MISSOULA, Mont.–Elk and elk hunting opportunities are abundant in much of North America, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is offering a sneak peek at upcoming seasons in its annual roundup of hunt forecasts for 28 states and provinces, now posted at www.rmef.org.

“Generally speaking, elk populations are in great shape and hunters have much to look forward to across the West, as well as in several Midwestern and Eastern states,” said David Allen, president and CEO of the Elk Foundation. “A mild winter, much needed spring and summer moisture and our habitat conservation successes all factor into our optimism for the upcoming hunting season.”

This summer, RMEF passed the 5.8 million acre mark for habitat conserved or enhanced for elk and other wildlife.

Allen added, however, that wolves continue to be a growing concern in regions where the predators share habitat with elk and other big game herds.

In some areas, elk calf survival rates are now insufficient to sustain herds for the future. The urgent need to control wolf populations is a localized wildlife management crisis now compounded by a recent court decision to return wolves to full federal protections under the Endangered Species Act. RMEF has asked Congress to intervene and grant management authority to the states.

Here’s a condensed look at elk data from state and provincial wildlife conservation agencies. To see these forecasts in their entirety, with links to respective elk regulations or other Web pages, visit www.rmef.org. For even more coverage, see the Sept./Oct. 2010 edition of the RMEF member magazine, Bugle. To join, call 800-CALL ELK. Read more…

MISSOULA, Mont.–The board of directors of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has voted to restore a wild elk herd in part of the state, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has responded by pledging support for the effort. Possibilities could include RMEF funding assistance, technical expertise and/or volunteer labor.

The state’s restoration plan calls for relocating 75 elk into Buchanan County in southwest Virginia. Releases could begin by 2012. Biologists are hoping for a sustainable elk population and a limited elk-hunting season within four years. County officials are expecting significant economic and tourism benefits similar to those in neighboring Kentucky, which launched its own restoration program over a decade ago and now boasts the largest elk herd east of the Rockies.

At an agency meeting on Aug. 17, RMEF volunteers and staff spoke passionately in favor of elk restoration, although several other organizations were opposed. The board voted unanimously to restore elk into Buchanan County, which strongly supported the concept.

“Hats off to the citizens of Virginia, and especially those of Buchanan County, who understand there is no higher calling in conservation than restoring a native game species to sustainable, hunt-able, balanced populations. For everyone who doesn’t understand it today, I believe you’ll be convinced over time that this was the right decision, the right thing to do, the right way to go about it,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

To be a part of this historic conservation effort in Virginia, join and support RMEF. Visit www.rmef.org and click “Attend an Event” to find fundraisers planned across the state. For additional information, call 800-CALL ELK or contact Chris Croy, RMEF regional director for Virginia, at 704-551-6223 or ccroy@rmef.org.

MISSOULA, Mont.–Wildlife conservation and public education projects in 18 Pennsylvania counties have been selected to receive grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 2010.

The new RMEF funding, totaling $115,580, will affect Armstrong, Bedford, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Fayette, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Potter, Sullivan, Tioga and Washington counties.

Other projects have statewide interest. Read more…

MISSOULA, Mont.–Some 3,000 weevils are scheduled for an Aug. 12 release into areas of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Anaconda, Mont. If the bugs establish breeding populations and hold true to their species’ habit of boring into and killing spotted knapweed, a noxious plant that displaces native grasses and forbs, this “bio-control” project over time will improve significant habitat for elk and other wildlife.

The project is receiving funding and volunteer manpower from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, along with partnership and expertise from the U.S. Forest Service.

The weevil species to be released, Cyphocleonus achates, is known for laying eggs at the base of spotted knapweed plants. Developing larvae bore into the taproot, damaging weed tissues and eventually killing the plant. Read more…

Winner will hunt with Cam Hanes in 2011 with 2 travel days (an 8 hour horse-back ride to and from Camp) and 5 days of hunting. Travel to and from the outfitter will be the responsibility of the winner. Hunt to be filmed for the Elk Foundation’s Elk Chronicles Television Show on the Outdoor Channel-RMEF Team Elk. http://www.cgwildernessadventures.com.

Entries will be collected August 1 – December 31, 2010. Odds of winning will be determined by the number of entries. Open to legal residents of the United States and the District of Columbia, 18 years of age and older. Sweepstakes ends February 1st, 2011. Drawing will be held on March 4th 2011 at the Peppermill Casino in Reno, NV. For Official Rules, go to http://www.cabelas.com. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited.

MISSOULA, Mont.–The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is calling for immediate Congressional review and reform of the Endangered Species Act following a judge’s decision yesterday to reinstate full federal protection for gray wolves.

The Aug. 5 ruling means state wildlife agencies no longer have authority to manage skyrocketing wolf populations–even in areas where wolf predation is driving cow elk, moose and elk calf survival rates below thresholds needed to sustain herds for the future.

RMEF says the judge has opened a door for perhaps the greatest wildlife management disaster in America since the wanton destruction of bison herds over a century ago. Read more…

MISSOULA, Mont.–The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has announced the promotion of 10-year employee Blake Henning to the position of vice president of lands and conservation.

Henning will oversee habitat enhancement projects, grant programs, conservation easements, land acquisitions and transfers to public agencies, stewardship contracting and other programs at the center of RMEF’s mission to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.

RMEF has helped to conserve or enhance habitat on over 5.8 million acres. So far in 2010, it has helped to permanently protect over 22,000, and enhance over 16,000, acres. Read more…

As the RMEF Bull Run Chapter Co-Chairperson it is more important now than ever that I recommend that we voice our support of the “Initiation of a Virginia Elk Reintroduction Program”! The RMEF has publicly announced its support this project and there are some great benefits to the state and localities when this project has been approved and put into practice.

Here’s the page: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/elk/management-plan/ Read more…

MISSOULA, Mont.–Wildlife conservation and public education projects in seven Minnesota counties have been selected to receive grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 2010.

The new RMEF funding, totaling $29,965, will affect Beltrami, Goodhue, Kittson, Marshall, Otter Tail, Roseau and Wilkin counties.

Other projects have statewide interest. Read more…

Caliber: .300 Savage
Capacity: 4 Round
Barrel Length: 22”
Overall Length: 42”
Weight: 7 lbs
Drilled and tapped for scope mounts
Your Price: $1250.00

The RMEF is pleased to present a very special offer to our membership, the rare opportunity to own a Savage Arms 50th Anniversary Commemorative Model 110 Classic rifle.  The classically styled short action model is the first ever Savage bolt-action rifle chambered in 300 savage.  With only 1000 rifles produced, our friends at Savage Arms have decided to offer the remaining rifles to RMEF to sell in support of our mission.  These highly collectible rifles MSRP for $1724, but through this special offer to the RMEF membership we are selling them for just $1250 (shipping included) while supplies last!

The special edition rifle features a high luster blued barreled action, a high-grade hinged floorplate with 24-karat gold plating and etch block scroll patterns on both sides of the receiver.  Other details include 24-karat gold plated double barrel bands, 24-karat gold plated Accutrigger and an embossed recoil pad.  The beautiful semi-fancy American walnut stock features a distinctive checkering pattern with wraparound checkering and a shadow line cheekpiece.

Order by Phone
Call toll-free 866-266-7750
Mon-Fri 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (MST)
Sat-Sun 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (MST)
Email inquiries: vcfirearms@rmef.org

Welcome to Elk Country!

Every purchase made from the Elk Country Trading Post directly supports the efforts of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Help show your support with a new shirt from the RMEF and Elk Country Trading Post. Shop now for the best selection of new designs, fresh colors and great savings!

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MISSOULA, Mont.—With their latest petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, animal rights activists are preparing to sue for federally mandated release of wolves in every state, warn officials with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

David Allen, RMEF president and CEO, says animal rights groups have learned that introducing wolves translates to major fundraising, and activists have found a way to exploit the Endangered Species Act—as well as taxpayer-funded programs that cover lawyer fees—to push their agenda and build revenue through the courts. Read more…

MISSOULA, Mont. (July 20, 2010)—If you’re even a casual trout angler, you’ve probably heard of Montana’s Smith River. Even if you don’t give a hoot about fishing, the Smith is still a special place, because this blue-ribbon trout stream has blue-ribbon scenery to match. Anyone lucky enough to draw a permit to float it is in for an unforgettable 59-mile trip through the towering limestone canyon carved by the Smith.

Smack in the heart of that canyon, the river is joined by a gorgeous tributary flowing in from the east. Tenderfoot Creek not only provides vital spawning habitat for the Smith’s bruiser browns and rainbows, it’s a five-star trout stream in its own right. Follow the Tenderfoot up through the Little Belt Mountains and you’ll find yourself in the lair of legendary bull elk and buck mule deer. From massive aspen stands to high alpine basins, it’s classic Big Sky elk country.

Now, thanks to an agreement between the Bair Ranch Foundation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and the Tenderfoot Trust, 8,200 acres along Tenderfoot has the opportunity to be conserved and opened to the public. The land lies in a checkerboard of ownership, with almost 13 square miles interspersed with National Forest land. Read more…

MISSOULA, Mont.–For elk hunters who’d like to be better elk callers, there are few mentors more qualified today than Joel Turner, reigning and two-time champion of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships.

Turner, 33, of Eatonville, Wash., won his second world title in three years at the March event held as part of RMEF’s Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo.

A police officer and state firearms instructor by trade, Turner also is a devout elk nut, bowhunter, guide, naturalist and call maker. He’s spent the past several years developing an elk calling philosophy and hunting system–some of it based on tactical theory–that has consistently produced bulls in multiple states.

Turner shared the following five tips for better elk calling and hunting: Read more…

MISSOULA, Mont.—For the second year in a row, America’s premier charity watchdog has given its highest marks to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Only 21 percent of all U.S. charities have attained Charity Navigator’s coveted 4-star rating for two or more consecutive years. The achievement denotes RMEF’s exceptional ability to manage and grow finances—a key factor for donors selecting top-performing conservation organizations for philanthropic gifts.

Ratings data show RMEF spends just 6.7 percent on administrative costs, and 3 percent on fundraising costs. Therefore, more than 90 cents of every dollar that RMEF spends goes directly to its mission of ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. Read more…