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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.

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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.

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