Jim Zumbo Receives RMEF's Highest Honor

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Jim Zumbo of Cody, Wyo., has received the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s highest honor, the Wallace Fennell Pate Wildlife Conservation Award.

The award honors special contributions of lasting significance for the benefit of elk, other wildlife and their habitat across North America. A bronze sculpture was presented to Zumbo during the 28th annual RMEF convention, which ended Feb. 4 in Las Vegas.

Zumbo is one of America’s best-known outdoor writers and host of his own television show. He joined RMEF in 1985, a year and a day after it was founded. The outfit was still teetering in infancy and Zumbo gave it only a 50/50 chance of lasting out the year. But he felt the spirit of the founding leaders, wrote a $600 check and became one of RMEF’s earliest life members.

In 1986, he volunteered for duty on the organization’s first board of directors. It was the first of two terms that Zumbo has served on the RMEF board.

Zumbo also was among the earliest contributors to “Bugle” magazine. His byline and endorsement helped build RMEF credibility among its most important audience – elk hunters. He continues to plug the organization at sportsmen shows, magazines, books and on television. For 26 years, Zumbo has helped make RMEF what it is today.

“Few people have done more than Jim to communicate the importance of conservation in elk country,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “But his influence also has helped to keep this outfit grounded. RMEF was founded by average elk hunters and they’re still the core of our membership. Jim never lets us forget that.”

The awards namesake, Wallace Fennell Pate, was RMEF’s first president and chairman of the board, he dedicated his time, energy and financial resources for the betterment of wildlife in North America. Pate, now deceased, became a national role model for groups or individuals concerned with natural resources conservation.

Pate’s son, Jack, attended the recent ceremony and spoke about his father’s devotion to RMEF and conservation overall.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres—an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- About 160 students from two Las Vegas-area schools will learn about elk, hunting and conservation as part of a first-annual educational workshop to be held in conjunction with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation convention and expo.

The inaugural Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience is set for Friday, Feb. 3.

“This event is being organized as a fun field-trip for students from Explore Knowledge Academy and the Innovations International school,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Students will arrive at the Las Vegas Convention Center at 9:00 a.m. and begin a lesson that’s seldom taught in public schools, how hunters have helped so many species go from vanishing to flourishing.”

Following a short lecture on the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, students will tour the exposition hall, enjoy the booths and attractions and hear from biologists, hunters, outfitters, conservation groups and agencies about sustainable use of wildlife resources.

“We’ll treat the students to lunch and send them back to school, hopefully with a much better understanding of how true conservation works,” said Allen.

There is no cost for the students or schools.

Funding and support for the workshop are being provided through an endowment from Larry and Brenda Potterfield of MidwayUSA.

“We continue to be amazed at the vision, commitment and generosity of the Potterfields and MidwayUSA. We’re very grateful for their partnership,” said Allen.

The RMEF convention and expo, nicknamed “Elk Camp,” is an annual public-welcome conservation fundraiser hosted in part by International Sportsmen’s Expositions. The Feb. 2-4 event includes the expo hall and hundreds of booths, seminars and other attractions, plus the 2012 RMEF/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships, all at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Full convention registrants can also enjoy banquets, auctions, entertainment and other festivities planned for the Riviera Hotel.

For more information, visit www.rmef.org.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres, an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

About International Sportsmen’s Expositions (ISE):
Founded in 1975, ISE produces five consumer sportsman shows across the western United States, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada (Las Vegas) and Utah. Check dates and show special events at www.SportsExpos.com.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Outdoor Channel has announced it will provide daily online coverage of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation annual convention and expo, called Elk Camp, Feb. 2-4, in Las Vegas.

Outdoor Channel, America’s leader in outdoor TV, boasts a huge website audience with 12 million unique visitors and 50 million unique page-views per year.

Elk Camp coverage will include daily news, updates, photo galleries and more.

Coverage will be posted at www.outdoorchannel.com.

RMEF members, elk hunters, conservationists and others unable to attend Elk Camp can also keep up with the event at the RMEF website (www.rmef.org), HuntingLife.com (www.huntinglife.com) and perhaps other sites and forums.

Elk Camp is RMEF?s largest annual member rally and conservation fundraiser. Thousands of elk enthusiasts from around the country will be in Las Vegas for the event.

Set for the Las Vegas Convention Center and Riviera Hotel, Elk Camp features an expo hall co-hosted by International Sportsmen?s Expositions. Attractions include the 2012 RMEF/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships, plus hundreds of exhibits, seminars and game-calling clinics, auctions, raffles and entertainment.

In 2011, RMEF set a new record for membership with 184,135 and passed the 6 million-acre mark for habitat conserved or enhanced for elk and other wildlife.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres?an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Hunting is Conservation

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Record-high membership. Strong fiscal performance.

A landmark 6 millionth acre of habitat stewardship and protection.

On the momentum of these and other accomplishments in 2011, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is eyeing 2012 with ambitious goals for conserving elk country, improving predator management and control, and building public understanding of hunters, leadership in conservation.

“Our members and partners were part of something pretty special last year,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

Highlights from 2011 include:

• RMEF helped enhance habitat on 111,894 acres, mostly on public lands, for elk and other wildlife. The total exceeded the organization’s annual goal by 11,894 acres.
• Protected 40,952 acres of habitat, exceeding RMEF’s annual goal by 7,952 acres.
• Passed the 6 million-acre lifetime mark for habitat enhanced or protected, finishing 2011 with a combined total of 6,123,622 acres.
• Reached 636,424 acres secured for public access including hunting.
• Restored a wild elk herd in Missouri.
• Fueled elk restoration projects in Virginia and Maryland.
• Continued legal and legislative efforts to manage and control gray wolves.
• Reached more than 700,000 students and others with positive messages on hunting, shooting and conservation.
• Recorded a fourth straight year with a new record for membership, now at 184,135.
• Received the highest rating, 4 Stars, from America’s top charity ratings service.
• Finished the RMEF fiscal year with budget-positive black ink.

Allen said these successes and others have RMEF entering 2012 on a crest of enthusiasm. With the organization’s annual convention and membership rally just around the corner (Feb. 2-5 in Las Vegas), plus hundreds of local RMEF banquets and fundraisers slated for coming months, expectations are building for another memorable year.

Dozens of on-the-ground conservation projects are already in the works. Habitat stewardship and protection efforts are expected to reach milestone figures in several states. Nationally, RMEF could reach the 8,000 mark in total projects completed as it marches toward its 7 millionth acre impacted for elk and other wildlife.

Youth and public education initiatives, all with a hunting heritage slant, will continue to receive funding and volunteer manpower from RMEF in 2012.

RMEF also will power two special campaigns.

The first will focus on the growing need to manage and control predators. Wolf, bear, lion and coyote populations are well above science-based objectives in many areas. In extreme cases, predation and negative effects on game species are causing declines in hunting participation. Lost hunting license sales now are translating to budget cuts for conservation agencies. Balancing predator populations could help.

Second, RMEF is vowing to help Americans better understand how all wildlife, both game and non-game species, depend on hunters. “Hunting Is Conservation” will apply a variety of tactics to communicate an important message, that is, without hunters and the money they provide for today’s habitat, research, management and law enforcement programs, the outdoors overall would surely suffer.

Allen said, “We’re proud of the year we had in 2011, but we can’t afford to celebrate too long, because the causes of conservation are constantly evolving and changing. We can’t wait to respond. We have to get out in front of the issues.”

He added, “If success builds on success, then I believe RMEF is well positioned to help make a meaningful difference again in 2012.”

To join and support RMEF, visit www.rmef.org.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres—an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

RMEF Team Elk Voted Best New Series on Outdoor Channel

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- “RMEF Team Elk,” the first television program fully owned and produced by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, is being honored as the Fan Favorite Best New Series on Outdoor Channel.

The show premiered in 2011 and new episodes for season-two will begin in July.

“RMEF Team Elk” co-hosts Brandon Bates and Cameron Hanes accepted the honors from Outdoor Channel during the 12th Annual Golden Moose Awards ceremony held as part of the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, Jan. 19, 2012, in Las Vegas. More than 2,000 hunting industry leaders, TV personalities and media personnel attended, with a worldwide audience watching the event live online.

“No show affiliated with RMEF has ever been nominated before, but this year we collected four nominations and received an important win as a fan favorite, so this is very special,” said Steve Decker, vice president of marketing for RMEF.

He added, “‘RMEF Team Elk’ is more than just a TV show. It’s part of a conservation movement that’s making a difference for the future of elk and elk hunters. Since every RMEF member is a part of Team Elk, this is important recognition for all of us and the work that we’re doing together across elk country.”

Decker thanked elk hunters everywhere for watching the show and casting their votes.

Presented by MidwayUSA, “RMEF Team Elk” is sponsored by Weaver, Browning, Brunton, Danner, Hunter’s Specialties, Buck Knives, Eberlestock, Cooper Tires, Sitka, Nosler, Montana Decoy, Budweiser, Under Armour, Archer Xtreme and Buckstop Truckware.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Far-sighted, conservation-minded landowners in Pennsylvania have permanently protected their 454-acre wildlife oasis through a conservation easement with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

George and Irene Windolph of Nordmont, Pa., fully donated the easement, which removes development rights on their property in perpetuity.

The move ensures the land will always be much like it is today–retired farmlands and well-managed forestlands with abundant populations of wildlife including deer, turkey and bear.

The property lies about 40 miles east of Pennsylvania’s current elk range.

RMEF will hold the easement and monitor provisions annually.

“The Windolphs love this pristine place and have entrusted RMEF to help protect it forever,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “They also have worked hard to acquire the majority of mineral rights so that poorly executed oil and gas drilling will never happen here.”

He added, “We’re grateful for George and Irene’s generous donation. Their conservation values are a reflection of our membership and what it means to belong to RMEF.”

Life members of RMEF, the Windolphs will retain control over access to their property.

Nationwide, RMEF now holds 182 conservation easements permanently protecting a combined 248,784 acres of habitat. The organization’s mission is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Longtime volunteers of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Keith and Linda Ward of Huson, Mont., have finalized a deal to permanently protect 1,050 acres of area ranchland that serve as important habitat for elk and other wildlife.

On Dec. 16, the Wards placed their Checkpoint Ranch, some 20 miles west of Missoula, Mont., between Ninemile and Sixmile creeks, under conservation easement with RMEF.

The legal agreement restricts development in perpetuity even if land ownership changes.
Affected acres will always be, “much as they are today–farmland, ranchland and native wetlands, meadows and forests,” said Mike Mueller, lands program manager for RMEF.

RMEF brokered the deal, assisted with the legal processes and will monitor easement provisions annually.

“Checkpoint Ranch is one of the largest remaining private parcels in the area, and since it’s connected to adjoining federal and state lands, the conservation impacts of this easement are truly on a landscape scale,” said Mueller. “Habitat fragmentation is a real concern with the increasing subdivision in the Ninemile area. By protecting this ranch, we’ve helped secure the viability of habitat across a much larger area.”

Habitat on the ranch supports an area elk herd of 150-200 animals. Elk are most abundant on the ranch during fall rut, winter and calving season–in fact, biologists say the ranch is one of the preferred calving areas in the surrounding region.

Many other game and nongame species also are commonly observed.

The easement does not provide public access. However, in partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Dept. (FWP) and RMEF, the Wards have developed an elk management plan and enrolled part of their property in a special FWP program that provides the public with limited, high-quality, herd-management hunting opportunities.

The 1,050-acre tract, part of the historic Scheffer Ranch now owned for 20 years by the Ward family, is actually protected via two different easements. One 890-acre easement was partially donated by the Wards and partially funded by the Missoula County Open Space Bond Program. An adjoining 160-acre easement, which covers the original Scheffer Ranch homestead, was fully donated by the Wards.

Combined, the value of the Wards’ donations is approximately $2.7 million.

David Allen, RMEF president and CEO, thanked the Wards for their generosity and credited three RMEF partners–Missoula County Commission, Missoula County Rural Initiatives and Missoula County Open Lands Citizen Advisory Committee–for “using open space bond funds to save an incredible piece of wild country in the kind of place that’s prone to future development.”

Supporters of the project included Lolo National Forest, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana Department of Transportation, Ninemile Wildlife Movement Area Working Group and Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Keith Ward, president of Bob Ward and Sons Sporting Goods, has served multiple volunteer terms on the RMEF board of directors. He is a past chairman of the board and has served a variety of leadership roles on committees. The Wards also are active in many other conservation and sporting organizations.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation today cheered federal delisting of wolves in the Great Lakes states, as well as the State of Wisconsin’s rapid movement toward implementing its own science-based wolf management plan.

Both actions help pave the way toward predator populations that are in better balance with elk, deer and other species commonly preyed upon by wolves.

“Barring any legal holdups from animal rights activists, we should see science-based wolf management and control measures go into effect by February, and that’s great news for conservation overall in the Great Lakes region,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

On Dec. 21, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that gray wolf populations in the Great Lakes region have recovered and no longer require the protection of the Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is publishing a final rule in the Federal Register removing wolves in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, and in portions of adjoining states, from the list of threatened and endangered species.

Upon the announcement, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker ordered the Department of Natural Resources to begin implementing the state’s wolf management plan. The agency will issue permits to landowners experiencing wolf-caused losses beginning Feb. 1.

There are more than 4,000 wolves in the three core recovery states in the western Great Lakes area, a total that far exceeds recovery goals. Minnesota’s population is estimated at 2,921 wolves, while an estimated 687 wolves live in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and another 782 in Wisconsin.

Each state has developed a science-based plan to manage wolves after federal protection is removed.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation volunteer board member Fred Bryant of Kingsville, Texas, is among four finalists for the 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year award.

The winner, to be selected by consumer voting, will receive $50,000 from Budweiser and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support their priority conservation projects.

To vote, go to www.budweiser.com, enter your birth date to confirm you are over 21, look for “We’re Donating $65,000. Vote for Conservationist of the Year” on the main page, and click to cast your vote. Only one vote accepted per person and all voters must be at least 21 years of age. All votes must be received by Jan. 6, 2012.

Votes also are accepted by mail. On a 3×5 card or piece of paper, write your name, address and age as well as the name of the candidate you’ve selected. Mail to 2012 Conservationist of the Year, P.O. Box 1069, Young America, MN 55594-1069.

Bryant serves as chairman of the RMEF Lands and Conservation Committee. Under his leadership, RMEF has permanently protected more than 224,000 acres–an area nearly the size of Rocky Mountain National Park–of vital habitat for elk and other wildlife. Many of those acres are now also open for the public to hunt and fish.

RMEF President and CEO David Allen said, “Congratulations to Fred. He’s an extraordinary leader and dedicated conservationist who deserves recognition, and RMEF is very fortunate to have him on our team.”

Allen added, “Every time a new lands project comes up, Fred begins his analysis by asking the same three key questions: 1) Is it good for elk and other wildlife, 2) is it important habitat in danger of being lost to development, and 3) will it open or maintain public access to sportsmen.”

“I hope every elk hunter who’s of age will go online and return the favor,” he added.

Budweiser’s website includes the following bio:

“Fred Bryant’s 34-year history of advancing conservation stretches from Canada to the Andes of Peru. But nowhere is it more apparent than the many places wild elk roam across North America. Fred’s work with RMEF has protected over 85,000 acres of habitat in the last year alone. But RMEF is just one aspect of Fred’s tireless commitment to conservation. Fred has also worked with Taking Care of Texas, Boone and Crockett Club and many other conservation organizations. And as an author, speaker and professor of range and wildlife management at Texas Tech University and the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Fred has taught thousands of students to share his passion for the outdoors.”

Other nominees include Don R. Johnson of Festus, Mo., Bill D’Alonzo of Greenville, Del., and David Ramsey of Unicoi, Tenn.

The 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year will be formally recognized on Jan. 18, 2012, during the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas.

Budweiser has been the official beer of RMEF for over 23 years. Since 1999, the “Help Budweiser Conserve the Outdoors” program, along with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and RMEF members, has raised more than $1.1 million for conservation and education.

Allen said, “Budweiser is one of RMEF’s longest standing and most valuable partners. The company’s dedication to our mission began in 1988 with a major gift for our first-ever permanent land protection project, and it continues today with sponsorship and support on many levels throughout our organization.”

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Elk Hunting Legend Wayne Carlton Joins Team Elk

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Elk hunting legend, game call innovator, outdoor personality and Hunter’s Specialties pro staffer Wayne Carlton is the latest esteemed hunter to join the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation as a feature member of Team Elk.

RMEF recently launched the Team Elk concept to help capture the spirit of all RMEF members, now more than 180,000 strong, working together for a common goal–ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.

“Every member of RMEF is a member of Team Elk,” said Steve Decker, vice president of marketing for RMEF, “and feature members are those who are especially passionate about RMEF and well positioned to communicate our message to large audiences. Wayne is an avid conservationist, has a long history with RMEF and he enjoys a huge fan base. We’re proud to have him out there representing Team Elk.”

Other feature members include country music stars Easton Corbin and Craig Morgan, baseball hall-of-famer Goose Gossage, NASCAR personality Kerry Earnhardt, professional bull riding champions Dustin Elliott and Austin Meier, football legend Walt Garrison, hunting pros Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, Kristy Titus and others.

Along with his Team Elk contemporaries, Carlton will lend his name, fame, appearances and audience reach to help advance the RMEF cause.

A Florida native and veteran turkey hunter, Carlton moved to Montrose, Colo., in 1976. It was there that he began adapting his turkey-calling prowess for pursuit of elk. Along the way, he pioneered the first diaphragm elk call. Carlton began marketing the calls in 1983 and since then has developed many innovative calling devices and hunting products. As a member of the Hunter’s Specialties pro staff, he continues in product development and hosting seminars nationwide to demonstrate the latest in calling and hunting techniques.

Carlton, an inductee to the Bowhunters Hall of Fame, is a devoted conservationist and a life member and former director of both RMEF and the National Wild Turkey Federation.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Elk season is over, leaving you with another autumn’s worth of memories.

While you’re reminiscing, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation asks you to think about the country where you hunted, how it’s changed through the years and how it’s likely to change in the future.

Here are RMEF’s Top 5 signs that your elk hunting area may need more intensive habitat stewardship:

1. Habitat Fragmentation–Poorly planned subdivisions and ranchettes are eliminating or cutting off key habitat, particularly winter range and migration corridors.
2. Weeds Amok–Knapweed, yellow starthistle, leafy spurge, cheatgrass and other invasive weeds are consuming the West. These noxious exotics kill or displace native forage that elk and other grazing species depend on for forage.
3. Sick Forests–Years of fire suppression and lack of forest management have resulted in dense, choked timber stands piled high with deadfall. These conditions lead to massive beetle infestations, threaten catastrophic wildfire and offer little benefit, other than escape cover, for elk. Yet overgrown, undermanaged forests are becoming more rule than exception.
4. Vanishing Meadows and Aspen Stands–Fire suppression has also allowed pinyon, juniper, fir and other evergreens to overtake meadows and aspen stands. The resulting shade shrivels understory plants, cutting available forage for elk by up to 90 percent.
5. Lack of Water–Because of persistent drought in much of the West, many traditional watering holes are drying up earlier in the year. Elk are forced to abandon historic ranges and follow the water to survive.

Excessive predation by wolves and other predators is exacerbating these problems in many areas.

Since launching in 1984, RMEF has helped address these and other habitat issues on more than 6 million acres. Stewardship projects include weed treatments, prescribe burns, forest thinning, constructing guzzlers and restoring riparian areas, land acquisitions, conservation easements and more.

RMEF also is involved in legal efforts to manage and control wolf populations.

“RMEF members, volunteers and partners are making a difference but there is still much work to do,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “We invite everyone who cares about elk, elk country and elk hunting to join us.”

For membership information, visit www.rmef.org or call 800-CALL-ELK.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- A custom casket featuring hardwood inlay artwork of an elk and mountain scene, hand-forged elk antler handles and camouflage bedding is among many special items to be auctioned in Las Vegas, Feb. 2-4, 2012, to support the conservation work of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The auction will be held as part of RMEF’s 27th annual Elk Camp convention and expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Riviera Hotel.

Elk Camp is RMEF’s largest annual fundraiser. Proceeds help support a variety of initiatives to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.

BNG Finish Products Custom Coffins

Over the past year, RMEF passed the 6 million acre mark for habitat conserved and enhanced nationwide, supported elk restoration efforts in Maryland and Missouri, helped mitigate the effects of historic wildfires in Arizona, introduced thousands of youths to hunting and conservation, assisted with legal efforts to manage and control wolves, and much more.

The handmade casket, built from maple with walnut trim, is being donated for the RMEF auction by BNG Finish Products of Etna, Calif.

Company rep Nik Branson says coffin making began as an experimental offshoot of his custom cabinet business, “but now we do commissioned pieces for families around the country, and the biggest response has been from people who enjoy the outdoors, hunting and fishing.” Caskets with outdoor scenes and themes are the most requested, he said.

The coffins typically retail for $1,500 to $4,500.

Other RMEF auction highlights will include:

• A pack mule named Possum
• A New Holland tractor
• Art, firearms, furniture, jewelry and collectibles
• Many types of outfitted hunts
• Other kinds of travel packages including a motorcycle rally in Sturgis, S.D.
• An electric ATV from Timberline

In addition to the auctions, 2012 Elk Camp attendees with full registration can enjoy:

• Gala banquets and outstanding entertainment. Headliners include hit country music artists Clint Black and Craig Morgan. Always an audience favorite, a surprise entertainer is again scheduled for Volunteer Fun Night, sponsored by Hunters Specialties. Previous surprise acts have included Neal McCoy, Sawyer Brown and Easton Corbin.
• Don’t-miss events such as the Friends of the Foundation breakfast sponsored by Browning, featuring a fun Rat Pack tribute act; ladies luncheon with a “Hillbilly Bash” theme; prayer breakfast sponsored by FCA Outdoors, and much more.
• The biggest Elk Camp exhibit hall and expo in years. Attractions, displays and activities for the whole family, plus 450 booths filled with outfitted hunting and fishing opportunities, art, gear, firearms and everything elk. Also included are Cabela’s-sponsored seminars led by authorities on hunting, game calling strategies and more. International Sportsmen’s Expositions, which produces America’s premier hunting, fishing and travel shows, is managing the exhibit hall and expo. For booth information, contact service@SportsExpos.com or 800-545-6100, and visit www.SportsExpos.com.
• As always, Elk Camp 2012 will feature the RMEF/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships. Preliminary rounds are Feb. 3; championship rounds are Feb. 4.

Full registration through Dec. 10 is $325 per person. Partial registration is available. For more attendee registration info, visit www.rmef.org.

For public day-traffic to the expo, daily admission is $12 per person, free for kids 15 and under, and free for active military with military ID. Show hours: Thurs., Feb. 2, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Fri., Feb. 3, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 4, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Elk Camp sponsors include Midway USA, Gerber, Browning, Cabela’s, North American Hunter, Hunter’s Specialties, Leupold, Budweiser and Danner.

For more details, agendas and more information, visit www.rmef.org. Exhibit hall seminar schedules, floor plans and exhibitor listings are at www.SportsExpos.com.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF):
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

About International Sportsmen’s Expositions (ISE):
Founded in 1975, ISE produces five consumer sportsman shows across the western United States, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada (Las Vegas) and Utah.

MidwayUSA to Sponsor the 2012 RMEF Elk Camp

Midway USA

Columbia, MO --(Ammoland.com)- MidwayUSA, a catalog and Internet retailer offering Just About Everything for Shooting, Reloading, Gunsmithing and Hunting, is pleased to attend the 2012 Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) Elk Camp, their annual convention, as the Official Sponsor of the show.

The show will be held February 2-4th, 2012 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.

MidwayUSA believes in supporting organizations whose efforts help restore and preserve the habitats of all hunt-able game.

With the recent launch of the elk restoration project in the company’s home state of Missouri, it’s as important as ever to help organizations like the RMEF achieve their overall mission of conversation, restoration and education of our countries wildlife and habitats.

“This is the third year in a row that MidwayUSA has been the official sponsor of “Elk Camp”,” says Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA.

“Each year the show gets bigger and bigger and Brenda and I are excited to see so many people as passionate about wildlife preservation and education as we are.”

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Since 1984, the mission of the RMEF has been to conserve, restore and enhance natural habitats for elk and other game while educating members and the public about conservation, the value of hunting, hunting ethics and wildlife management. In October, the RMEF recorded its six millionth acre of protected habitat for elk and other animals.

“Six million acres is an amazing amount of conservation success in a relatively short amount of time,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

“Of course, it wouldn’t have happened without money, time and talent. That’s where our partners, volunteers, members, supporters and banquet attendees come in, and this is a significant milestone we can all celebrate together.”

• For more information about MidwayUSA, please visit www.midwayusa.com or call 1-800-243-3220.
• For more information on the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, please visit www.rmef.org

Outdoor Life Shines a Light on Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- “Outdoor Life” magazine has included the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation on a list of those making significant positive impacts on hunting and fishing.

The fifth annual “OL 25″ list for 2011 includes RMEF President and CEO David Allen and RMEF past board member Dr. Valerius Geist. Profiles on both, as well as 23 others on the list, are in the magazine’s December/January edition. Profiles also can be viewed online at www.outdoorlife.com.

An introductory graph from “Outdoor Life” editors says, “While these 25 men and women have different backgrounds and accomplishments, they all have one thing in common: they’ve spent their life working to better hunting, fishing and conservation.”

RMEF in October recorded its 6 millionth acre of habitat conserved or enhanced for elk and other wildlife. This accomplishment, in addition to the “OL 25″ list, is highlighted on the “Outdoor Life” website and latest electronic newsletter. Visit www.outdoorlife.com for a photo gallery of a few RMEF projects completed along the way to the 6 million-acre landmark.

Allen says credit for RMEF’s accomplishments belongs to the organization’s volunteers, members and staff.

“We have some of the greatest folks in wildlife conservation, and it’s a special moment for our team and our cumulative effort to be recognized by one of the oldest and most respected voices in the outdoors,” he said.

The “OL 25″ list is composed of five sub-categories: Leaders, Conservationists, Unsung Heroes, Innovators and Helping Hands. Allen and Geist are both named in the “Leaders” category.

“Outdoor Life” Executive Editor Andrew McKean said, “David Allen has transformed RMEF into one of America’s most effective conservation organizations. His commitment to public hunting, landscape-scale habitat conservation and restoration of elk to their historic range benefits all hunters, no matter where they live and no matter what species they hunt.”

RMEF founders Charlie Decker and Bob Munson made the “OL 25″ list in 2009, and others with RMEF ties have been named through the years.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Yamaha Grizzly 700 FI Featuring Realtree AP

Yamaha

CYPRESS, Calif. --(Ammoland.com)- Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., the leading maker of ATV and Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicles for outdoorsmen, has partnered with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) to help support its mission of ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.

Through the partnership, Yamaha becomes the exclusive sponsor for the RMEF’s “Ride Right” program that delivers safe, responsible outdoors recommendations through BUGLE magazine, the foundation’s official publication.

“Yamaha is proud to partner with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and their efforts to communicate safe, responsible messages to sportsmen,” said Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha’s ATV/SxS group.

“Yamaha is the leading ATV manufacturer involved in the outdoors industry, and the Ride Right campaign perfectly aligns with our goals of fostering responsible public messages and ensuring lasting access to our public lands.”

Yamaha will also join the RMEF Great Elk Tour and give away a Grizzly 700 FI EPS ATV in Realtree AP HD camo (MSPR: $9,499) to support RMEF membership and fundraising campaigns.

“Anyone can enter to win the ATV at any of our 2012 Great Elk Tour stops at sports and outdoor shows around the country,” said Steve Decker, vice president of marketing for RMEF. “Information about the tour is at www.greatelktour.org. We thank Yamaha for giving RMEF supporters an opportunity to win a great prize, and for supporting conservation.”

Yamaha, through its relationships with organizations such as RMEF, Ducks Unlimited, Safari Club International, Buckmasters, NWTF and NHF Day, among others, is a continued supporter of conservation efforts for outdoor recreational enthusiasts. Not only does Yamaha support critical outdoors conservation programs, but it also runs its own program – the Yamaha OHV Access Initiative – which has GRANTed nearly $2 million toward supporting safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable riding areas since 2008.

The Great Elk Tour is the Elk Foundation’s premier traveling conservation exhibit showcasing mounts of some of the largest bull elk in the world. The display offers a better understanding of the habitat needs of these animals and how supporting the Elk Foundation helps conserve elk country.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres—an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has learned that an Oregon court has agreed to consider in its final ruling the RMEF motion outlining the need for science-based, state regulated wolf management.

The court is reviewing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s authority to manage and control wolves as part of a state-approved plan.

Oregon wildlife officials recently announced the agency would use lethal means to stop two wolves known to habitually kill livestock in Wallowa County. Animal rights and wolf activist groups sued the state, claiming that any loss of wolves could cause “irreparable harm” to wolf recovery in Oregon.

That argument was rejected in a previous lawsuit heard in a Montana federal court. But an Oregon court granted a temporary stay to stop the search for the two wolves until the legal merits of the case can be considered.

“The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has always believed strongly that the management of all our wildlife be based on science, said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Oregon is just one example of our commitment to support proven wildlife management procedures. By allowing wildlife agencies to create state-approved plans we know the entire balance of these complicated ecosystems can be maintained to the benefit of all.”

RMEF attorneys also continue to respond to legal wrangling by animal rights and wolf activist groups seeking to foil management plans in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and the Great Lakes states. On Nov. 8, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Pasadena, Calif., will hear arguments from RMEF and others as it considers a lawsuit alleging that Congress acted outside the Constitution when it delisted wolves in parts of the West.

In some areas, such as the northern Yellowstone in Montana and the Clearwater National Forest in Idaho, elk calf survival rates are now too low to sustain herds for the future.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres—an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have notified the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation that the “experimental” status of the park’s restored elk herd has been officially lifted, clearing the way for permanent management of elk in and around the park.

RMEF is the largest financier of the park’s 10-year elk restoration project, with more than $800,000 in contributions.

Kim Delozier, RMEF conservation program manager, said, “This is important because it’s a formal federal declaration that our elk restoration efforts in the North Carolina section of the park have been deemed a success.”

Prior to joining the RMEF staff, Delozier was the longtime supervisory wildlife biologist in the park. He worked closely with RMEF and others to make reality of a common dream–returning a wild elk herd to the native but long-empty habitat of the Great Smoky Mountains. He says that without the efforts of RMEF, especially its volunteers, wild free-ranging elk would not be in North Carolina today.

Elk were extirpated from the region some 200 years ago.

“Local RMEF members approached me about elk restoration as far back as 1990, so this has been a long process and a tremendous amount of work by many people,” said Delozier.

“During my time in the park, we had a number of restoration projects for other species. Some were controversial. Others were relatively quiet. But the elk project was really a people project. This was an effort and animal that everyone wanted to support. The people made it happen. People love to see large wild animals and elk fit that need.”

In an “experimental release,” the first elk were reintroduced into Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2001. Today the herd is healthy at about 140 animals.

Elk have been a popular addition to the park and are associated with significant economic benefits through tourism. Cataloochee Valley, where elk were originally released, now receives approximately twice the visitation than it did prior to elk restoration.

The herd’s experimental status was lifted when National Park Service officials on Oct. 20, 2011, approved a “finding of no significant impact” of the environmental assessment on a proposed plan for managing a permanent herd of elk in the park. Research indicates that the population is sustainable, has minimal impacts on the park’s resources and the human-elk conflicts are manageable.

Going forward, the park’s objective is to maintain a permanent elk population within park boundaries that is self-sustaining and allows only acceptable impacts to park resources.

The park’s elk plan also transitions elk management responsibility outside the park to the appropriate tribal, state or federal agency with jurisdiction over wildlife on lands where elk occur. Delozier said some elk do currently inhabit areas outside of park boundaries. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has started discussions on developing its own elk management plan, which could bring limited elk hunting opportunities to the state in the future.

David Allen, RMEF president and CEO, said, “The possibility of additional elk hunting opportunities for the public in the eastern U.S. is one more reason to celebrate. The more people can connect through hunting with the land, elk, other wildlife and their habitat, the more folks we’ll have on board to help sustain America’s conservation movement.”

Allen added that RMEF has pledged continued support for area conservation agencies involved in elk management or habitat stewardship.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals today heard arguments from both sides of a lawsuit alleging that Congress acted unconstitutionally when it removed wolves from the endangered species list and cleared the way for wolf hunting seasons now underway in Idaho and Montana.

An attorney representing the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and other conservation groups presented oral arguments supporting the Congressional action, wolf delisting and science-based, state-regulated management and control of wolf populations.

The court is expected to issue its ruling soon.

“We’re hopeful for a quick and favorable ruling, especially since a lower court already ruled against the plaintiffs–a coalition of animal rights and environmental activist groups,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

“Our opponents don’t seem to care that in some areas, elk calf survival rates are now too low to sustain herds for the future. We support a more balanced approach to conservation.”

Today’s hearing was held in a Pasadena, Calif., courtroom. RMEF and Safari Club International led two different groups granted intervenor status in the case. An attorney representing their collective position was given seven minutes to present arguments.

Key facts of the case include:

• Wolves were relocated from Canada to Idaho, Montana and Wyoming in 1994 as a “nonessential, experimental population” under the Endangered Species Act.
• The wolf population in each state passed stated recovery goals some 10 years ago.
• Current wolf populations across the three states are known to exceed 1,700 animals, and in many areas are out of balance with biological and cultural tolerances.
• Conservation has succeeded in America because of science-based, state-regulated management and control of wild species, including predators. All evidence suggests this system also would work well for wolves.
• Litigious animal rights and environmental activist groups have managed to keep wolves under full federal protections for much of the past decade.
• RMEF was among the first groups to call on Congress for a legislative remedy.
• In April 2011, Congress passed a measure that delisted wolves in parts of the West.
• Congress did not, as plaintiffs claim, violate “separation of powers” when it partially delisted wolves. In today’s hearing, attorneys presented ample legal precedents supporting the Congressional action. RMEF joined the other conservation groups in asking the appellate court to uphold the favorable ruling issued in August by U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy in Missoula, Mont.

Allen said, “If they lose this decision, plaintiffs could take their case to the U.S. Supreme Court. But I’m hoping that a Congressional act, two courtroom defeats and an American public that is clearly tired of all this legal wrangling will encourage our opponents to give up–and cede responsible wolf management and control to conservation professionals in each state. But we’ll have to wait and see.”

RMEF continues to fight wolf lawsuits and support delisting legislation at both federal and state levels.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is seeking to defend the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s authority to manage and control wolves as part of a state-approved plan.

Oregon wildlife officials recently announced the agency would use lethal means to stop two wolves known to habitually kill livestock in Wallowa County.

Animal rights and wolf activist groups sued the state, claiming that any loss of wolves could cause “irreparable harm” to wolf recovery in Oregon. That argument was rejected in a previous lawsuit heard in a Montana federal court.

But an Oregon court granted a temporary stay to stop the search for the two wolves until the legal merits of the case can be considered.

RMEF has filed a motion to enter an amicus curiae brief opposing the plaintiff groups.

If the motion is granted, RMEF documents outlining the need for science-based, state-regulated wolf management will be considered as part of the court’s final ruling.

“Our organization has over 15,000 members in Oregon, including hunters, ranchers and other conservationists. Together we endorse the efforts of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to manage and control wolves alongside other wild species as part of an approved plan,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “We support the agency’s work to balance the needs of wildlife with the needs of citizens.”

RMEF attorneys also continue to respond to legal wrangling by animal rights and wolf activist groups seeking to foil management plans in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and the Great Lakes states. On Nov. 8, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Pasadena, Calif., will hear arguments from RMEF and others as it considers a lawsuit alleging that Congress’ acted outside the Constitution when it delisted wolves in parts of the West.

In some areas, such as the northern Yellowstone in Montana and the Clearwater National Forest in Idaho, elk calf survival rates are now too low to sustain herds for the future.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Pack mules carrying hunters up the Las Vegas strip. Wall tents, campfires and meat poles in the palms beneath the Stratosphere. Elk wallowing in the fountains of Bellagio.

OK, maybe not.

But for three days in February, Las Vegas will indeed earn a new nickname as the Elk Hunting Capital of the World, as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation brings its annual Elk Camp convention and expo to the Las Vegas Convention Center and Riviera Hotel.

The Feb. 2-4, 2012, event is new to Vegas. Several components of the convention and expo are being refashioned from years past. RMEF officials expect a fresh energy unlike any in Elk Camp history.

“We’re really looking forward to Las Vegas,” explained RMEF President and CEO David Allen, “because it’s a new market for us with plenty of local sportsmen and out-of-town visitors to enjoy our show. But Vegas is also a fun, world-class destination to help draw RMEF members, elk hunters and conservationists from across the U.S.”

He added, “Vegas is now home to the most important three days of the year for elk and elk country. The support we generate there will be crucial for our conservation initiatives in 2012.”

For 27 years, RMEF has relied on Elk Camp to build on previous momentum and set the tone for the year ahead. In 2011, following a spirited annual convention and expo in Reno, Nev., the organization passed the 6 million acre mark for habitat conserved and enhanced nationwide, supported elk restoration efforts in Maryland and Missouri, helped mitigate the effects of historic wildfires in Arizona, introduced thousands of youths to hunting and conservation, assisted with legal efforts to delist and manage wolves in the Rockies, and much more.

For 2012 Elk Camp attendees with full registration, event highlights will include:

• Exciting fundraising auctions, raffles and games. Win the hunt you’ve always dreamed about, as well as custom firearms, jewelry, sporting collectibles and much more.
• Gala banquets and outstanding entertainment. Headliners include hit country music artists Clint Black and Craig Morgan. Back by popular demand is a surprise entertainer for Volunteer Fun Night, sponsored by Hunters Specialties. Previous surprise acts have included Neal McCoy, Sawyer Brown and Easton Corbin.
• Don’t-miss events such as the Friends of the Foundation breakfast sponsored by Browning, featuring a fun Rat Pack tribute act; ladies luncheon with a “Hillbilly Bash” theme; prayer breakfast sponsored by FCA Outdoors, and much more.
• The biggest Elk Camp exhibit hall and expo in years. Attractions, displays and activities for the whole family, plus 450 booths filled with outfitted hunting and fishing opportunities, art, gear, firearms and everything elk. Also included are Cabela’s-sponsored seminars led by authorities on hunting, horse packing, marksmanship, wild game cooking, game calling strategies and more. America’s premier hunting, fishing and travel shows, International Sportsmen’s Expositions, is managing the exhibit hall and expo. For booth information, contact service@SportsExpos.com or 800-545-6100.
• As always, Elk Camp 2012 will feature the RMEF/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships. Preliminary rounds are Feb. 3; championship rounds are Feb. 4.

Full registration through Dec. 10 is $325 for per person. Partial registration is available. For more attendee registration info, visit www.rmef.org.

For public day-traffic to the expo, daily admission is $12 per person or $25 per family, and free for kids 5 and under. Show hours: Thurs., Feb. 2, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Fri., Feb. 3, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 4, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Elk Camp sponsors include Midway USA, Gerber, Browning, Cabela’s, North American Hunter, Hunter’s Specialties, Leupold, Budweiser and Danner.

For more details, agendas and more information, visit www.rmef.org.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Kristy Titus - Pursue the Wild

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Outdoor television personality and seminar speaker Kristy Titus is the latest celeb to join the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation as a feature member of Team Elk.

RMEF recently launched the Team Elk concept to help capture the spirit of all RMEF members, now more than 180,000 strong, working together for a common goal–ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.

“Every member of RMEF is a member of Team Elk,” said Steve Decker, vice president of marketing for RMEF, “and feature members are folks who are both passionate about our mission and well positioned to represent us to new and larger audiences. Kristy fits that role. She knows elk hunting, she’s a terrific ambassador for women in the outdoors, and she loves RMEF. We’re excited to welcome her as a feature member of Team Elk.”

Other feature members include country music stars Easton Corbin and Craig Morgan, baseball hall-of-famer Goose Gossage, NASCAR personality Kerry Earnhardt, professional bull riding champions Dustin Elliott and Austin Meier, football legend Walt Garrison, hunting pros Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, and others.

Along with her Team Elk contemporaries, Titus will lend her name, fame, appearances and audience reach to help advance the RMEF cause.

“Some of my best memories are of elk hunting with my dad while packed deep into the backcountry on mules,” said Titus. “When I was 13, I was with my dad when he called in and harvested a 5×5 bull on public land in Idaho. Memories like this are why I am proud to serve RMEF and its mission in conservation and education, helping to ensure that the legacy of the hunting tradition continues for generations to come.”

The Oregon native is a lifelong hunter and angler. Her passions include elk hunting, bowhunting, do-it-yourself outdoor adventures of all kinds, conservation, fitness and empowering women to enjoy sporting traditions. Learn more at www.pursuethewild.com.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. Elk country. RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced more than 6 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined–for elk, other wildlife and hunters. RMEF also is a strong voice for America’s hunting heritage, access, wildlife management and policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference for elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has recorded its 6 millionth acre of habitat protected or enhanced for elk and other wildlife.

How much is 6 million acres?

• 9,375 square miles
• Larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined
• Larger than 12 Great Smoky Mountains National Parks, or six Glacier National Parks
• Lined up end to end, 6 million square acres would wrap around Earth’s equator 9-1/2 times
• 33 acres per RMEF member
• Average impact of 608 acres per day throughout RMEF’s 27-year history

“Six million acres is an amazing amount of conservation success in a relatively short amount of time,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

“Of course, it wouldn’t have happened without money, time and talent. That’s where our partners, volunteers, members, supporters and banquet attendees come in, and this is a significant milestone we can all celebrate together.”

The 6 million-acre total includes 1 million acres of permanent land protection projects. Examples include RMEF land acquisitions transferred to state or federal management agencies to secure habitat and public access in perpetuity. Also included is 5 million acres of habitat stewardship projects, such as prescribe burning, forest thinning and management, weed control, water improvement and many other projects, mostly on public lands.

The official 6 millionth acre recorded was part of an RMEF-funded 560-acre prescribed burn at Devil’s Canyon on BLM lands near Cody, Wyo.

Devil’s Canyon happens to represent several elements of RMEF mission. In 1998, when Devil’s Canyon Ranch owners closed a road crossing their property, the only road accessing 20,000 acres of public land beyond, RMEF joined with partners to purchase the 11,179-acre ranch and reopen access for public recreation including hunting. RMEF contributed to the acquisition then, and today continues to help enhance the area’s habitat through prescribed burns, forest thinning, invasive weed treatments and more.

The mission of RMEF is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres, a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- By tracking radio-collared elk, researchers in Michigan hope to better understand the animals’ habitat preferences, movement patterns and responses to human recreation such as hiking, biking and hunting.

The study tops a list of Michigan projects slated to receive 2011 grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

RMEF grants also will help sponsor a variety of events designed to introduce youths to outdoor recreation and conservation.

All together, the grants total $27,601 and affect 11 counties: Allegan, Cheboygan, Delta, Genesee, Iosco, Kent, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Otsego, Ottawa and Presque Isle.

“The research project is being led by Michigan State University and is focused on the Pigeon River Country State Forest in northern lower Michigan,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “This project will help us understand more about the existing and potential elk habitat in Michigan, as well as how public recreation might influence elk behavior throughout the year.”

Allen thanked RMEF volunteers and fundraiser attendees for building the organization’s conservation impact in Michigan and across elk country.

“Because of their amazing passion and generous support, we’re doing some great things locally and a national conservation milestone is within reach–our organization this year expects to reach 6 million acres of habitat protection and improvement,” he said.

RMEF grants will help fund the following 2011 projects in Michigan, listed by county:

• Cheboygan County–Quantify elk range and habitat potential in the core regions of the Pigeon River Country State Forest, the number, relative frequence and geographic scope of recreational users, temporal elk movement and habitat selection patterns (also affects Montmorency, Otsego and Presque Isle counties).
• Delta County–Provide sponsorship for Great Lakes Sports Club 2011 Youth Shooting Program to introduce students to outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Genesee County–Provide sponsorship for Passing Along the Heritage Foundation 2011 initiatives to offer hunting opportunities to physically challenged individuals, at-risk youth and disabled veterans.
• Iosco County–Provide sponsorship for Iosco County 4-H Youth Sharp Shooters Club to introduce students to outdoor recreation and conservation (also affects Ogemaw County).
• Ottawa County–Provide sponsorship for Macatawa River Greenway Outdoor Naturalist Program to introduce youth to outdoor recreation and conservation (also affects Allegan County); sponsor Michigan Mobile Marksmanship Training Unit, an archery program of the Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa Greenway (also affects Allegan and Kent counties).

Projects are selected for grants using science-based criteria and a committee of RMEF volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering agencies and universities.

Partners for 2011 projects in Michigan include Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State University and many conservation and sporting organizations.

Since 1984, RMEF and its partners have completed 90 different conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in Michigan with a combined value of more than $4.9 million.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Restoring and protecting habitat for foraging elk and other wildlife headline a list of 2011 grants for Nevada from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The RMEF grants total $42,700 and affect Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Lyon, Nye, Washoe and White Pine counties.

One project has statewide interest, affecting teachers and students across Nevada.

“Like much of the West, Nevada is seeing elk-grazing areas slowly disappear beneath encroaching pinyon and juniper. Our grants this year will help restore some of that habitat to a more natural condition,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Our grants also are supporting a conservation easement that will permanently protect a piece of habitat crucial to the elk herd northeast of Wells.”

He added, “All together, the habitat improvement projects that RMEF is funding this year could add at least 2,649 acres to the 275,870 acres that we’ve previously helped to conserve or enhance for wildlife in Nevada.”

Nationally, RMEF hopes to impact about 100,000 acres in 2011 to reach the 6 million acre lifetime mark in lands conserved or enhanced for elk and other wildlife.

Allen thanked RMEF volunteers and fundraiser attendees for building the organization’s grant coffers in Nevada, saying, “Because of their amazing passion and generous support, a major conservation milestone is within reach.”

RMEF grants will help fund the following 2011 projects, listed by county:

• Carson City–Provide sponsorship for Western Nevada Youth Calf Camp event to introduce families to outdoor recreation and conservation (also affects Washoe, Lyon, Douglas and Churchill counties).
• Elko County–Secure conservation easement on 645 acres of habitat northeast of Wells. Property contains forage and water crucial to the region’s elk herd. Property also is home to mule deer, antelope, sage grouse and other wildlife.
• Nye County–Remove entanglement threat to elk and other wildlife by taking down dilapidated interior fencing and repairing perimeter fencing on 651-acre Warner Ranch area of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
• Statewide–Provide sponsorship for the 2011 Great Basin Teachers Workshop to help elementary, middle and high school educators reach more than 5,000 students with more effective lessons on renewable resources, wildlife and conservation.
• White Pine County–Remove encroaching pinyon/juniper from 1,400 acres of elk foraging areas in Duck Creek Basin within the Schell Creek Mountain Range of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

Conservation projects are selected for grants using science-based criteria and a committee of RMEF volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering agencies. RMEF staff and volunteers select education projects to receive grants.

Partners for 2011 projects in Nevada include Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and other organizations.

Since 1984, RMEF and its partners have completed 190 different conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in Nevada with a combined value of more than $15.1 million.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Attorneys representing the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and other conservation groups on Nov. 8 will go before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Pasadena, Calif., to argue against “many weak points” in a lawsuit seeking to end state management of gray wolves and return the species to full federal protection.

The suit claims Congress acted unconstitutionally when it removed wolves from the endangered species list and cleared the way for hunting seasons now underway in Idaho and Montana.

A lower court in August ruled against the plaintiffs –a coalition of animal rights and environmental extremist groups– who quickly appealed that decision.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently granted a motion to intervene (which had been denied by the lower court) filed on behalf of RMEF and other conservation groups, ensuring that their position will be considered as part of the subsequent ruling.

In the meantime, says RMEF President and CEO David Allen, attorneys will file a court brief with data showing that elk calf survival rates in some areas are now too low to sustain herds for the future, along with other biological justification for managing wolf populations. State-regulated hunting will help bring wolf numbers and predation back into balance with other species and resources.

He said, “Wolf populations passed recovery goals under the Endangered Species Act some 10 years ago, but animal rights groups discovered that lawsuits are profitable and also stymie responsible wildlife management.

They couldn’t care less that wolf numbers in many areas are now far out of balance with biological and social tolerances.”

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- A 10-year conservation project has concluded in the Black Hills of South Dakota with 2,400 acres of wildlife habitat now permanently protected and opened for public hunting. The effort was led by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

It is the largest land acquisition to date in the Black Hills by a conservation organization in partnership with the Black Hills National Forest.

The project’s seventh and final acquisition phase on Sept. 15, 2011, moved the final 285 acres of Bill and Deena Whitlow’s former Lady C Ranch into public ownership as part of the national forest.

“The Whitlows could have sold their ranch to real estate developers for more money and a lot less time, but it was the family’s dream to save this historic landscape for its rich wildlife diversity and scenic beauty. We’re grateful to the Whitlows for their amazing patience, vision and selflessness,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

Allen thanked the U.S. Forest Service and its many dedicated staff who worked on this project over the years. RMEF volunteers, donors, members and staff also were instrumental.

Allen credited South Dakota senators Tim Johnson and John Thune, and former representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, for their longtime support in securing vital funding for the project through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The fund utilizes no taxpayer dollars, but rather permit fees from offshore energy development.

The former Lady C Ranch shares boundaries with the Black Hills National Forest and Wind Cave National Park. Its rolling terrain features ponderosa pine forests mixed with grasslands. There are deep ravines with oak, green ash, shrubs and many water sources including several springs. The Whitlows were outstanding stewards and worked hard to improve habitat. During their 19-year ownership, the property enjoyed significant increases in numbers of elk and other wildlife.

The new public acreage will be an asset to agencies working to manage and maintain elk populations in the region.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Two longtime partners in wildlife conservation and responsible outdoor recreation, Budweiser and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation are reminding hunters of three general areas of sporting ethics to consider while afield this fall.

Ethics are the unwritten rules of traditional outdoor values.

Ethics are what guide a hunter’s behavior when no one else is looking.

Personal accountability, conduct and decisions cannot be legislated, but they are among the foundations beneath science-based conservation and wildlife management.

Three general areas of sporting ethics:

1. Honor game, other wildlife and the land
   Adhere to the tenets of fair chase. Know the limits of your firearm and ability, and only take shots that you are confident will result in a certain and quick kill. Treat quarry with respect before and after the shot. Make every effort to retrieve and use all edible game. Take only as much as you can use. Be proud of the long tradition and continuing role that hunters play in conserving the wildlife and wild places enjoyed by all Americans.
2. Respect landowners
   Always ask permission before hunting on private land, even if it’s posted. Ask every time. Do not assume that being a guest once is an open invitation. Be considerate of farming and ranching operations. Keep safely away from buildings, machinery, livestock and crops. Leave gates as you found them. Treat the land as if it were your own. Thank the landowner after your hunt–offering some of your game is a friendly gesture.
3. Extend courtesy to fellow hunters as well as non-hunters
   Know and follow all applicable regulations. But understand that just because an act is legal does not necessarily make it right. Or safe. Respect the customs of the local area where you’re hunting, including the values of those who do not hunt. The Golden Rule always applies. Exercise personal behavior that reflects favorably on your sensibilities both as a good hunter and good citizen.

Hunters should never drink alcohol or use over-the-counter, prescription or other drugs before or during the hunt.

“Many hunters enjoy relaxing with a beer back at the cabin or around a campfire with friends after the hunt,” said Bob Fishbeck, senior manager, Budweiser Brands. “It’s a great way to celebrate the day.”

Budweiser has been the official beer of RMEF for over 23 years.

Since 1999, the “Help Budweiser Conserve the Outdoors” program, along with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and RMEF members, has raised more than $1.1 million for conservation and education.

David Allen, RMEF president and CEO, said, “Budweiser continues to be a true friend to hunters and conservationists, and is one of RMEF’s longest standing and most valuable partners. The company’s dedication to our mission began in 1988 with a major gift for our first-ever permanent land protection project, and it continues today with sponsorship and support on many levels throughout our organization.”

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- With hunting seasons nearing, Budweiser and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation –two longtime partners in wildlife conservation and responsible outdoor recreation– are reminding hunters of three fundamental rules for safe gun handling:

1. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction
This is the most basic rule of firearm safety. Never allow a gun to point toward people or anything you do not intend to shoot. Whether you are loading or unloading, carrying or cleaning, inspecting a scope or dry firing, no injuries or damage can occur if the gun is pointed in a safe direction. The safe direction may be up, down or to one side–and may change frequently–depending on the situation. Remain vigilant at all times.

2. Keep your finger off the trigger
Always treat guns as if they’re loaded and never touch the trigger until you’re ready to fire. Do not rely on a gun’s safety to prevent it from firing and do not handle a gun carelessly simply because the safety is on. A safety is a mechanical device that could malfunction, so consider it merely a supplement to safe gun handling. Until you’re ready to shoot, rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun.

3. Unload your firearm when not in use
Firearms should only be loaded when you are ready to shoot, whether you’re in the field or at the shooting range. Once it’s loaded, don’t lean a gun against anything, as it could fall with enough force to discharge. Also never cross a fence, climb a tree, get into a blind or perform any physically awkward action with a loaded gun. Unload your gun as soon as you are finished shooting. Keep your gun’s action open when not in use.

Along with these fundamentals, safe hunters have many other considerations. Make sure of your target and what is beyond. Know basic operation and safe handling characteristics of a firearm before you pick it up, or get help from someone who does. Ensure all guns around you are unloaded and safe. Properly maintain and clean firearms. Use correct ammunition. Wear appropriate eye and ear protection. Store guns securely. And always use common sense.

Hunters should never drink alcohol or use over-the-counter, prescription or other drugs before or during the hunt.

“Many hunters enjoy relaxing with a beer back at the cabin or around a campfire with friends after the hunt,” said Bob Fishbeck, senior manager, Budweiser Brands. “It’s a great way to celebrate the day.”

Budweiser has been the official beer of RMEF for over 23 years.

Since 1999, the “Help Budweiser Conserve the Outdoors” program, along with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and RMEF members, has raised more than $1.1 million for conservation and education.

David Allen, RMEF president and CEO, said, “Budweiser continues to be a true friend to hunters and conservationists, and is one of RMEF’s longest standing and most valuable partners. The company’s dedication to our mission began in 1988 with a major gift for our first-ever permanent land protection project, and it continues today with sponsorship and support on many levels throughout our organization.”

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Elk Hunt Forecast 2011

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Winterkill, habitat problems and wolves have driven elk numbers down in some areas.

But many of America’s roughly 800,000 elk hunters have reason to be optimistic about upcoming seasons, based on hunt forecasts compiled by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

(Note: The following data, compiled from state and provincial wildlife agencies, reflect biologists’ best estimates of elk populations. Each year, animal rights activists blatantly misrepresent these data to prop up their argument for keeping wolves perpetually on the Endangered Species List. It’s a fact that where wolves are concentrated, elk herds are being impacted. Calf survival rates in certain areas are too low to sustain herds for the future. Wolves must be managed, same as elk. In spite of the misuse, RMEF believes these data are valuable to hunters and will continue to provide them.)

Following are condensed forecasts for 29 states and provinces. See full-length versions at www.rmef.org/hunting/features. For even more detailed coverage, see the Sept./Oct. 2011 edition of the RMEF member magazine, Bugle. To join, call 800-CALL ELK.

RMEF members have now helped to conserve or enhance 5.9 million acres of habitat for elk and other wildlife.

In the forecast intro, Bugle Hunting Editor P.J. DelHomme notes, “When RMEF launched in 1984, there were 550,000 elk in North America. Fifteen states and four provinces had elk hunts. Today almost 1.2 million wild elk roam the continent and 23 states and six provinces are holding elk hunts. There’s also been a huge surge of bulls entering the record books, with world records for Roosevelt’s, tules and non-typical Rocky Mountain elk all falling in the past decade.”

This may indeed be the Golden Era of elk hunting. Good luck this autumn!

Alaska
Elk Population: Etolin (GMU 3) 300-400, Kodiak Archipelago (GMU N/A
Bull/Cow Ratio: GMU 3 19/100
Nonresidents: $85 license, $300 elk permit
Hunter Success: GMU 3 13 percent, GMU 8 N/A
Highlights: Most elk in GMU 3 reside within the formidable South Etolin Island Wilderness on Etolin Island, where 48 hunters braved the bush to kill six bulls last season. Calf recruitment is good at 51 calves to every 100 cows. Numbers for GMU 8 on the Kodiak Archipelago were not available at press time, but the area has yielded some impressive Roosevelt’s bulls in the past few years. Visit www.wildlife.alaska.gov.

Alberta
Elk Population: 33,000
Bull/Cow Ratio: N/A
Nonresidents: $255, must hire a guide
Hunter Success: N/A
Highlights: Elk populations in the foothills of the Rockies, especially west of Rocky Mountain House, this year felt the combined impact of months of deep snow and predation by wolves, mountain lions and grizzlies. However, range is expanding as elk pioneer new territory to the south and east, with some respectable bulls among them. Meat hunters should look at agricultural zones where liberal permits for cows are available. Outfitters receive roughly 10 percent of the draw tags. Visit www.srd.alberta.ca.

Arizona
Elk Population: 25,000-35,000
Bull/Cow Ratio: 35/100
Nonresidents: $151 license (nonrefundable) plus $595 elk permit
Hunter Success: 31 percent general, 39 percent muzzleloader, 24 percent archery
Highlights: The Wallow fire burned over 520,000 acres in Units 1 and 27 and many elk have been displaced to other areas. A silver lining? These units could see even more monster bulls in coming years if forage responds as it did following the massive Rodeo-Chediski fire in 2002. A mild winter meant low stress on elk but also led to a dry spring–hence the massive wildfires. Arizona Game and Fish Department’s “Hunt Arizona” offers a great resource on harvest data, drawing odds and hunting pressure. Visit www.azgfd.gov.

Arkansas
Elk Population: 440
Bull/Cow Ratio: 40/100
Nonresidents: Auction and landowner tags
Hunter Success: 63 percent
Highlights: Elk permits are available to landowners in a five-county area, with 23 permits issued under a quota system. Anyone who owns property in those counties, whether or not they are a resident, qualifies for the drawing. Nonresidents who buy a lifetime license also are eligible for the drawing. Public land hunters will find elk using an increasing number and quality of managed forage openings on the Ozark National Forest and Gene Rush WMA. Visit www.agfc.com.

British Columbia
Elk Population: 63,000
Bull/Cow Ratio: 25-30/100
Nonresidents: $180 license plus $250 elk permit, must hire a guide
Hunter Success: N/A
Highlights: Rocky Mountain elk herds are thriving, with the agricultural zones in the Peace River region a great bet. For a backcountry experience, look to the Omineca region in north-central BC. If you’ve always dreamed of hunting a trophy Roosevelt’s bull, the stars are aligned for a great season. No limits or quotas have changed since last season, and limited-entry tags are still a tough draw at roughly 35/1. Outfitters are allotted a percentage of those tags and you can bypass the long odds by booking a hunt. The $430 cost for a license and permit is a relative bargain. Visit www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw.

California
Elk Population: 11,400 (1,500 Rocky Mountain, 6,000 Roosevelt’s, 3,900 tule)
Bull/Cow Ratios: 20/100 to 90/100
Nonresidents: $151 license (nonrefundable to enter drawing) plus $1,200 elk permit
Hunter Success: 75 percent
Highlights: The West’s best hunter success rates and world-class bulls of all three sub-species await those who beat tag lottery odds ranging from 100/1 to 1,000/1. This could be the year a tule world record is broken. The largest brutes are in the East Park Reservoir and Grizzly Island units. Good spring rains should have racks in prime shape. For a backcountry experience, try Marble Mountain Wilderness, which offers 35 bull tags, 10 antlerless and 5 late-season muzzleloader/archery either-sex tags. Everyone has a shot here, as 10 of those tags (nine bull and one cow) are randomly drawn while the other 30 are weighted for preference points. Visit www.dfg.ca.gov.

Colorado
Elk Population: 283,400
Bull/Cow Ratio: 32/100
Nonresidents: $354 cow, $554 any elk
Hunter Success: 22 percent
Highlights: Colorado is an ideal destination with more than 23 million acres of public land, almost twice as many elk as any other state, over-the-counter bull tags (OTC), and an informative call-center. Rifle tags for bulls in the 2nd and 3rd season are unlimited and sold at outlets all over the state. Leftover draw tags went on sale August 9 and some may still be available. OTC rifle tags for cows are limited, but OTC antlerless archery tags are wide open in the northwest and southeast corners. The past few years have been moist with heavy snows and wet springs, which have kept forage lush and antler growth robust. Visit www.wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting.

Idaho
Elk Population: 103,000
Bull/Cow Ratio: 23/100
Nonresidents: $155 license, $417 elk tag
Hunter Success: 19 percent
Highlights: The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness is being hammered by wolf predation exacerbated by a long slide in forage quality. Elk populations are far below management objectives in the Lolo and Selway zones and slightly below objectives in the Sawtooth zone. Elk and hunting aren’t what they used to be in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, either. Statewide, elk tag sales fell from 92,565 in 2008 to 84,765 in 2010–a decline of about 8 percent. But not all the news from Idaho is bad. Populations at or above objectives in 20 of 29 elk hunt zones, and the statewide population actually broke a long plummet and grew by 2,000 animals from last year. Hunters should look to the southern and western portions of the state, as well as areas like the Owyhee-South Hills Zone, where hunters can now chase antlerless elk August through December. Visit www.fishandgame.idaho.gov.

Kansas
Elk Population: 250-275
Bull/Cow Ratio: 40/100
Nonresidents: Tenant permits and one Commissioner’s Permit, usually sold at auction
Hunter Success: 36 percent
Highlights: This past season was a tough one for Kansas elk hunters. On Fort Riley, where most of the state’s elk roam, hunters had their second-lowest success rate since the hunt began there in 1987. This year, 10 either-sex and 15 antlerless tags are available. Mammoth bulls exist but don’t come easily. The state’s other main elk herd roams the opposite corner far to the southwest in the Cimarron National Grasslands. The Grasslands themselves are closed to hunting, but over-the-counter unlimited permits are available for surrounding private lands. Visit www.kdwp.state.ks.us.

Kentucky
Elk Population: 10,000
Bull/Cow Ratio: 35-40/100
Nonresidents: $10 to apply, $130 license, $365 elk permit
Hunter Success: 65 percent
Highlights: The toughest part here is beating the odds in the drawing. This year, 61,500 applicants vied for 800 elk hunting permits, with 80 permits reserved for the nearly 19,000 nonresidents who applied. But elk look to be plentiful. A calf recruitment ratio of roughly 85/100 means nearly 2,000 more elk hit the ground each year. Also, hunting success was down last year as the acorn crop was big and the elk stayed in the hardwoods and out of the open, plus ice and snowstorms coincided with key weekends. This year, managers have dropped the 4-point or better antler restriction. Visit www.fw.ky.gov.

Manitoba
Elk Population: 6,100
Bull/Cow Ratio: 45/100
Residents only
Hunter Success: 20-60 percent rifle, 5-10 percent archery
Highlights: You have to live in the province to draw an elk permit, and they’re avidly sought. Some very large bulls roam this country. The Duck Mountain, Interlake and Porcupine regions are all consistent trophy producers. The province has numerous elk seasons running from late August through December. Visit www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/hunting/.

Michigan
Elk Population: 780
Bull/Cow Ratio: 60/100
Residents only
Hunter Success: 70-90 percent
Highlights: Managers have the elk population where they want it and are in maintenance mode, which explains why available elk permits dropped by roughly 30 percent. Applications this year were down slightly, with 35,000 people vying for 55 any-elk and 100 antlerless tags. Improving timber management and habitat on public land should mean more elk hunting opportunity in the future. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnrhunting.

Minnesota
Elk Population: 175
Bull/Cow Ratio: 50/100
Residents only
Hunter Success: 72 percent
Highlights: Less than 1,000 hunters applied in 2010 for the dozen once-in-a-lifetime elk tags available (at $250 each). But a widely publicized monster bull scoring 458-4/8 was found in Minnesota last year, and word got out that this state can grow massive trophies. No word yet on whether applications rose. The state has two herds. Managers counted 35-40 elk in the Grygla herd, which is a couple more than what the management plan calls for, and 141 elk in the “border herd.” Visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/elk.

Montana
Elk Population: 150,000
Bull/Cow Ratio: 5-25/100
Nonresidents: $812
Hunter Success: 16 percent
Highlights: The biggest news for nonresidents is the 37 percent jump in the price of an elk permit. A ballot initiative last November abolished 5,500 outfitter-sponsored licenses and forced all nonresident hunters into the drawing. For those who drew a bull tag in the Bear Paws or Big Snowies, the higher fees could be money well spent, as the bulls there are growing old and big. Winter was tough in parts of central and eastern Montana, but elk in the legendary Missouri River Breaks came through fine. Hunters would be smart to look at Region 3, which yields almost 50 percent of the annual elk harvest, including some big bulls. Wolves have taken a brutal toll on some herds. In the Danaher Basin of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, cow/calf ratios are just 9/100, down from a long-term average of 24/100. Herds in the West Fork of the Bitterroot and the lower Clark Fork watershed are in steep decline, and the famed northern Yellowstone herd continues to plummet. Visit www.fwp.mt.gov.

Nebraska
Elk Population: 2,300
Bull/Cow Ratio: 50/50
Residents only
Hunter Success: 61 percent
Highlights: Landowners are allotted one-third of all elk tags, and this year, both landowners and the general public will have the best opportunity in a decade with 294 tags, up 22 from last year. For public-land hunters, the rugged Pine Ridge in the northern panhandle offers good odds as three units there hold more than half the state’s elk herd, two-thirds of the total permit allocation and more than 100,000 acres of public land.
Visit www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov/hunting.

Nevada
Elk Population: 13,500
Bull/Cow Ratio: 32/100
Nonresidents: $142 license plus $1,200 tag
Hunter Success: 47 percent
Highlights: Through the drawing, an elk tag costs well over a grand, and that’s a steal compared to the 89 private landowner tags that sold for more than $7,800 on average last year. But 66 percent of the bulls killed last year were six-points or better, many of them jaw-droppers. Nevada’s herd has grown dramatically, swelling by 10 percent this year alone. That’s great news for residents who get 4,600 tags–a good thousand more than last year. Nonresidents are allotted 133 and odds of drawing one were 1/44 in 2009. Visit www.ndow.org/hunt.

New Mexico
Elk Population: 75,000-95,000
Bull/Cow Ratio: 40-45/100
Nonresidents: $555 standard bull, $780 quality bull
Hunter Success: 33 percent
Highlights: A mild winter and expected monsoons should have elk in top shape this fall. The state is split roughly into 30 percent “quality” units (big bulls, small odds) and 70 percent “opportunity” units. Hunters looking for plenty of opportunity should focus on the north-central units including Unit 36 where elk herds continue to grow and managers have issued more permits. For last-minute nonresident hunters with cash to spend, landowner tags are your ticket. Hunters will have a little more time to get their bull this year, with shooting hours expanded to 30 minutes before sunrise and after sunset. Visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

North Dakota
Elk Population: 1,200
Bull/Cow Ratio: N/A
Nonresidents: One raffle tag available
Hunter Success: 49 percent
Highlights: For the past few years, North Dakota has had far more elk than managers wanted. That changed last fall and winter as hunters in Theodore Roosevelt National Park culled 406 elk out of an estimated 950. Managers still hope to get numbers under 400 and another shoot is likely this year. Outside of the park, elk can be found in the northeast corner and along the west-central border, with estimated numbers at around 450. Other small herds are scattered in pockets throughout the state. This year, managers will issue 500 tags–355 any-sex and 145 antlerless tags. Visit www.gf.nd.gov/hunting.

Oklahoma
Elk Population: 2,200
Bull/Cow Ratio: N/A
Nonresidents: $306
Hunter Success: N/A
Highlights: Only 85 public-land permits were available this year, down from 330 last year. The largest herd and best opportunity is on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. A few small herds are scattered in the northeast and southeast corners of the state with one permit available for those areas. Residents looking to pull one of these once-in-a-lifetime tags have less than a 1 percent chance. But there is no quota on private-land elk and hunting access can be had for a fee. Visit www.wildlifedepartment.com.

Ontario
Elk Population: 700
Bull/Cow Ratio: 30/100
Residents only
Hunter Success: N/A
Highlights: Thirteen years after RMEF helped reintroduce elk to Ontario, the province will hold its first modern elk hunt this year. Between 300-775 elk reside in the Bancroft-North Hastings area in the southern end of the province where the hunt will take place. Lucky hunters now hold 24 bull tags and 46 cow tags for the late-September hunt. Visit www.ontario.ca/hunting.

Oregon
Elk Population: 125,000 (65,000 Rocky Mountain, 60,000 Roosevelt’s)
Bull/Cow Ratio: 19/100 Rocky Mountain, 13/100 Roosevelt’s
Nonresidents: $141 license, $501 tag
Hunter Success: 16 percent Rocky Mountain, 12 percent Roosevelt’s
Highlights: Much of eastern Oregon saw record snowfall in the mountains, and biologists are hopeful that elk populations came out unscathed. Bowhunters can prowl most of the east side with only a general tag. For rifle hunters, nearly everything east of the Cascades is permit-only, save for a second-season rifle hunt in a few units of the northeast. Roosevelt’s elk tags are still over-the-counter (except for the far northwest and southwest corners), herds are strong and there are some beasts on the hoof. This season, hunters 17 and under are required to wear a hunter orange hat or vest when hunting any big game with any firearm. Visit www.dfw.state.or.us.

Pennsylvania
Elk Population: 750
Bull/Cow ratio: 28/100
Nonresidents: $101 license, $250 elk tag
Hunter success: 80 percent
Highlights: It’s been reported before and here it is again: Pennsylvania could produce a bull this year that breaks not only state but also world records. Along with antler size, elk populations and hunter opportunity are growing. With the herd up 7 percent over last year, the state is offering 10 more antlerless tags for a total of 18 bull permits and 38 antlerless. Odds for drawing remain slim (around 1/1000), but if you do pull the coveted tag, the state boasts the highest success rate in North America. And more than half of the elk live on over a million acres of public land. Visit www.pgc.state.pa.us.

Saskatchewan
Elk Population: 16,000
Bull/Cow Ratio: 20/100
Residents only
Hunter Success: 23 percent
Highlights: It was a tough winter across much of the province, and the central and northeast areas saw high deer mortality and some elk mortality. Near the town of Hudson Bay, though, where the prairie meets the forest, managers have implemented a bulls-only season, followed by an either-sex season–all of which can be had with over-the-counter tags. In the south, elk populations are on the rise and each year seems to bring new hunting opportunities. New in 2011 are antlerless seasons in zones 21, north of Regina, and 52, south of Prince Albert. Visit www.environment.gov.sk.ca/hunting.

South Dakota
Elk Population: 3,200
Bull/Cow Ratio: 34/100
Residents only
Hunter Success: 53 percent
Highlights: There are several small prairie herds scattered across the state, but managers want to see the Black Hills herd grow to roughly 4,000. They aim to increase hunter opportunity in the long term, which means decreased hunter opportunity in the short term. Managers cut any-elk rifle tags by 25 to 470. Antlerless tags took an even bigger hit, dropping from 570 to 395. Visit www.sdgfp.info/wildlife/hunting.

Tennessee
Elk Population: 300-400
Bull/Cow Ratio: N/A
Nonresidents: 1 permit to nonresidents and 1 auction tag
Hunter Success: 60 percent
Highlights: Tennessee’s elk population is holding steady but the ultimate goal is a herd of 2,000 animals. Managers are working to expand and improve elk range while keeping hunt permits conservative. Only four permits are available for residents. Last year, two of those hunters failed to fill their tags. Visit www.state.tn.us/twra/elkmain.html.

Utah
Elk Population: 72,500
Bull/Cow Ratio: N/A
Nonresidents: $80 license plus $280 to $1,500 permit
Hunter Success: 17 percent
Highlights: Utah has produced a staggering number of record-book bulls over the past decade. The state’s largest herds are found in the Wasatch, Plateau and Fish Lake units, which should produce some serious antler growth this year on the heels of a particularly wet spring. The fact that the overall population continues to grow as well is testament to good management. The state issued 1,200 more cow tags and 1,250 more spike permits this fall. Odds are still tough for limited-entry tags. Nonresidents get 10 percent of available rifle tags. Visit www.wildlife.utah.gov/hunting/biggame.

Washington
Elk Population: 55,000-60,000
Bull/Cow Ratio: 12-20/100
Nonresidents: $434 (will increase to $497 before season starts)
Hunter Success: 8 percent general, 39 percent for special limited-entry permits
Highlights: The state’s elk population is divided about evenly between Roosevelt’s in the west and Rocky Mountain elk to the east. In the famous Blue Mountains of southeast Washington, resident and nonresident hunters alike will find over-the-counter spike tags readily available. Highly-prized permits for branch-antlered bulls will be far tougher to come by. The Yakima herd has improved and this year the area has increased antlerless permits. In the Mount St. Helens area, managers are still trying to decrease herd numbers with more special permits for antlerless elk. Both nonresident and resident hunters should take note that elk tag fees will jump nearly 15 percent effective September 1 to help cover budget shortfalls. Visit www.wdfw.wa.gov/hunting.

Wyoming
Elk Population: 120,000
Bull/Cow Ratio: 23/100
Nonresidents: $591 permit, $302 cow-calf permit, $1,071 special permit
Hunter Success: 44 percent
Highlights: Last year, hunters harvested 25,600 elk, up from the five-year average of 21,000. Biologists say mature bulls continue to thrive in most hunting units and the statewide population remains above management objectives. The dark exception is the state’s northwest corner. Elk numbers in the Clark’s Fork and Cody herds are still down due to predation and poor habitat. The Jackson herd that summers in Yellowstone is well off the mark, too, and managers are being conservative on tags. Roughly half the hunting units just outside the park have set quotas, one is closed and rest are limited to antlered elk only. Visit www.gf.state.wy.us/wildlife/hunting.

Yukon Territory
Elk Population: 250-300
Bull/Cow Ratio: 24/100
Residents only
Hunter Success: 52 percent
Highlights: With two distinct herds, Takhini and Braeburn, the territory held its first elk hunt in a quarter-century in 2009, and followed it with a second hunt last year. Those hunts were overwhelmingly successful–too successful. Hunters had a 73 percent success rate on bulls and a 31 percent success rate on cows. So this year managers are offering cow-only permits to lighten the pressure on bulls while reducing overall herd numbers down to management objectives. The target bull/cow ratio for the area is 50/100. Visit www.environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Fighting invasive, encroaching vegetation and restoring native forage for elk and other wildlife are the main themes in a list of 2011 grants for Utah from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Combined, the new RMEF funding totals $174,700 and affects 16 counties: Beaver, Cache, Carbon, Duchesne, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier, Tooele, Uintah and Utah.

An additional RMEF-funded conservation project–researching best designs for wildlife road crossings–has statewide interest.

“Fire suppression has slowly allowed pinyon and juniper to overtake many areas where elk once grazed, and non-native plants like cheatgrass are further reducing both the size and nutritional value of grasslands across Utah,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Our grants this year are focused on restoring Utah elk country to a more natural and pristine condition.”

He added, “All together, the habitat improvement projects that RMEF is funding this year could add at least 18,000 acres to the 891,256 acres that we’ve previously helped to conserve or enhance for wildlife in Utah.”

Nationally, RMEF hopes to impact about 100,000 acres in 2011 to reach the 6 million acre lifetime mark in lands conserved or enhanced for elk and other wildlife.

Allen thanked RMEF volunteers and fundraiser attendees for building the organization’s grant coffers in Utah, saying, “Because of their amazing passion and generous support, a major conservation milestone is within reach.”

RMEF grants will help fund the following 2011 projects, listed by county:

• Beaver County–Improve water availability for elk and other wildlife by increasing storage capacity of an existing guzzler in the Woods Reservoir area of the Wah Wah Mountain Range.
• Cache County–Prescribe burn 1,392 acres to restore aspen and improve forage for elk in the Right Hand Fork area of Logan Canyon in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
• Carbon County–Prescribe burn 603 acres to improve forage for elk and reduce hazardous fuels in the Price Canyon Recreation Area of BLM lands northwest of Helper Utah; clear pinyon-juniper encroachment from 745 acres in Fish Creek and Dugout Creek areas of BLM lands.
• Duchesne County–Thin 657 acres of ponderosa pine to improve understory shrubs, grasses and forbs for elk, moose, mule deer, turkey and other wildlife in the Petty Mountain area of Ashley National Forest.
• Emery County–Aerially seed native grass and forbs and remove pinyon-juniper encroachment to improve 541 acres of elk habitat on BLM lands in the Grimes Wash area of Manti Mountains.
• Garfield County–Install a 10,000-gallon guzzler to provide water for elk, turkey and other species in the Dry Hollow area of Dixie National Forest.
• Grand County–Thin encroaching pinyon-juniper from 900 acres of sagebrush flats used by elk and other wildlife in the Book Cliffs area between Cedar Camp Ridge and Willow Flats; aerially seed native grass, forbs and shrubs on 324 acres in Moon Ridge area of Book Cliffs; prescribe burn and seed 1,100 acres on the San Arroyo Burn Pasture in the Cisco Desert of BLM lands near the Colorado/Utah border.
• Iron County–Mulch and hand-thin encroaching pinyon-juniper on 1,700 acres of sagebrush-steppe habitat used as winter range by elk on BLM land southeast of Beaver, Utah. This is the sixth year of an ongoing project to improve habitat on over 9,000 acres in the area (also affects Beaver County).
• Millard County–Aerially apply herbicide to reduce and control cheatgrass invasion on 645 acres of elk habitat northeast of Holden, Utah.
• Piute County–Thin pinyon-juniper to improve 1,000 acres of sagebrush-steppe habitat used by elk and mule deer in the City Creek area of Fishlake National Forest; install exclosure fencing to prevent overbrowsing in five aspen stands in the Box Creek area of Monroe Mountain in Fishlake National Forest (also affects Sevier County).
• San Juan County–Thin encroaching pinyon-juniper from 800 acres of elk winter range in the Dry Wash, Johnson Creek and Recapture drainages of Manti La-Sal National Forest; re-seed native vegetation on 1,311 acres as the first phase of a larger project to improve habitat in the Peters Canyon area of BLM lands north of Monticello, Utah.
• Sanpete County–Remove encroaching pinyon-juniper from 607 acres of ponderosa pine, sagebrush and cottonwood habitat used by elk and other wildlife in the southern portion of the Ferron Ranger District of Manti La-Sal National Forest (also affects Emery County).
• Sevier County–Improve elk and deer transitional habitat on 268 acres by mechanically treating pinyon-juniper and aerially seeding native grass and forbs in the Old Woman Plateau area east of Salina, Utah; remove pinyon-juniper, treat cheatgrass and re-seed native vegetation on 966 acres south of Glenwood, Utah.
• Statewide–Continue research on the effectiveness of different sizes, types and locations of wildlife road crossings across Utah. Results will help determine most effective designs to allow elk and other wildlife to move safely under and over roads.
• Tooele County–Remove pinyon-juniper encroachment on 150 acres of sagebrush-steppe habitat used by elk on the west side of Deep Creek Mountains on BLM lands; remove pinyon-juniper and reclaim areas damaged by illegal OHV use to improve forage on 1,561 acres in the foothills of the Oquirrh Mountains of BLM lands.
• Uintah County–Construct temporary exclosure fencing to prevent over-browsing by elk on 14 young aspen stands covering 60 acres in Book Cliffs area; mechanically thin 392 acres of pinyon-juniper encroachment to restore sagebrush habitat in the Boulevard Ridge area of Book Cliffs.
• Utah County–Improve forage for elk and mule deer by removing pinyon-juniper on 242 acres in Spanish Fork Canyon of Manti La-Sal National Forest.

Projects are selected for grants using science-based criteria and a committee of RMEF volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering agencies and universities.

Partners for 2011 projects in Utah include Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Forest Service, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, other agencies, organizations and landowners.

Since 1985, RMEF and its partners have completed 315 different conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in Utah with a combined value of more than $30.4 million.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

Pennsylvania --(Ammoland.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today said that the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) continues to be an important partner on many projects to improve elk and wildlife habitat in northcentral Pennsylvania, and 2011 stands to be no different than previous years.

“This year’s project on State Game Land 311 will improve 42 acres where previous coal mining from decades ago destroyed the top soils,” Roe said.

“Past mining left this area a barren and damaged landscape that did not support much wildlife or wildlife habitat. Additional funding comes from the Domtar Paper Mill, and the Game Commission funds.”

According to Dennis Dusza, Game Commission Northcentral Region director, it costs about $3,000 per acre to improve these damaged landscapes by bringing in the paper mill soil additive, which consists of wood fibers and lime that are a waste product in the paper manufacturing process. The soil additive is chisel-plowed into the sites, seeded and fertilized.

“Domtar is willing to do these projects with the Game Commission in cooperation with RMEF for partial reimbursement of its costs,” Dusza said. “This year’s project will result in 42 additional acres being improved with the high-alkaline soil additives. RMEF will pay $45,000 this summer.

“Domtar Paper Mill matches the RMEF funds with $76,000 worth of labor and materials being spent to upgrade the pH of the soils, and the Game Commission will add $5,000 of its own land management funds to the project.”

The Domtar Paper Mill has been involved in a cooperative effort to improve poor soils and create wildlife habitat on State Game Lands since 1997.

“It gives us much satisfaction that we have made a beneficial, positive and lasting impact toward improving the wildlife habitat of our region,” said Andy Redmond of Domtar-Johnsonburg Mill.

By September, these 42 acres - which are spread out in four different locations on SGL 311 - will be treated to produce high-quality clovers, legumes, grasses and some grain crops for elk and other wildlife to feed on for years to come.

“Elk, wild turkeys, whitetail deer and black bear heavily use these sites,” Dusza said. “Some cottontail rabbits and numerous species of furbearers and non-game wildlife, such as songbirds, other mammals and even aquatic life and reptiles and amphibians, benefit from these improved soils.”

Roe noted that, over the past decade, RMEF funding has improved more than 110 acres on SGL 311, including some sites that were improved with the RMEF/Paper Mill cooperative project.

“Some of these areas improved with RMEF funding continue to have great herbaceous cover on them and the soil pH is more balanced, making it more conducive to planting vegetation beneficial for all wildlife,” Roe said. “Prior to these projects, the soil had pH levels that were not sufficient for growing plants for wildlife habitat. Today, when hunters and others visit SGL 311, there are nearly 200 elk grazing on these improved acres.”

This June, in just the first week of mowing these openings, Game Commission employees reported seeing more than 20 fawns, three elk calves, a number of rattlesnakes in some locations, and numerous broods of young turkeys. Agency biologists captured six additional elk calves and fitted them with radio collars as part of the elk population research project.

“The Game Commission mows these herbaceous openings at least once per summer to keep the grasses and clovers young and tender,” Dusza said. “This makes it better for insects, such as grasshoppers, which in turn feed turkeys and grouse that live in the adjacent forested areas. The tender grasses and legumes also are a favorite of deer and rabbits.

“Over the past 15 years, RMEF also assisted with funding land purchases of some of the tracts of SGL 311. Today, nearly 3,100 acres are spread out in the Winslow Hill area of Benezette Township, Elk County, making up SGL 311. Those acres border the Elk State Forest, which is more than 200,000 acres and provides food, cover, water and space for elk and other wildlife.”

The Moshannon, Sproul and Susquehannock state forests, along with SGLs 14, 34 and SGL 321, all are adjacent lands that add up to nearly one million acres of public lands for elk and other wildlife to use. RMEF-funded projects have helped to create and improve herbaceous openings through these areas where elk and many big woods species of Pennsylvania wildlife thrive.

“RMEF is proud to play a significant role as a conservation partner in Pennsylvania elk range, along with the Game Commission and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry,” said Dave Ragantesi, RMEF senior regional director. “Our long-standing partnerships have helped conserve and enhance more than 14,000 acres of habitat, and we look forward to a continued working relationship in which the elk, other wildlife and the citizens of the Commonwealth will benefit.”

“Hunters and others can be thankful for such a good conservation minded organizations such as RMEF,” said John Dzemyan, Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor, who oversees this habitat work on State Game Lands. “They have been and they remain an important and active partner in Pennsylvania’s Elk Management Program with emphasis on wildlife habitat for elk and all species of wildlife that live in Pennsylvania Elk management areas.”

For more information on RMEF, visit www.rmef.org, or the Pennsylvania RMEF chapter’s website at www.pennsylvaniarmef.org.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- A trophy bull can turn up almost anywhere in elk country but opportunities to take one are rare.

When a monster steps out, a hunter often has no time to count antler points, much less compute scores. But not always. Sometimes there’s ample chance to really focus and size up an elk in your search for the bull of a lifetime.

Will you know a world-class trophy if you see one?

“All elk hunters are fascinated by antlers, but not everyone recognizes what it takes to grow trophies. Big headgear is a product of genetics, age and nutrition provided by great habitat,” said David Allen, president and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. “Learning to field judge antlers will help you understand even more about the elk you’re looking at, whether it’s one for the record books–or one to let walk away and grow up.”

RMEF offers the following general guidelines adapted from material provided by Boone and Crockett Club. For details, read “A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game.” Visit www.boone-crockett.org.

Counting Points–Most mature bull elk are 6x6s. An elk’s first antlers are usually spikes. In good habitat, a bull may have a 5-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and then a small six-point rack as a 3-1/2-year-old. Its best antlers, however, usually come at age 9-1/2 to 12-1/2, so remember that not every 6×6 is a trophy. Instantly identifying a six-point bull is not difficult. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger you’re almost certainly looking at a five-point antler. If there’s another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps making a horizontal “Y,” then you’re looking at a six-point antler.

A perfect, typical trophy rack has a combination of long points, long beams, good mass and a wide spread. However, some of these criteria are more important than others. Let’s look at each.

Beam Length–Most great elk have long main beams. In the all-time records book, the average beam length of the top 10 typical heads is over 58 inches. However, the average beam length of the bottom 10 is 55-4/8 inches–not much difference. If a bull appears able to “scratch his rear-end with his antlers,” it likely has the frame to be a trophy. No need to spend much more time considering beam length.

Inside Spread–Boone and Crockett records show a wide variation on spreads of trophy elk. Interestingly, the narrowest head in the book outscores the widest, which should be enough to tell you that spread isn’t everything. The top 10 typical entries range from 38-2/8 to 53 inches of inside spread for an average of 46-2/8 inches. The bottom 10 range from 38 to 49-4/8 inches for an average of 42-4/8 inches. Again, not a significant difference. In the field, simply look for a spread that stretches well outside the ears. This should indicate a spread somewhere in the low to mid-40s, and that’s really all you need be concerned about.

Mass–Most really big elk have heavy antlers that carry good mass through the length of the main beam. However, mass is very hard to judge. It’s unusual to have a lot of time to look at a big bull and mass is not where you should spend most of it. Just remember that very few elk considered “big” in the more visible characteristics have thin antlers. When hunting, quickly look for antlers that are visibly as large or larger in circumference than the ear bases, which are about 9 inches around. More importantly, the antlers should maintain that thickness to at least the fifth point.

Tine Length–If you have time to study a bull, really look at the tines. Length of the points is the single most important trophy criteria. The good news is that point length is one of the easiest things to judge because there is a yardstick. On a big American elk, the distance from the burr of the antler to the tip of the nose is about 15-4/8 inches. Let’s start at the bottom of the antlers and work up. A curved brow tine that appears to reach the end of the nose will be about 18 inches long. The next two points are usually shorter, but they still need to approach the burr-to-nose yardstick. Now comes the truth-teller, the dagger point. The dagger point is usually the longest point, and on a monster bull it will be half-again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick, or even almost double that measurement. On a 6×6, the last point matters a lot. It has to be strong, at least 8 or 10 inches. This is less important if the bull is a 7×7, but you still need some inches in the top of the rack.

For a typical American elk, Boone and Crockett requires a minimum of 360 points to enter the Awards Book, and 375 points for entry into the All-time Records Book. For most bulls, inside spread is only 10-15 percent of its score. Mass is usually less than 20 percent. Beam length is worth close to 25 percent. This math means tine length accounts for about 40 percent of the score, sometimes more but rarely less.

So let’s look through the spotting scope at a really good 6×6 American elk. Get your notebook out. The bull seems to have really long beams, almost scratching his rump. Estimate 55 inches on each side: 110 points. Spread is fairly wide but not noticeably splayed out. Figure 45 inches of inside spread: 45 points. Mass isn’t huge, but pretty good. It starts at a normally heavy 9 inches and keeps it pretty well, maybe 30 inches of circumference on each antler: 60 points. So far, the bull is totaling 215.

Now let’s work out the points. The brow tines curve nicely and seem to pass the tip of the nose, about 18 inches each: 36 points. The next two points are about 16 inches each on both sides: 64 points. The daggers are quite good, about half again longer than the burr-to-nose yardstick. Let’s give them 22 inches each: 44 points. The back fork is also pretty good, about 8 inches on each side: 16 points.

Assuming both sides are equal, with no deductions for lack of symmetry, and you’re looking at a bull that will score 375–a Boone and Crockett-class typical bull!

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Yesterday, August 3, 2011, will go down as one of the better days in a decade-long battle for science-based wolf management.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation leaders are encouraged by progress on two fronts.

A federal judge upheld Congress’ recent delisting of wolves in Idaho, Montana and other parts of the West. And the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced an agreement on wolf management plans in Wyoming.

Both developments help clear the way for state management hunts needed to control burgeoning wolf populations. In some areas, elk calf survival rates are now too low to sustain herds for the future.

“We’re encouraged by these positive steps toward managing wolves as part of overall conservation objectives,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “This is forward movement in our fight to make sure that all states, from the Pacific Northwest to the Great Lakes, have the authority to manage fully recovered species like wolves.”

“Real on-the-ground science is the big winner in all of this, as there is no doubt that wolves are recovered and should be managed like all other wildlife. To date, no one has shown science to dispute this fact,” he added.

Allen thanked sportsmen and conservationists for their patience through the endless lawsuits that have kept America’s historically successful system of wildlife management stymied in courts.

But he also cautioned, “Until the wolf problem is fixed permanently, we’re likely to see appeals, more legal antics and frivolous lawsuits by extremist groups who literally make their living by suing the federal government–and creating crises where there are none, for the purpose of raising funds.”

Allen said RMEF will remain diligent as plaintiffs consider taking their case to higher courts. RMEF also will continue to urge lawmakers for nationwide delisting measures, and advocate for updating and modernizing delisting language within the Endangered Species Act.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Improving elk habitat and introducing thousands of students to traditional outdoor recreation and conservation are the main themes in a list of 2011 grants for Pennsylvania from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

All together, the new RMEF grants total $68,694 and affect Armstrong, Bedford, Blair, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Dauphin, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Lehigh, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Montgomery, Potter, Sullivan, Washington and Westmoreland counties, plus Philadelphia.

Three additional projects have statewide interest.

“This year, our grants will cover the costs of seed, fertilizer, herbicide–as well as lime and a paper-mill byproduct used to improve soil conditions–to enhance forage for elk and other wildlife,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

“We’re pleased to support the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources in this important work.”

Allen said about 2,100 acres of habitat will be enhanced via 2011 grants in Pennsylvania.

Nationally, RMEF hopes to impact about 100,000 acres in 2011 to reach the 6 million-acre lifetime mark in lands conserved or enhanced for elk and other wildlife.

Allen thanked RMEF volunteers and fundraiser attendees for building the organization’s conservation impact in Pennsylvania and across elk country, saying, “Because of their amazing passion and generous support, we’re doing some great things locally and a national conservation milestone is within reach.”

RMEF grants will help fund the following 2011 projects:

• Armstrong County–Provide sponsorship for Armstrong County Sportsmen and Conservation League 2011 Youth Field Day to introduce students to traditional outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Bedford County–Provide sponsorship for Everett Sportsmen Junior Rifle Club 2011 to introduce students to traditional outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Blair County–Provide sponsorship for Keystone Sportsmen for Youth 2011 Field Day to introduce students to traditional outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Cameron County–Maintain and refurbish state game lands to improve 2,050 acres of habitat for elk, deer, turkey, grouse and other wildlife. Projects include lime, fertilizer and herbicide applications, seeding and mowing (also affects Centre, Clearfield, Clinton and Elk counties).
• Clarion County–Provide sponsorship for Clarion County 2011 Youth Field Day to introduce students to traditional outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Dauphin County–Provide sponsorship for Capital Area Sportsmen for Youth 2011 Field Day to introduce students to traditional outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Elk County–Refurbish 50 acres of forage openings to improve grazing conditions for elk and other wildlife on State Game Lands #311. Project involves application of a byproduct (biosolids) from Domtar-Johnsonburg Paper Mill to improve soil pH (also affects McKean County); provide sponsorship for Elk County 2011 Youth Field Day to introduce students to traditional outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Erie County–Provide sponsorship for Edinboro University Highlander Archery 2011 to engage students in traditional outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Fayette County–Provide sponsorship for Fayette Gun Club 2011 Youth Shooting Day to introduce students to traditional outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Lehigh County–Sponsor Camp Compass Academy 2011 to introduce students to traditional outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Mercer County–Provide sponsorship for Mercer County 2011 Youth Conservation Camp to introduce students to traditional outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Montgomery County–Provide sponsorship for Lower Pottsgrove Sportsmen’s Association 2011 Youth Program to introduce students to traditional outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Philadelphia–Provide sponsorship for Pennsylvania Master Naturalist 2011 Program, a pilot program to train participants for leadership in community conservation, restoration and education projects.
• Potter County–Provide sponsorship for Coudersport Reservoir 2011 Youth Fishing Derby to engage students in traditional outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Statewide–Provide sponsorship for Wildlife Leadership Academy 2011 to train students for community service in conservation; sponsor Pennsylvania Institute for Conservation Education 2011 Teacher Workshop; sponsor Pennsylvania 2011 National Archery in the Schools Program.
• Sullivan County–Provide sponsorship for East Lycoming and Sullivan County School Districts 2011 Sixth Grade Outdoor Education to introduce students to traditional outdoor recreation and conservation (also affects Lycoming County); sponsor Sullivan County High School 2011 Shooting Sports.
• Washington County–Provide sponsorship for Allenport Rod and Gun Club Children’s 2011 Fishing Contest to introduce students to traditional outdoor recreation and conservation; sponsor California Hill Gun Club 2011 Scholastic Clay Target Program (also affects Fayette County); sponsor Pennsylvania Scholastic Clay Target Program 2011 Zone Shoots (also affects Fayette County); sponsor Roscoe Sportsmen’s Association 2011 Junior Trap League; sponsor Roscoe Sportsmen’s Association 2011 Youth Day.
• Westmoreland County–Provide sponsorship for Kingston Veterans Sportsman Club 2011 Youth Field Day and Pheasant Hunt to introduce students to traditional outdoor recreation and conservation.

Conservation projects are selected for grants using science-based criteria and a committee of RMEF volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering agencies and universities. RMEF staff and volunteers select education projects to receive grants.

Partners for 2011 projects in Pennsylvania include Pennsylvania Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Game Commission, numerous sportsmen and gun clubs, schools, businesses and many organizations.

Since 1985, RMEF and its partners have completed 242 different conservation and education projects in Pennsylvania with a combined value of more than $20.5 million.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- A new forest stewardship project in Idaho is showcasing a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation national program built to deliver conservation while boosting local economies.

Acting as a nonprofit partner with the Salmon-Challis National Forest, RMEF is overseeing a project to thin overgrown forest, improve habitat for elk and other wildlife, and reduce wildfire risk on 570 acres in the Hughes Creek area of Salmon, Idaho.

RMEF’s job is ensuring that conservation objectives are met and subcontracting with local companies to do the actual work.

For payment, subcontractors trade some of their services in exchange for goods–namely, the wood products harvested as part of the stewardship project. Forest Service funding as well as grants from other sources, such as the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, cover the balance.

In addition to restoring the forest to a more natural condition, “One of the best things about the Forest’s arrangement with RMEF is the contracting process is more flexible and can take into account values that include, but are not limited to, price. Our community and local Forest Service need people in this valley who are capable and willing to work in the woods at a decent living wage. Hughes Creek is an effort to fix a system that felt broken to a lot of us,” said Gina Knudson of Salmon Valley Stewardship.

Knudson is part of the Lemhi County Forest Restoration Group, a collaboration of governments, industries, conservationists and homeowners concerned about the health of local forests. Together they designed the Hughes Creek Fuels Reduction Project.

Dale Kerkvliet of RMEF said, “The grassroots instigation and the continued support and active involvement of these partners has been contagious. Our shared vision is utilizing local talent and resources to make this watershed more resilient to wildfire–and more accommodating to elk.”

Habitat conditions in Hughes Creek have diminished over time in the absence of fire. Conifers have encroached into meadows and noxious weeds have become established. Forest thinning followed by prescribe burning will improve forage quantity and quality.

Similar conditions and potential remedies may be found all across the 194,000-acre North Fork Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest. In 2010, forest officials entered into a 10-year agreement with RMEF to oversee forest stewardship projects. The Hughes Creek project is the first to get underway.

RMEF’s Habitat Stewardship Services program, under the direction of Kerkvliet, is developing similar agreements and projects with other federal agencies and local communities across the West. Montana and Wyoming also have seen early successes.

In 2003, Congress authorized the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to enter into stewardship contracts and agreements with groups like RMEF, “to achieve land management goals for the national forests that meet local and rural community needs.”

The “community needs” part of the objective is especially meaningful for Dave Melton of Bighorn Outfitters, one of the local subs awarded a contract in the Hughes Creek project.

He explained, “I’m sure glad to be able to bid on work here in Lemhi County and keep our crew here in town. Otherwise, they may have to leave home to find work in North Dakota like many others have already done in these though times.”

• For more information about this project, visit the URL below: www.salmonvalley.org/HughesCreek.html.
• For more about the RMEF Habitat Stewardship Services program, visit the URL below: www.rmef.org/Conservation/HowWeConserve/Stewardship/Services/

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Elk and other wildlife in New Mexico need water and foraging areas, and newly announced 2011 grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will help provide both in areas across the state.

Also receiving RMEF funding is a research project measuring impacts of wolf restoration on elk populations in the Gila National Forest.

Combined, the new RMEF grants total $75,503 and affect nine counties: Catron, Cibola, Lincoln, Mora, Otero, Sandoval, San Juan, Socorro and Taos counties.

“It’s a never-ending battle to knock back the pinyon and juniper encroaching into areas where elk used to graze, but it’s still one of the most important habitat issues in New Mexico today,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

“Providing adequate water is another concern, and we’re sending significant dollars toward replacing and repairing guzzlers for elk and other wildlife.”

He added, “All together, the habitat improvement projects that RMEF is funding this year could add at least 6,600 acres to the 455,023 acres that we’ve previously helped to conserve or enhance for wildlife in New Mexico.”

Nationally, RMEF hopes to impact about 100,000 acres in 2011 to reach the 6 million-acre lifetime mark in lands conserved or enhanced for elk and other wildlife.

Allen thanked RMEF volunteers and fundraiser attendees for building the organization’s grant coffers in New Mexico, saying, “Because of their amazing passion and generous support, a major conservation milestone is within reach.”

RMEF grants will help fund the following 2011 projects, listed by county:

• Catron County–Research elk habitat use and mortality from predation in the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area of the Gila National Forest. Wildlife managers will use results to develop elk harvest quotas.
• Cibola County–Begin first phase of the new Bluewater Ecosystem Management Project to restore habitat in the Zuni Mountains west of Grants, N.M. First-year projects include thinning 2,123 acres of pinyon, juniper and other encroaching shrubs and trees, and prescribe burning 2,720 acres in the Cibola National Forest.
• Lincoln County–Deepen two existing wetlands and create six additional wetlands to improve water availability for elk in 16-acre Blue Lake meadow in Lincoln National Forest.
• Mora County–Restore riparian zones to improve wetland forage, provide water and improve habitat for elk and other wildlife east of Wagon Mound, N.M.
• Otero County–Replace a nonfunctioning guzzler while increasing capacity to 4,500 gallons to improve habitat for elk and other wildlife on the Sacramento Escarpment on BLM lands east of Tularosa, N.M.; prescribe burn 450 acres to improve forage in the Southern Sacramento Mountains Restoration Project Area of Lincoln National Forest.
• Sandoval County–Install two large water tanks on Santa Fe National Forest, one in the Cuba Ranger District and one in the Jemez Ranger District, to enhance habitat for elk and minimize conflicts with elk on adjacent Bandelier National Monument.
• San Juan County–Thin encroaching pinyon and juniper on 126 acres and install a new “inverted umbrella” wildlife-watering device to improve habitat for elk, deer, turkey, bear and other species in the Rattlesnake Canyon Wildlife Specially Designated Area.
• Socorro County–Improve forage for elk by mechanically treating 267 acres of pinyon-juniper encroachment on BLM lands in the East Magdalena area.
• Taos County – Repair guzzler to improve water availability for elk and other wildlife on BLM lands near Cerro del Aire; construct exclosure fencing around young aspen stands to protect from over-browsing on BLM lands on Taos Plateau.

Projects are selected for grants using science-based criteria and a committee of RMEF volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering agencies and universities.

Partners for 2011 projects in New Mexico include Bureau of Land Management (BLM), New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Texas Tech University, U.S. Forest Service, other agencies, organizations and landowners.

Since 1985, RMEF and its partners have completed 256 different conservation and education projects in New Mexico with a combined value of more than $19.3 million.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s Northeast New Mexico Chapter is teaming up with the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, N.M., for a one-of-a-kind shooting sports event especially for hunters, August 26-28.

The “Big Bull Shootoff” simulates field situations and shot opportunities encountered during archery and firearms hunts for big game. The course is designed to challenge and hone shooting skills.

The event is open to anyone interested in hunting, shooting and conservation.

Competition is being divided into classes for men, women and youths–plus special divisions for RMEF chapters from around the country vying for organizational bragging rights and unique traveling trophies for the best rifle and archery teams.

“The event begins on a Friday with open shooting to allow registered shooters to warm up, followed by several fun-shoot events and a special RMEF reception. On Saturday, the shooting events begin in earnest. Saturday night features a big game banquet, auction, raffles and games. We’ll wrap up on Sunday with a breakfast awards ceremony to honor our shooting champions,” said Doug Doherty, RMEF regional director for New Mexico.

The main rifle competition offers 10 stations with 20 targets out to 400 yards, with scores based on shot placement and time. United Bowhunters of New Mexico is working with the RMEF chapter to set up a 3-D archery course using the same concept as the rifle competition. Both are limited to 150 competitors each.

In addition to these featured competitions, other attractions will include sporting clays, five-stand and other shotgun, pistol and rifle shooting, product vendors exhibiting their latest and greatest, and RMEF’s new Project SAFE program to help young and novice shooters discover America’s hunting heritage and conservation.

For event details, pricing and registration, contact RMEF volunteers Ira or Lynette Simpson at (575) 445-3988. Reservations are limited. Registration closes Aug. 12.

The entire event is a fundraiser to support RMEF’s mission to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. Since 1985, RMEF and its partners have completed 256 different conservation and education projects in New Mexico with a combined value of more than $19.3 million.

The NRA Whittington Center is one of the nation’s premier shooting sports facilities. Founded in 1973, the center offers many competitive, educational and recreational activities in all shooting disciplines–and hosted more than 115,000 visitors in 2010. On site camping and lodging facilities are available (there also are many hotels in Raton). Learn more about the center at www.nrawc.org.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Relocating elk and improving habitat in the Clam Lake area, plus sponsoring numerous youth education initiatives across Wisconsin, are the main themes in a list of 2011 grants for Wisconsin from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

All together, the new RMEF grants total $ $52,111 and affect 24 counties: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Douglas, Fond du Lac, Forest, Green Lake, Iowa, Kewaunee, La Crosse, Lafayette, Marathon, Milwaukee, Portage, Price, Sawyer, St. Croix, Washburn, Waukesha and Wood counties.

“The ‘assisted dispersal’ of the Clam Lake elk herd is making news in Wisconsin, and we’re pleased to help with that relocation project. We expect it to help the herd grow by moving elk to new areas with good habitat and reducing elk mortality from wolves and highway accidents,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

Allen said about 120 acres of habitat will be enhanced with 2011 grants in Wisconsin.

Nationally, RMEF hopes to impact about 100,000 acres in 2011 to reach the 6 million-acre lifetime mark in lands conserved or enhanced for elk and other wildlife.

Allen thanked RMEF volunteers and fundraiser attendees for building the organization’s conservation impact in Wisconsin and across elk country, saying, “Because of their amazing passion and generous support, we’re doing some great things locally and a national conservation milestone is within reach.”

RMEF grants will help fund the following 2011 projects, listed by county:

• Ashland County–Improve forage for elk on the decommissioned Navy ELF corridor by applying herbicide on 20 acres and bio-controls (insects) on 2 acres, mowing 58 acres, hand-cutting trees and shrubs on 30 acres and prescribe burning 12 acres in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (also affects Sawyer County); provide funding for radio telemetry equipment operated by students from Glidden High School to research elk habitat use and movement patterns in the Clam Lake area (also affects Price County); sponsor Clam Lake Elk Visitor Center costs associated with an informational kiosk.
• Barron County–Provide sponsorship for Coyland Creek 2011 Youth in the Outdoors Day to introduce youths to outdoor recreation and conservation (also affects Polk, Burnett and Washburn counties).
• Columbia County–Provide sponsorship for Fall River School District National Archery in the Schools Program to introduce students to outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Dane County–Provide sponsorship for Blackhawk Bowhunters Archery Club programs to introduce youths to outdoor recreation and conservation; sponsor Lake Marion 2011 Family Fishing Day.
• Dodge County–Provide sponsorship for Wisconsin Outdoor Alliance Foundation 2011 Outdoor Education Expo to introduce youths from across the state to outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Douglas County–Provide sponsorship for Superior High School National Archery in the Schools Program to introduce students to outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Forest County–Provide sponsorship for Laona School District National Archery in the Schools Program to introduce students to outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Green Lake County–Provide sponsorship for the Berlin Conservation Club’s 2011 Youth Outdoor Skills Day to introduce youths to outdoor recreation and conservation (also affects Fond du Lac County).
• Iowa County–Provide sponsorship for Friends of West Park 2011 Youth Fishing Day to introduce students to outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Kewaunee County–Provide sponsorship for St. Paul’s Lutheran School National Archery in the Schools Program to introduce students to outdoor education and conservation.
• La Crosse County–Provide sponsorship for La Crosse Rifle Club hunter safety program to educate youths on proper use of firearms and archery equipment; sponsor West Salem Rod and Gun Club 2011 youth event.
• Lafayette County–Provide sponsorship for Lafayette County 4-H Club archery program to introduce youths to outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Marathon County–Provide sponsorship for Marathon County 2011 Sporting Heritage Day to introduce youth to outdoor recreation and conservation; sponsor Wausau West High School National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP); sponsor Rib Mountain Bowmen Club House NASP; sponsor Weston Hunter Safety Group hunter safety classes; sponsor Stratford Sharp Shooters and Stratford Public Schools NASP.
• Portage County–Provide sponsorship for Antler Archers 2011 Youth Archery Program to introduce youths to outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Price County–Provide sponsorship for the Phillips School District Outdoor Activity Group which works to introduce students to outdoor recreation and conservation; sponsor Phillips Sportsman’s Club 2011 Youth Field Day to introduce Phillips area youth to outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Sawyer County–Relocate 12-15 elk from the Clam Lake herd to unoccupied habitat expected to enhance elk survival and expansion rates (also affects Ashland, Bayfield and Price counties); provide sponsorship for Hayward RMEF 2011 Outdoor Youth Day to introduce students to outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Statewide–Provide sponsorship for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) production of a hunting regulations informational packet; sponsor WDNR Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center 2011 Learn to Hunt Workshops; sponsor WDNR biologist attendance at Eastern Elk Management Workshop in preparation for Wisconsin’s first elk hunt in 2012.
• St. Croix County–Provide sponsorship for Baldwin Christian School National Archery in the Schools Program to introduce students to outdoor recreation and conservation.
• Waukesha County–Provide sponsorship for Wisconsin House Outdoorsmen hunter education programs to instruct students on hunting and firearms (also affects Milwaukee County).
• Wood County–Provide sponsorship for Wisconsin Rapids Kiwanis Club 2011 Youth Outdoor Day to introduce youths from across the state to outdoor recreation and conservation; sponsor West Central Wisconsin 2011 Intro to the Outdoors Youth Education Day.

Conservation projects are selected for grants using science-based criteria and a committee of RMEF volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering agencies and universities. RMEF staff and volunteers select education projects to receive grants.

Partners for 2011 projects in Wisconsin include U.S. Forest Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, sportsmen clubs and many other organizations.

Since 1985, RMEF and its partners have completed 211 different conservation and education projects in Wisconsin with a combined value of more than $5.9 million.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy will decide whether Congress acted within Constitutional bounds when it delisted wolves in parts of the West.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has filed notice of its intent to appeal any decision that adversely affects states’ rights to manage fully recovered wolf populations.

Molloy is expected to hear arguments soon from animal rights groups and environmental extremists who sued to challenge the legality of Congress’ recent action.

An unfavorable ruling could stop wolf management hunts planned for fall in Idaho and Montana–even though elk calf survival rates in some areas are already too low to sustain herds for the future.

“We are protecting our right to appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals any decision that results in another setback for conservation and science-based wildlife management,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

“Our notice of intent to appeal includes a motion to stay any unfavorable outcome pending our appeal process.”

As he did with other conservation groups, Molloy recently denied an RMEF motion to intervene in the lawsuit. At least two groups filed a second motion asking the judge to reconsider. RMEF opted for a different response.

“We’re hoping for the best but preparing for the worst,” explained Allen. “A decision could go either way because the laws being challenged leave too much to interpretation. This built-in gray area is the inherent problem with federal rulemaking on wildlife that is not endangered or threatened. All the science shows that wolves are recovered. But as long as the federal government is involved, there will be more lawsuits and, potentially, more unfavorable rulings. The new motion we filed prepares us for that scenario.”

“We will continue to fight until all states, from the Rockies to the Great Lakes, have true state management authority unfettered with federal oversight,” he added.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.7 million acres, a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- A new television series premiering July 3 at 3:00 (ET) on Outdoor Channel, “RMEF Team Elk” features the hunting and conservation adventures of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation members.

A host of members appear in the show’s first season, including celebrities such as baseball Hall-of-Famer Goose Gossage, outdoor personalities Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, football legend Walt Garrison, racing champion Johnny Unser, pro bull riders Dustin Elliott and Austin Meier, along with other RMEF members, volunteers, supporters and series hosts Brandon Bates and Cameron Hanes.

The premiere episode features Montana logger, cowboy and RMEF co-founder Charlie Decker pursuing a monster five-by-five management bull on the White Mountain Apache Reservation in Arizona. Decker also reflects on RMEF’s historic success. From humble beginnings, the organization has become a major force for conservation with 178,000 members–salt-of-the-earth folks as well as celebrities–working together as Team Elk.

RMEF soon will pass the 6 million acre mark in habitat conserved or enhanced for elk and other wildlife.

After the premiere, new episodes of “RMEF Team Elk” will air Sundays at 3:00 (ET) with additional airings Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. (ET) and Saturdays at 6:00 p.m. (ET).

The show is the first television series fully owned and produced by RMEF.

“‘RMEF Team Elk’ is more than a TV show. It’s part of a growing movement that’s making a difference for conservation and the future of hunting,” said Steve Decker, vice president of marketing for RMEF. “The show uses a new website and social media to further engage viewers in our mission. I hope everyone who likes what they see on TV will become another proud member of Team Elk.”

Watch for “RMEF Team Elk” promotions and news at:

• Web site: www.TeamElk.org
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/RMEFTeamElk
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/TeamElk

Presented by MidwayUSA, “RMEF Team Elk” enjoys additional sponsorship from Weaver, Browning, Brunton, Danner, Hunter’s Specialties, Buck Knives, Eberlestock, Cooper Tires, Sitka, Nosler, NAP, Budweiser, Under Armour, Archer Xtreme and Buckstop Truckware.