’s heritage tag program.

The annual banquet is consistently one of Lincoln County’s most well-attended and anticipated events, with a full house, active participation and record-setting bids. The turnout reflects the organization’s continued support for conservation efforts and outdoor heritage throughout the year.