Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

[fisheral87]

Curious about how many of you guys are members of the foundation and if you can point me in the direction of some unaffiliated source that gives exaples of what the organization has done in the past? It is one thing to hear what they are doing from the horses mouth, but I would really be impressed if there were positive feed back from a third party that would convince me that these people are have been and continue to be a great ambassadore for elk populations everywhere. Facts? Opinions? Sources?

Thanks.

[bowhuntin]

I have been a member for the past four years. They do a lot of good things for elk and wildlife in general. In the past year or two they have helped in a land exchange on the eastside to make sure critical habitat was their for the future of elk and other animals, and I know they have local chapters all over that volunteer and help with habitat enhancement and other projects. I will continue to support them.

I know these links are not what you are looking for, but they are somethings the RMEF has helped with.

http://www.rmef.org/Conservation/HowWeConserve/Protection/Projects/Washington/projectdetail?project_id=348

http://www.rmef.org/Conservation/HowWeConserve/Protection/Projects/Washington/projectdetail?project_id=383

Here is a link to projects by county statewide...

http://www.rmef.org/NewsandMedia/NewsReleases/2008/WApacs.htm

[jeepasaurusrex]

Been a member for about 10 years.
There is a local chapter in Everett.

Also check out http://wildelk.org/

[Huntbear]

I am also a member of the RMEF.  However, I feel they are going the same way SCI did, in that it is all about the money, not the hunters.  Seems the wealthier you are, the more they want to talk to you or give you a hunt.....  just my 

[GoldTip]

I've been a member for probably 15 years, good org. in my book.  They have done a lot, probably more than any other wildlife foundation, excepting ducs unlimited.  I think they unfortunately get guys grumbling about how they are about the big dollars.  Hell yes they are to an extent, you think they fund all these projects off of once a year $35 dollar dues?  But I the things is, most of the land(other than their big ranch somewhere) is useable by vritually all sporstmen, members and non-members.  They are a good organization in my opinion.

[huntnphool]

I have been a member for several years and have donated a few dollars in that time. I sent them a letter a few months ago expressing my displeasure and concerns regarding them booking their banquet at the Snoqualmie Valley Casino this past year. I explained that this was a direct slap in the face of sportsman and members and I would not be contributing funds as long as they maintained this relationship with the tribes, or until the tribes hunting practices were changed. I received a letter in response and it explained their reasoning, which I believe to be unacceptable and . There hearts are in the right place but the decision makers need to be more educated on the local challenges the elk face.

[fisheral87]

Any chance you could post the letter you recieved stating their reasoning?

[Elkstuffer]

I've been a member since 1994. Started the Polson, Montana chapter in 1996 with a couple friends. They do a lot of good for ALL wildlife. Politically they like to stay in the middle sometimes. I wish they had taken a stronger stance on the wolf issue.

[bowhuntin]

Any chance you could post the letter you recieved stating their reasoning?

I think it is on here some where, I will see if I can find it for you...

Are you thinking about becoming a member or are you one too?

Took me a while but I think this is what you wanted to see. Here is the link

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,14197.0.html

[7mag.]

I have been a member for many years and I like what they do. They are not perfect and they are a human run organization, so they can't always make everyone happy all the time, but I beleive that they are a good foundation to be a part of.

[Jackjr]

Been a member for 6 years. 

[bow-n-head]

I hear a lot of bogus stories about the Elk Foundation. Buying land and closing it up or leasing it to outfitters, are the two that really get me going. I have an aunt and uncle here in Montana that are district chairs. Going to a RMEF banquet saturday. I know no other organization that does more for elk period. The great thing is everyone I know in the organization is also an elk hunter.

[Slider]

I am also a member. I also wrote a letter to them about a Banquet being held at an Indian Casino. They are not perfect but really it's about helping the animals!!! 

[gasman]

I have been a member sence 1996 and will keep my membership going............


They are not what they used to be, but they do a lot for land conservation and we all can benifit from that.

[MagKarl]

I've been a member for several years.  RMEF is an organization focused on the preservation of habitat more than anything.  Can't have elk without it.  It's not a elk hunting organization, although most folks that are members probably hunt.  If you read about the projects they do, most of it is land improvements or temporary acquisition in order to prevent loss of critical habitat to development.  It takes big money to do this, that's why they chase the big donors.  Go to a banquet and take a look around, see if it fits you.  I know that when I attend one I don't have to know anyone in the room but fit right in, my kind of folks.