Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is a nonprofit conservation and pro-hunting organization in the United States. Founded on May 14, 1984, by four elk hunters—Bob Munson, Bill Munson, Dan Bull, and Charlie Decker—its mission is to ensure the future of elk and other wildlife by conserving, restoring, and enhancing their habitats[1][2][3].

History

RMEF was established in Troy, Montana, by a group of hunters dedicated to preserving elk and their habitats. Despite humble beginnings, with only a few hundred initial members, the organization grew rapidly. By the end of 1984, it had nearly 2,500 members, and its first convention was held in Spokane, Washington, in April 1985[2][3].

Mission and Activities

RMEF focuses on several core objectives:

• Conservation of Habitat: The organization has worked to conserve over 8.9 million acres of wildlife habitat for elk and other species[4].
• Promotion of Hunting Heritage: RMEF advocates for the importance of hunting in wildlife conservation, emphasizing the financial and practical contributions hunters make to conservation efforts[5].
• Public Access: Creating and improving access to public lands is a central mission, achieved through land acquisitions, exchanges, and easements[5].
• Education and Advocacy: RMEF educates the public about conservation, ethics, and wildlife management, while advocating for policies that support hunting and conservation[1][5].

Conservation Accomplishments

Since its inception, RMEF has:

• Completed nearly 15,000 conservation projects[2].
• Restored elk populations in states including Kentucky, North Carolina, Ontario, Tennessee, Missouri, Virginia, and Wisconsin[1].
• Supported significant legislation and policy initiatives, such as the Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2014[1].

Media and Outreach

RMEF produces a television show called "RMEF Team Elk," which highlights elk habitat and hunting, while promoting conservation and hunting heritage[1]. The organization also hosts events like the World Elk Calling Championships and the Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo[5].

Partnerships and Endowments

RMEF collaborates with various federal, state, tribal, and private organizations to advance its mission. Notable endowments include the Torstenson Family Endowment, established in 2012, which supports permanent land protection and habitat stewardship[1].

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Mountain_Elk_Foundation [2] https://rmef.org/rmef-history/ [3] https://www.rmef.org/elk-network/40th-anniversary-throwback-a-walk-down-memory-lane/ [4] https://rmef.org/elk-network/rmef-celebrates-four-decades-of-conservation/ [5] http://rmef.org/partners/