The truth about RMEF and Wolves?

[snake]

Ive read some conflicting things online about RMEF's stance on wolf reintroduction and the current management/ removal of wolves.  Do any of you know what their "official" stance is, or have any background information.  I am trying to decide where my donation money is best spent.

[Ghost Hunter]

Might be a place to start.      https://www.rmef.org/?s=wolf+status

[boneaddict]

No idea about their stance on wolves, but I dumped them with their stance with the tribes. 

[MeepDog]

"The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation maintains that state agencies should manage wolves just as they manage elk, bears, deer, mountain lions and other wildlife species."

[Special T]

When wolves were becoming a problem RMEF didnt take a position on wolves. They lost of ton of membership because of it.  Many critter organizations are like RMEF insofar that they are habitat focused. They are NOT a hunting advocacy group. I personally find that many critter orgs like to flirt with the messaging that they are advocates to lure in members.  I wouldn't say that these groups are bad, but generally we as sportsmen take that flirting messaging and run with it. I think that issues that affect said critters outside of habitat are a no go zone for a variety of reasons, mostly revolving around how they fund themselves though grants, lad swaps and conservation easements they make money on. Whatever statement RMEF makes on wolves will be as mild as possible. 

[MeepDog]

I'd much rather have my money going to habitat than lobbyists but that's just me. Plus they have cool calendars.

[pianoman9701]

When the whole wolf plan was a thing over a decade ago, RMEF wouldn't get involved. SCI is a better use of your conservation dollars, IMO.

[Special T]

I'd much rather have my money going to habitat than lobbyists but that's just me. Plus they have cool calendars.

I think that is a personal choice and if that is how you feel then organizations like RMEF are a great place for you to give money. Animals need habitat and better habitat can hold more animals for us all.

To me, the question about RMEF stance on wolves implies the injection of politics with RMEF. You wont get that from them. Where you put your time and money is a personal choice. Just dont be confused about what an organizations mission is.

[Bob33]

It’s not difficult to find something to criticize about any organization: RMEF, NRA, SCI, the Republican party, and the list goes on. I believe you have to weigh the good and the bad that an organization does for the causes you support. RMEF does a lot of good for habitat, and that is good for hunters.

[idaho guy]

I dropped out of rmef when they first introduced wolves and their lack of a stance on it. I am back in as a supporter both through membership and the auction etc. i support the foundation for wildlife management to help fund wolf management and rmef to support elk habitat and what they do. There is no one organization that’s going to do all the things that are important to me so I just made the decision to support multiple groups. I like the howl for wildlife stuff I have been reading about too. I’m starting to think the most important thing I could support are groups that are fighting for trapping and hunting rights at the state level. I know sci has been good there but I like the call to action e mails and stuff I have been getting from howl for wildlife. I just need to learn more about them

[kellama2001]

No idea about their stance on wolves, but I dumped them with their stance with the tribes.

I'm not familiar with their stance on the tribes, is there somewhere I can go to read up on this?

[boneaddict]

Its more of a personal or historical exchange.   They started hosting their banquets at the tribal casinos and throwing big money into them.  I questioned it due to much of the controversy that often comes up on here. Their response was not stellar so I pulled the plug. It was a personal decision.  Throwing money to a lobbying power that is often against us as hunters just didnt sit well with me.   Until the tribes step up and regulate like say the  Colvilles do, well lets just say wolves are a different nail in the coffin.   

[kellama2001]

Interesting. Thanks for the explanation 

[NW SURVEYOR]

I had a discussion with a few RMEF Officials about 6 years ago.
They were at another table at a restaurant discussing issues and I realized who they were.
I introduced myself and they invited me to sit with them for a while, which I did.
After a while I specifically asked, "Why isn't RMEF more vocal with regards to anti-wolf legislation?

The response was very insightful.
Basically, any group or organization that ACTIVELY supports measures to control wolf populations gets sued.
Realizing that any lawsuits would consume precious dollars that would otherwise be used for habitat improvement, they decided to avoid the issue.  As they rely on contributions and hope to spend members money wisely, the thought of giving that money to attorneys did not seem right.
That are the Rocky Mountain ELK Foundation, not the Rocky Mountain Anti-Wolf Foundation.
After that explanation, I was satisfied that they had the goals of the foundation clearly in sight.

I will be at the Coeur d'Alene RMRF Banquet on Saturday March 18th with about 5 hunting partners and our wives.
We intend to spend a few bucks, have a few drinks and enjoy ourselves.
Hope to see ya there!

Rob.

[Special T]

I had a discussion with a few RMEF Officials about 6 years ago.
They were at another table at a restaurant discussing issues and I realized who they were.
I introduced myself and they invited me to sit with them for a while, which I did.
After a while I specifically asked, "Why isn't RMEF more vocal with regards to anti-wolf legislation?

The response was very insightful.
Basically, any group or organization that ACTIVELY supports measures to control wolf populations gets sued.
Realizing that any lawsuits would consume precious dollars that would otherwise be used for habitat improvement, they decided to avoid the issue.  As they rely on contributions and hope to spend members money wisely, the thought of giving that money to attorneys did not seem right.
That are the Rocky Mountain ELK Foundation, not the Rocky Mountain Anti-Wolf Foundation.
After that explanation, I was satisfied that they had the goals of the foundation clearly in sight.

I will be at the Coeur d'Alene RMRF Banquet on Saturday March 18th with about 5 hunting partners and our wives.
We intend to spend a few bucks, have a few drinks and enjoy ourselves.
Hope to see ya there!

Rob.

Thank you for your honest description of who the RMEF is.  I realize that I may be a little salty on this issue, or other issues related to habitat.  I think RMEF and others do a good job on habitat. My personal beef is that some orgs portray that they are hunters advocates, and they are not. I believe in honesty in advertizing so that we know what we are donating towards. Nothing more, or less.