Elk Tracks

Randy Newberg

TO ALL CONCERNED:

RMEF is an organization comprised of hunters and non-hunters who all have a deep passion for wildlife conservation. Recently an issue has arisen regarding the election one of our new Board members. The following will state our position on this issue.

RMEF is a diverse enough organization to allow for opinions/beliefs of all hunters and those non-hunters who support hunting as part of our conservation toolbox in this country. We support and work with private landowners, outfitters and do-it-yourself hunters alike; RMEF’s history speaks for itself on this issue. We intend to continue with these relationships.

Relative to the recent issue of Randy Newberg being selected for a RMEF Board seat, the leadership of the RMEF Board has notified Mr. Newberg that we welcome him to the Board beginning March 3.

RMEF strongly believes that hunter vs. hunter confrontation is non-productive for the future of hunting and wildlife conservation.

Respectfully,

John Caid M David Allen

Chairman, RMEF Board President & CEO

I recently had the privilege of taking 15-year-old Dylan Lytle from Afton, Wyoming, on his first elk hunt as part of a program sponsored by the RMEF’s Jackson Hole Chapter and the Wyoming Wildlife Federation. Dylan did not disappoint. He gave us both some of the fondest memories one could ask for. He killed his first elk—a five point bull—with his grandfather’s Remington 760 Gamemaster .308. The icing on the cake was that Dylan did it all just hours after his father Jim Lytle, an RMEF member, arrived home from military training in Alabama.

Dylan and his first elk

Dylan took hunter’s safety while his dad was in Kuwait with the 115th Fires Brigade as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Dylan and Jim hunted the last two years together, killing a couple two-point mule deer bucks and making some great memories. Jim was surprised and grateful when he heard Dylan was going to have a chance to hunt this year, despite Jim himself being out of state.

However, our first weekend campout in Wyoming’s Gros Ventre Wilderness near Jackson Hole produced nothing—not even a glimpse of an elk. That did not deter Dylan’s resolve. He was more than willing to put up with horses, mules, camping and me for yet another weekend in the woods.

The following Friday afternoon, I set up camp while Dylan struck out on an evening hunt. He saw two elk, both of which were on the move and did not offer a shot. Saturday morning we saw no elk, or even fresh tracks, in the 7 inches of snow in the drainage bottom.

That evening we decided to hunt a ridgeline between two drainages. We spotted a lone bull and started our stalk. All of a sudden we saw two bulls running beside us. Dylan set up, while I cow called. The bulls stopped momentarily, but then moved off. A spike appeared following their tracks, and a cow call stopped him at 250 yards away. Dylan shot, but missed.

Bright and early the next morning, we headed up a little drainage where we saw two spikes and a couple of cows. They sensed us and moved uphill into dense tree cover. We proceeded a few yards ahead, and there on the hill above us, we spotted an elk’s butt sticking out from behind a tree at no more than 250 yards. We crawled a bit to our right to see more of its body and confirmed it was a bull.

Dylan set up using the shooting stick we’d picked up on the trail earlier, aimed, then deliberately and methodically squeezed the trigger. The gunshot echoed through the canyon as the bull bolted through the trees and out of sight. We climbed the steep hillside and found an obvious bloodtrail in the snow. Five hundred yards away—deep inside a twisted downfall—the bull lay dead from a shot to the lungs. We field dressed the elk, cut it in half, and began the multiple-hour pull/slide down the hill to the meadow below. Maneuvering through the downfall was tough, and the steep slope and wet, slippery snow had us on the ground as much as we were on foot. Then we hiked to camp and brought the horse and mules back to the meadow. Camp robbers entertained us while we boned out the elk. One even landed on Dylan’s arm.

Since Dylan’s riding mule was laden with elk meat, he had to hike back to the trailhead. But he didn’t complain. He knew that was just part of the deal.

Along the way I asked Dylan what he enjoyed most during our five-day hunt. “Dragging the elk halves off the mountain,” he replied. In other words, he cherished the hunting, not just the killing. And that’s the way it should be.

By Steve Kilpatrick, Jackson Hole Chapter

Las Vegas Convention Center

Outside the Las Vegas Convention Center, it's a beautiful day. The sun is shining, the winds are calm and temperatures are in the mid-50s.

Inside, it's a completely different story where all of the "meteorological" terms seem to apply: stormy, blustery and turbulent. In truth, it is a real whirlwind of activity but it's a controlled frenzy where the smiles of renewed friendships abound. You see, staffers from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation are busily setting up booths, unpacking crates and boxes, hanging banners, and unrolling the red carpet for thousands of RMEF members and volunteers descending on Vegas from all over the country for Elk Camp, RMEF's annual 29th convention.

And they're not alone either. Exhibitors from 350 companies and organizations setting up more than 600 booths covering 200,000 square feet are hard at it too--climbing ladders, hanging elk and deer mounts, displaying apparel and wares, and doing whatever they need to do to get ready. And then there are the convention center workers buzzing around the facility on forklifts, scooters, three-wheeled, and various four-wheeled vehicles moving supplies and merchandise to and fro.

What's the bottom line? Come Thursday morning, rain or shine outside, everything and everyone will be in their proper places as the doors swing open on the International Sportsmen's Exposition. Plenty to do. Plenty to see. With nightly activities scheduled at the Mirage, the spotlight of Elk Camp will shine brightly on elk, conservation, hunting, the outdoors and those who love them.

Las Vegas Convention Center

And they’re off…

The Las Vegas Convention Center doors swung open on Thursday morning, the last day of February, and the people started to pour in for the largest Elk Camp exposition yet. Yes indeed after months of waiting, the fun is finally underway at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's 29th annual national convention.

In reality, it got off to a jump-start on Wednesday night at the Elk Camp Reception. Hundreds of cowboys, cowgirls, men and women, young adults and others—all elk lovers from all across the country—gathered to renew friendships, share hunting tales and just plain enjoy life. Country music recording artist Daryle Singletary and his rich, deep tones entertained the RMEF family by playing an acoustic set of favorites leading to plenty of toe-tapping from those lucky enough to have a table up front to the standing room only crowd in the back. (And here’s a “heads up” for you. Daryle is also part of a new Elk Camp tradition. He and his musically talented friends recently spent time in the studio to record a special version of America the Beautiful. And he did it just for RMEF! Look for it at a big game banquet near you.)

Daryle Singletary (right) entertains at the Mirage

More than 12,000 people are expected to walk the expo floor over the next four days. And that’s just to check out the more than 600 booths—a daunting task especially when there is so much to soak in. Remember, there are also auctions, loads of RMEF garb, the 25th anniversary of the World Elk Calling Championships, and so many others sights and events to enjoy.

Yes, it’s going to be a great run!

Going once, going twice...

And the winner is…elk! And conservation! And all those who opened their pocketbooks and wallets to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage! That’s how it goes at a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation auction. And at Elk Camp, the donations are even bigger, as are the benefits.

Team Elk trailer & signature of recording artist Zac Brown inside

Elk Camp 2013 features a wide array of products that, in the end, raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for conservation over the stretch of four different gatherings—the Ladies Auction, Hunters Bonanza Auction, Friday Auction and Saturday Auction. RMEF President and CEO David Allen said it best when he said “The hunt auctions are always a highlight of Elk Camp. From elk in Montana, to plains game in Africa, to tahr in New Zealand, buying a hunt at an RMEF auction is a great way to support conservation because these hunts were donated to our organization by devoted outfitters.”

The donations are as amazing as they are varied and cover an incredibly wide array of tastes, interests, and even dreams. There are more than five dozen featured hunts and trips. There are almost two dozen special hunting permits up for auction on behalf of state agencies and tribes, with the vast majority of proceeds returning to those agencies to fund conservation programs. And don’t forget the firearms and bows—dozens of them. There are sharp things, shiny things, big things, small things, sparkly things, and things (a black lab puppy & a mule) that require feed, care and even loving.

The list of auction items that elk-loving folks will return home with is lengthy. When the sun ultimately sets on another Elk Camp, proceeds from the auction payments will linger much longer than the winnings in the form of more funding for elk, elk country and conservation.

And that makes everyone a winner.

Going once...going twice...Sold!

I think Cyndi Lauper hit the nail on the head in her 1983 mega-hit “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” And the women of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation fall right into line with Lauper’s words of wisdom. You want evidence? Take the opening day auction schedule at Elk Camp, RMEF’s national convention at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Let’s start with the Hunters Lunch and Auction. The Hunters Auction is open to men and women but men dominate the scene. An estimated 500-strong fill the auction hall with their western-style shirts and cowboys hats where the atmosphere is rather tame. The Hunters Auction goes as planned as item after item is displayed, auctioned, and purchased. There may be a victorious thumbs up or slight fist pump gesture, but that’s about the extent of it. Generally speaking, it’s a regimented, business-as-usual kind of event.

On the other hand, you’ve got the sold out Ladies Auction where men are NOT invited!

The women of RMEF are a colorful, spirited, vocal bunch. Many of them show up dressed for the occasion in a tribute of sorts to special guest Flint Rasmussen, the most famous rodeo clown or rodeo barrelman in the sport of bull riding. The music blares. They dance. They visit. They laugh. They enjoy.

Like their male counterparts, they open their checkbooks. And when they win, there’s little doubt from any of the 300-strong who is heading home with their purchased prize.

And that brings us full circle back to Cyndi Lauper…

“When the working day is done,
Oh girls. They wanna have fun.
Oh girls. Just wanna have fun!”

Thanks RMEF ladies for your support, your enthusiasm, and your passion!

They rose to their feet as one. More than a thousand elk and elk country lovers clapped and cheered to recognize the magnitude of the moment.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation just entered a new stratosphere of conservation thanks to the vision and passion of one man and his family. RMEF President and CEO David Allen announced the creation of the $30 million Torstenson Family Endowment that came from the sale of the Torstenson Wildlife Center, formerly known as the Double H Ranch, which was owned by the late Bob Torstenson and gifted to RMEF a decade earlier.

Gwen and Eric Torstenson & David Allen

On stage at Elk Camp, before a full house at RMEF's national convention, Bob’s youngest son Eric and his wife, Gwen, acknowledged the response. Eric, at times overcome with emotion, expressed his love for his father, and his father’s love for family, elk and elk hunting.

Bob Torstenson

Allen then promised Eric that RMEF would spread Bob Torstenson’s passion and legacy via on-the-ground conservation and hunting heritage projects that would positively affect future generations. RMEF founders Bob Munson and Charlie Decker immediately followed and pledged to do the same.

The mantle is now passed. It now rests with RMEF. Time to go forward and deliver!

Check out this Outdoor Life article for a Q & A with David Allen about the transaction.

(Below is a news release announcing the Torstenson Family Endowment.)

$30 Million Torstenson Family Endowment a “Game Changer” for RMEF Conservation

MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is the recipient of one of the largest endowments ever gifted to a hunter-based, wildlife conservation organization. The $30 million Torstenson Family Endowment will allow RMEF to vastly accelerate the rate at which its carries out its mission to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage.

“This is a monumental game-changer for RMEF,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Thanks to the generosity of the Torstenson family, this endowment allows RMEF to expand Bob Torstenson’s passion and vision for wildlife and conservation in ways we could have never imagined.”

The Torstenson Family Endowment (TFE) comes as a result of the sale of the Torstenson Wildlife Center, former known as the Double H Ranch, a sprawling 93,403 acre ranch in west-central New Mexico gifted to the RMEF by Bob Torstenson in 2002.

RMEF will use proceeds from the TFE to further its core mission programs: permanent land protection, habitat stewardship, elk restoration and hunting heritage.

“The impact this endowment will have on RMEF’s on-the-ground projects is incredibly far-reaching,” said Blake Henning, RMEF vice president of Lands and Conservation. “This gives us the potential to increase our mission accomplishments substantially. RMEF plans to invest half a million dollars this year alone toward improving elk habitat and supporting hunting heritage projects.”

The TFE allows RMEF to increase project funding by attracting matching funds both from the private and public sectors. It also allows RMEF to much more quickly meet and head off the habitat changes and challenges taking place across the United States.

RMEF also maintains a conservation easement on the entire 93,403.4 acres of deeded land which stretches between two mountain ranges—the Datils and the Gallinas—and two portions of the Cibola National Forest. It harbors thickly timbered ridges, deep coulees and steep hillsides. At the property’s center is an expansive plain, 80-acre lake and accompanying riparian habitat. It is home to elk, deer, pronghorns, mountain lions, coyotes, quail and a variety of song bird and other species. The easement looks the same today as when Bob Torstenson originally placed it on the property, meaning the habitat remains conserved and protected forever.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that protected or enhanced habitat on more than 6.2 million acres—an area larger than Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite and Rocky Mountain 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.

LAS VEGAS, Nev.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation crowned a series of champions at the 25th annual World Elk Calling Championships in Las Vegas.

Headlining the bunch is Bryan Langley of McMinnville, Oregon, who successfully defended his 2012 crown in the professional division. It was also a banner weekend for the Jacobsens, the “First Family” of Elk Calling. Jacobsen family members took first place in the peewee and women’s divisions, and topped the field in the first-ever Champion of Champions competition, an invitational involving previous winners of the professional division.

Winners are listed below. More details will soon follow.

PeeWee Division
1. Isaac Jacobsen, Boise, Ida.
2. Sutton Callaway, Maricopa, Calif.
3. Kason Hulsey, Eagar, Ariz.

Youth Division
1. Greg Hubbell, Jr., Belmont, Calif.
2. Brayden Langley, McMinnville, Ore.
3. Elias McMillan, Grand Junction, Colo.

Voice Division
1. William Card, Fallon, Nev.
2. Russell Nemetchek, Saskatoon, Sask.
3. Paul Griffiths, Kila, Mont.

Women’s Division
1. Misty Jacobsen, Monterey, Calif. (pictured)
2. Jessi Diesing, Loveland, Colo.
3. Kristy Titus, Bend, Ore.

Men’s Division
1. Dirk Durham, Moscow, Ida.
2. Chris Griffiths, Kila, Mont.
3. Brad Cain, Mesa, Ariz.

Professional Division
1. Bryan Langley, McMinnville, Ore.
2. Corey Jacobsen, Boise, Ida.
3. Rockie Jacobsen, Kamiah, Ida.

Champion of Champions
Corey Jacobsen, Boise, Ida.

To RMEF members,

As most you know, there are a number of gun control-related bills making their way through the Colorado Legislature. Among them is Senate Bill 196 which holds all manufacturers, distributors and owners of ANY rifle –excluding bolt-action— they produce, sell or use, liable if that gun is misused to harm another person. If passed, this would prevent the presence of these rifles at RMEF big game banquets and, therefore, could drastically reduce RMEF’s ability to raise funds at banquets to do conservation work in Colorado.

RMEF urges its individual members, volunteers, and all others concerned with such legislation to contact your state Senator and/or state Representative via email or by telephone (303 866-2316). Go here for complete list of contact info: http://www.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2011A/csl.nsf/directory?openframeset

Senate Bill 196— Assault weapons manufacturer liability
House Bill 1224— Bans magazines with a capacity greater than fifteen rounds
House Bill 1226 – Repeals current law allowing individuals with a concealed carry permit to carry a firearm for self-defense on a college or university campus
House Bill 1228 – Imposes a “gun tax” for a background check when purchasing a firearm
House Bill 1229 – Criminalizes the private transfer of a firearm

See the links below for specific details on the Colorado bills:
http://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2013/3/colorado-sweeping-gun-control-legislation-passes-senate-committees.aspx

http://www.outdoorhub.com/news/colorado-magazine-ban-passes-committee-pump-shotguns-at-risk-of-ban/

Data from a the latest aerial survey of the Northern Yellowstone Elk population indicates numbers continue to decline. The overall count of 3,915 elk is 6 percent lower than the 2012 winter count of 4,714.

A Yellowstone-sponsored report from the mid-1990s stated "Fifteen North American wolf experts predicted that 100 wolves in Yellowstone would reduce the elk by less than 20 percent, 10 years after reintroduction." In reality, that number turned out to be 44 percent. If you look back at the elk count of 1994, the year before the start of the wolf reintroduction program, the size of the elk herd is now down by 80 percent!

Year Elk Population

2012 3,915

2011 4,174

2010 4,635

2009 6,070

2008 6,279

2007 6,738

2006 6,588

2005 9,545

2004 8,335

2003-02 9,215

2001 11,969

2000 13, 400 (prior to late season elk hunt)

1999 14,538 (prior to late season elk hunt)

1998 11,742

1997 no count taken

1996 no count taken

1995 16,791 (when wolf reintroduction began)

1994 19,045 (year before wolf reintroduction)

Below are comments from Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation President and CEO David Allen:

About the nicest thing I can say is this trend continues to disappoint in major proportion. While wolves are certainly not the exclusive factor for the dramatic decline in this once showcase herd of elk in world; there is no denying a correlation of this herd's decline with the introduction of wolves in the greater Yellowstone region. All the rhetoric in the world will not change this issue.

David Allen

Combine this decline with all the other issues elk face in this region including other predators, habitat issues and man's growing presence causes one to consider where and when this does change, how does this end? Additionally, we have environmentalists now calling on Congress to consider re-listing wolves in all states stating that "science supports this..." The manipulation of this entire wolf restoration program into a "fundraising" tool has to be seen for what it is.

The insanity of this has to stop and let state game agencies in all states do their jobs. Like it or not, a huntable, sustainable population of elk is critical to the long term existence of many state game agencies.

M. David Allen

RMEF President & CEO

Elk Camp 2013 in Las Vegas was not only a time to celebrate elk and elk country, but a time to recognize those who work hard to maintain and improve vital elk habitat.

Eight out of every 10 wild elk spend all or part of the year on the 72 million acres of national forests and grasslands across the country. In addition, of the total 277 million acres of elk habitat in the western United States, approximately 43 million acres (16%) are managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
That’s why the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the US Forest Service (USFS) and the BLM continue to work diligently to conserve critical winter, summer and calving ranges, improve forest, rangeland, grassland and riparian health and conduct research on public lands. Along with other federal, state, tribal, conservation and private partners, RMEF and USFS provided more than $196 million to fund more than 2,500 projects to conserve and enhance more than 2.8 million acres of elk country. Likewise, RMEF and the BLM joined with other partners to invest more than $107 million to complete over 840 projects - successfully conserving nearly 1.5 million acres of elk habitat on BLM-managed public lands.

The purpose of the Elk Country Awards is to acknowledge BLM and USFS employees and units for outstanding conservation, habitat enhancement, and partnership efforts on public lands in elk country. Awards are granted in four categories: habitat enhancement, individual achievement, partner coordination, and special achievement.

2013 Elk Country Award winners:

Rod Triepke (RMEF), Dale Gomez & Steve Segovia (USFS)

Dale Gomez, wildlife biologist on the Rio Grande National Forest, received the 2013 RMEF Elk Country Award for Individual Achievement for his long-standing commitment to excellence in wildlife habitat enhancement. This national award recognized his wildlife habitat work on the Rio Grande National Forest in cooperation with RMEF, nine projects since 1998, but also for the eight cooperative projects when he was a wildlife biologist on the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming. His projects resulted in nearly 14,000 acres of wildlife habitat improvement projects benefiting elk and a wide variety of other wildlife found in elk country.

Dwight Fielder (BLM), James Sparks & Triepke

James R. Sparks, wildlife biologist with the BLM's Missoula Field Office, received the 2013 RMEF Elk Country Award for sustained dedication and to elk conservation and habitat enhancement. This national award was presented jointly by RMEF and BLM for Sparks' outstanding work from 2006 through 2012. Sparks is a consummate professional, working tirelessly on projects to improve wildlife habitat including prescribed burning, noxious weed control, forest thinning and fence removal. He has been the lead on nine cooperative projects with RMEF. His projects treated more than 2,700 acres of wildlife habitat in elk country. Sparks is also active with projects that engage youth in elk and wildlife management through educational efforts and by incorporating student groups in conservation projects.

The Willamette National Forest received the 2013 RMEF Elk Country Award for Wildlife Habitat Management, a national award that recognizes excellence in restoring the long-term health and productivity of elk habitat at a landscape level. The forest and RMEF cooperated on 41 projects dating back to 1989. More than 75 percent of the forest has been reserved for mature and late successional terrestrial or aquatic species. However in the remainder of the forest, the Willamette in partnership with RMEF continues to thin and fertilize approximately 2,500 acres per year to rejuvenate essential forage and an additional 1,150 acres of seeding and planting of desired forage grasses, annuals and shrubs and weed treatments to maintain early seral habitat for Roosevelt elk and other wildlife in elk country.

Penny Harris, Ruby Seitz, Daryl Whitmore (Willamette National Forest), Segovia & Triepke

Thank you to these good folks and all others who do so much to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage.

You don’t have to be high in stature to stand tall among your peers. Take Paul Griffiths for example. The kindergartener from tiny Kila, Montana, is among the best elk callers in the world.

Competing at the recent 2013 RMEF World Elk Calling Championships in Las Vegas, Paul stood shoulder-to-shoulder, figuratively anyway, as he competed as the shortest and youngest member in the voice division. In that competition, contestants could only use their voice to make elk sounds, although they could use grunt tubes to project calls. Paul’s “grunt tube” was a neon green, kid’s plastic baseball bat.

Just so you know how the competition works, the contestants are called to the stage by their numbers so the judges, hidden backstage behind a thick curtain, cannot see who is performing. Each caller is asked to produce cow and calf sounds and bull elk sounds within 15 seconds from the time the announcer asks. A buzzer eventually sounds to signify the end of the time limit.

How did things turn out for the youngster? Let’s leave the exciting details to Paul’s father, Chris.

“I just wanted to drop a line letting you all know how much fun my son and I had at the world finals elk calling contest. My son, Paul, competed in the natural voice competition and also played the part of Spiderman for the team finals. Paul placed 3rd in the natural voice division and when he realized that he would be getting an actual trophy he was beside himself. While in Vegas he proudly displayed his trophy and showed it to anyone who would give him the time. He was a celebrity at the airport as many folks on our flight recognized him from the contest. The following Monday he brought in his trophy to show his buddies in his kindergarten class. The memories made at this Elk Camp will be cherished forever and will be close to ones that will be made at the real elk camps. Good times. Thank You. Chris Griffiths.”

So here’s to Paul Griffiths, the elk calling pride of northwest Montana and a youngster who stands head and shoulders above so many of us. Congrats Paul! Here's looking up to you kid!

William Card, Paul Griffiths & Russell Nemetchek (front row, L to R)
Trent Penrod & Lindsay Ross (back)

Voice Division:

1. William Card, Fallon, Nev.

2. Russell Nemetchek, Saskatoon, Sask.

3. Paul Griffiths, Kila, Mont.

4. Trent Penrod, Lakeside, Ariz.

5. Lindsay Ross, Clayton, Okla.

Feeling pressure from animal rights groups, a Minnesota state Senate panel voted 7-6 Thursday in favor of a five-year moratorium on future wolf hunting and trapping seasons. The current wolf population is booming at approximately 3,000 with a management plan minimum set at 1,600. So what’s the bottom line?

RMEF calls on its members and others to contact legislators with this simple but mandatory message: LET THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DO ITS JOB OF CARRYING OUT SCIENCE-BASED MANAGEMENT FOR WOLVES!

Minnesota Senate contact information: http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/index.php?ls=#header

Wolf hunting “is totally a social issue. There’s no biological reason against having a regulated hunting season.”
—Dr. David Mech, senior research scientist for the U.S. Geological Survey, adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota, and founder of the International Wolf Center

The bill must advance through several other committees before receiving a full Senate vote.

Media report on wolf moratorium vote: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/03/14/politics/senate-committee-approves-wolf-hunt-bill

It was a gloomy, overcast day in June 2012, but that didn’t stop 75 children from coming out for the West Salem Rod & Gun Club’s 8th Annual Youth Day, co-sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's La Crosse Chapter.

Kids up to 13 years old participated in a variety of activities during the two-hour event, including casting, archery, hatchet throwing, slingshot shooting and a bean bag toss. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to see a child’s face light up after they’ve shot a bow or a slingshot or made a great cast for the first time, you have an idea of the smiles that plastered the faces of the kids all afternoon.

Seven La Crosse Chapter members also conducted a SAFE (Shooting Access for Everyone) event at the affair, where they introduced young and novice shooters to safe and responsible firearms use, and also educated them about the hunter’s role in conservation and the North American Wildlife Conservation Model. Participants also have the opportunity to shoot an air rifle with help from an experienced adult.

The SAFE event was such a hit that when raindrops finally began to fall, both children and their parents alike opted to get wet rather than give up their spot in line.

The volunteers had a great time working with the kids, of course, and can’t wait for an opportunity to do so again. The La Crosse Chapter plans to conduct three SAFE events in the local area in 2013.

--Eric Shoenfeld
RMEF La Crosse Chapter Chair

Buchanan Co., Virginia

Elk are back on their native range in Virginia for the first time in more than 150 years. In recognition of their successful return, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation recently received national recognition for helping make the reintroduction a reality (see video below).

The Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) honored RMEF, the Virginia Oil and Gas Association, and other partners with its Chairman’s Stewardship Award, IOGCC’s highest honor for exemplary efforts by the oil and natural gas industry in environmental stewardship. Specifically, the group received the Environmental Partnership Award for innovative projects led by non-industry organizations with the cooperation of industry.

Here is a summary as presented by IOGCC:

“Virginia has not seen its native elk roaming since 1855. Unsuccessful attempts to re-introduce the elk ended in 1970. These attempts lacked adequate planning, management and funding to achieve success. To overcome these obstacles, Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries (VGIF) partnered with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

“The two organizations developed a plan in which elk from Kentucky would be relocated to Buchanan County, Virginia. This particular habitat included reclaimed surface mines and active natural gas well locations. Both provided vegetation conducive to elk survival.

“Launching the project required a $300,000 donation from RMEF to VGIF. The RMEF agreed to donate the money on the condition that it was repaid. A local RMEF chapter included a member, Leon Boyd, whose profession and connections with the natural gas industry made the repayment a possibility. Thus, another unique partnership was born: the RMEF, the VGIF and the natural gas industry.”

Recipients include RMEF Lands Program Manager Kim Delozier (sixth from right) & RMEF Regional Director Chris Croy (ninth from right)

Virginia became the sixth state where RMEF helped restore elk, releasing 18 animals on May 18, 2012. Plans are in the works to add more elk to the herd. Just across Virginia’s western border, RMEF helped reintroduce elk to Kentucky 16 years ago, where a herd of 10,000 strong continues to grow and thrive.

They stood on their chairs. They cheered. They stood on table tops. They cheered. They hugged. They cheered. They rang cow bells. They cheered. They fired confetti bombs into the air. They cheered some more.

They give of their time, their talents, their money, and their energy. They number more than 10,000 strong across the United States. Who are they? They are volunteers for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation! And they are indeed the heart and soul of an organization!

RMEF recently honored its volunteers at the most rowdy and spirited event at its annual Elk Camp national convention in Las Vegas dubbed, appropriately enough, Volunteer Fun Night. More than a thousand colorfully clad, energetic volunteers and members packed the Mirage to cheer for themselves and their counterparts from chapters across the country.

Below is a listing of chapter and individual volunteer accomplishments for 2012 celebrated at Elk Camp.

Top Fundraising States

1. Wyoming $1,659,708

2. Montana 1,520,412

3. California 1,519,533

4. Colorado 1,358,168

5. Washington 1,190,802

6. Oregon 1,062,012

Top Fundraising Chapters
Wyoming #1 State

1. Tucson, Ariz. $412,970
2. Fresno, Calif. 357,785
3. Grand Junction, Colo. 308,826
4. Billings, Mont. 271,821
5. Gillette, Wyo. 227,180
6. Dime Box, Texas 214,286

Top Fundraising New Chapters
1. Etna, Wyo. $49,371
2. Fort Morgan, Colo. 28,666
3. Cedar Falls/Waterloo, Iowa 22,456

Tucson #1 Chapter

Supporting Members

1. Salt Lake City, Utah 1,165
2. Grand Junction, Colo. 526
3. Denver, Colo. 500

Sponsor Members
1. Tucson, Ariz. 163
2. Grand Junction, Colo. 124
3. Poplar Bluff, Mo. 78

David Allen

New Chairman of the Board
Lee Swanson

Life Members
1. Grand Junction, Colo. 60*
2. Tucson, Ariz. 22
3. Libby, Mont. 9
4. Salt Lake City, Utah 9
*all-time single year record

Major Gifts
1. Fresno, Calif. $250,000
2. Billings, Mo 153,000
3. Vansant, Va. 150,000

Big Game Banquet Net
1. Dime Box, Texas $173,050
2. Tucson, Ariz. 142,842
3. Midland, Texas 127,679

Big Game Banquet Net/Gross Specific Event Net
1. Jefferson City, Mo. 87% 1. Florence, Ky. $122,202
2. Dime Box, Texas 82 2. Tucson, Ariz. 65,012
3. Beaumont, Texas 80 3. Lander, Wyo. 58,022

New $3 Million Chapter (lifetime)

Grand Junction, Colo. $3,113,642

New $2 Million Chapters (lifetime)

Kalispell, Mont. $2,085,111

Houston, Texas 2,050,764

Salt Lake City, Utah 2,038,992

Albuquerque, N.M. 2,015,267

New $1 Million Chapters (lifetime)

Tillamook, Ore. $1,074,245

Bellevue, Wash. 1,073,174

Riverton, Wyo. 1,064,873

Dallas, Texas 1,057,987

Pinetop, Ariz. 1,047,057

Aberdeen, Md. 1,033,560

Jackson, Wyo. 1,030,058

Florence, Ky. 1,027,035

Reno, Nev. 1,017,116

Eugene, Ore. 1,009,646

Lander, Wyo. 1,008,601

Everett, Wash. 1,000,140

Olympia, Wash. 1,000,094

Greg Harris & Outgoing
Chairman of the Board
John Caid

2012 Chairman’s Award Recipients
Chairman Awards are given each year to recognize standout RMEF volunteers. Four recipients are chosen by their peers for their dedication to the Elk Foundation’s mission.

Idaho—Greg Harris, Moscow, Idaho, RMEF Palouse/Whitepine Chapter
A founding member of his chapter, Harris made a lifelong commitment to ensure today’s youths have the same hunting, fishing and outdoor opportunities he had. Harris helps with banquets, mentors new members and volunteers, and leads by example every day.

Steve Hopkins

Arizona—Steve Hopkins, Tucson, Ariz., RMEF Tucson Chapter
As an RMEF life member, past state chair and Tucson Chapter committee volunteer for nearly two decades, Hopkins committed a great deal of time and energy to wildlife conservation. The Arizona Game and Fish Department and Tucson’s mayor honored him for his ongoing efforts.

Tim Jacobson

Wisconsin—Tim Jacobson, Kenosha, Wis., RMEF Des Plaines River Chapter
Shortly after his first elk hunt in 1993 and a visit to RMEF headquarters in Montana, Jacobson founded the Des Plaines River Chapter. He turned the annual chapter banquets into a family affair. His passion and leadership led the chapter to raise more than $500,000 in just 15 years.

Taylor Orr

Kentucky—Taylor Orr, London, Ky., RMEF Cumberland Valley Chapter
Orr’s service on the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission is one example of his great leadership and love for elk and elk country. He also travels around the state to attend banquets and generously gives of his time and money to advance RMEF’s mission.

RMEF volunteers work tirelessly to host big game banquets in their individual chapters. Funds from those gatherings are turned around and put back on the ground in their own states to further RMEF’s mission of enhancing the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage. Volunteers also provide the backbone and muscle for a wide range of on-the-ground projects to benefit elk and elk country. Since 1984, RMEF volunteers helped to preserve or enhance more than 6.2 million acres of habitat, assisted in opening or securing nearly 645,000 acres for public access, and helped complete more than 8,000 permanent land protection, habitat stewardship, elk restoration, and conservation and hunting heritage projects.

Are they busy? Yes! Do they love it? Yes! Would they love you to join them? Absolutely yes! (Find more information on becoming an RMEF volunteer here.)

Thank you volunteers!

Ronnie Dunn sent everyone home happy after rocking Volunteer Fun Night

In 2011, the RMEF acquired the 640-acre Willow Foothill property with the intention of placing a conservation easement on it and selling it to a conservation buyer. But when we began searching for that conservation buyer, we found that our options were limited because of the economy.

So we moved on to Plan B, which was to take the property off the market for two years and, in the meantime, enter into a partnership with the California Department of Wildlife to allow public hunting, host conservation education programs, and spruce up wildlife habitat on the property, which hosts up to 300 Roosevelt’s elk during the fall and winter months.

Willow Foothills is a spectacular chunk of northern California, with Mt. Shasta as its backdrop, magnificent oaks punctuating its rolling hills and rich grasslands, and a meandering seasonal creek. The best part is that the property is practically untouched, with only a single dirt road and very little infrastructure, making it a wild, lonely place not only for elk, but also the deer, quail and other critters that call it home.

Though it’s a haven for wildlife, the habitat on the property was not quite what it could be. Some of the old fences were in tough shape, and too many junipers had invaded the hillsides, stealing water and nutrients critical to grasses growing beneath. Work needed to be done, and thankfully there were plenty of warm bodies willing to help.

Throughout 2012, volunteers from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Siskiyou County Agricultural Department and Portola High School joined forces with adjacent ranchers and committee members from several RMEF chapters—including Northern California, Siskiyou, Trinity and Mendo Lake—to mend broken fences, cut invading junipers and seed areas in an attempt to make the property safer for elk and restore it to a more historic and desirable mix of grasses, forbs and shrubs.

All told, the volunteers put in 50 work days on the property last year, and they aren’t done yet. This year volunteers plan to gather again to repair springs located on the parcel.

In 2014, RMEF will put the Willow Hills property back on the market protected by a conservation easement and—thanks to help from a whole lot of volunteers—sporting much healthier habitat to support elk and other wildlife for years to come.

--Mike Ford, Regional Director, Northern California

Complacency is not an option. That can lead to dangerous or catastrophic results.

They work long, often monotonous hours with detailed precision but must constantly adapt themselves to change while remaining on the highest state of alertness. They go about their daily duties with the eyes of an eagle and the focus of a bloodhound. Simply put, they clear the way for those who follow. They are Army soldiers and members of the 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Route Clearance Patrol (RCP) 29. Their mission is to make sure the roadways of Afghanistan are free of improvised explosive devices so Coalition Forces, and Afghan civilians alike, can safely pass with confidence.

Among them is Sergeant First Class Jeffrey Garland, a 16-year veteran of the U.S. Army. Jeff is from a small town in the mountains of western North Carolina called Black Mountain. He is also an avid outdoorsman and an elk hunter.

“I have hunted elk in Washington state and Colorado when I was stationed there. Since then my schedule has not allowed for me to make any elk hunting trips,” said Garland. “I have also enjoyed taking my sister and nephew to see elk for their first time in the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina on leave prior to this deployment. Again, thanks for your efforts in that reintroduction.”

Jeff is also a proud member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Longing for a piece of home, he recently contacted RMEF on behalf of the 34 members of his platoon. RMEF staffers, excited to help out, quickly assembled a care package that included Bugle magazines, Cabelas water bottles, travel mugs, stickers and 15 RMEF hats.

“The hats are allowed to be worn in our work areas and living areas so it almost normal to have a regular hat which feels great,” Jeff added.

RCP-29 calls Fort Drum, New York, its home base which is located in the North Country a mere 30 miles from the St. Lawrence River and the Canadian border. The platoon, however, is made up of soldiers from California, Maine, Virginia, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, Alabama, Tennessee, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Jeff is quick to point out that he’s not the only elk hunter in the group. The others are SSG Trevin Sparks of Stockton, California, CPL Dannyl Eden from Powell, Wyoming, and SPC Cameron Day of Sandpoint, Idaho. And from the sound of things, they won’t soon be alone.

“Several others of my unit would love to hunt elk given the chance as they are avid hunters,” said Jeff. “And many are joining the RMEF in the near future thanks to your generosity and better understanding of your organization.”

To SFC Jeffrey Garland and the soldiers of RCP-29, we salute you! Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for your honorable service in our behalf. Be safe in carrying out your daily duties. We look forward to your safe return home.

Below is an email that Jeff sent to RMEF:

We received our package from the RMEF today and it was like Christmas. We really appreciate all that you did for us and I believe you may have a few more members in the near future. My boys were so excited to have your support and we have your card posted in our platoon area so we can look at it when we need a little pick me up. You folks rock and I will always be a strong supporter of RMEF, not only because I love to hear a bull bugle on a cool fall morning (and thanks to you I can hear it now in the mountains of western NC where I am from), but because of all the support that you gave to my platoon. Words cannot express what that act of kindness does for my boys’ morale. I hope you enjoy the pictures and I am working on a flag that will be flown over our little Forward Operating Base Orgun-E and will come with a certificate. As for the pictures with 33 soldiers, it's like herding cats especially after they got all the goodies.

Thanks for everything,

SFC Jeffrey Garland and RCP 29

(Jeff says he will “one day become a life member when the opportunity presents itself.”)

If you are a hunter, more Americans support that activity right now than at any time since 1995. A new survey conducted by the independent research firm Responsive Management for the National Shooting Sports Foundation shows 79 percent of Americans approve of hunting.

Conducted in February 2013, the nationwide scientific survey showed public approval of hunting rose five points in the past year, up from 74 percent in 2011.

The survey used using random digit dialing and supplemental cellular telephone sampling, was the fifth in a series of similar surveys by Responsive Management to track trends in public approval of hunting since 1995. Support for hunting remained generally consistent–73 percent in 1995; 75 percent in 2003; 78 percent in 2006; 74 percent in 2011; and a peak of 79 percent in 2013.

“Approval of hunting among Americans is fairly stable and bounces between 73 and 79 percent,” said Mark Damian Duda, executive director of Response Management. “The reasons for this increase are still unclear, but it is probably related to the increase in hunting and shooting participation.”

The 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation National Overview indicates 13.7 million people, or 6 percent of the U.S. population age 16 and older, went hunting. That marks a 9 percent increase in hunting participation since 2006. Duda also said shooting participation increased 18 percent since 2009.

“Other studies we have conducted on public opinion on hunting show that the strongest correlation for approval of hunting is knowing a hunter–over and above demographic variables or anything else. With the increased number of hunters in the field and sport shooters at the range, it is possible that this is being reflected in this uptick in support for hunting,” added Duda.

One thousand Americans 18 years old and older took part in the survey to achieve a sampling error of plus or minus 3.00 percentage points. More than half (52%) of those surveyed strongly approved of hunting. At the other end of the spectrum, 12 percent of Americans disapprove of hunting—the lowest such rate since public tracking began in 1995. Another 8 percent neither approve nor disapprove (total does not equal 100% due to rounding).

Everybody likes a surprise. And that’s exactly what happened when a couple of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation representatives showed up at a two-day South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) monthly meeting in Winner.

RMEF Regional Director Tom Slowey and Volunteer State co-Chair Jerry Hirrschoff made a point to attend because the GFP Commission planned to discuss informational reports about elk and mountain lions. What they did not know is they too were on the agenda. Before they knew it, they got the call to come up front and receive a plaque for ongoing cooperation between GFP and RMEF.

There are several ongoing cooperative efforts between RMEF and GFP. South Dakota issues a limited number of elk tags for Custer State Park. These are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to hunt "any elk" in the park. In 1990, GFP gave one of these tags to the 18 RMEF chapters to raffle. All of the net proceeds go to assist elk via on-the-ground elk habitat projects in the Black Hills. The tag normally raises more than $20,000. Because of the declining number of elk in the park the commission redefined the tag last year so it is good anywhere in the Black Hills. In May, RMEF will draw for the tag. In July, the funds raised will be combined with the money RMEF already allocated to South Dakota’s Project Advisory Committee. This year, RMEF will have more than $85,000 to put toward on-the-ground projects.

RMEF volunteers in South Dakota also helped stretch project dollars by volunteering for numerous GFP projects. Each year during the summer rendezvous (annual gatherings of RMEF volunteers that take place in each individual state) in June, volunteers meet in the Black Hills and get their hands dirty on projects arranged by GFP or the US Forest Service. These efforts may be centered on fence removal or improvement, water guzzler repairs or whatever the agencies come up with. At least one evening of the rendezvous is spent with biologists and other agency staff over steaks and burgers. A regular guest is the biologist conducting an elk study in the Southern Hill/Custer State Park area that RMEF helped fund since 2010.

GFP Outdoor Campus-West (Rapid City)

Two years ago, GFP also used RMEF funds to help build a new Outdoor Campus-West in Rapid City which is used to educate youth and adults about outdoor skills, wildlife, conservation and management practices in order to preserve South Dakota’s outdoor heritage.

RMEF and GFP have a relationship that dates back to 1990. Since then, RMEF and its partners completed 196 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects with a combined value of more than $32.3 million. That work includes prescribed burns, forest thinning, aspen regeneration, fence replacement, water development, elk and predator research, hunting heritage education for kids and adults, and protecting and enhancing nearly 62,000 acres in South Dakota.

Tony Lief (GFP Director of Wildlife), Tom Slowey, Jerry Hirrschoff & Jeff Vonk (Secretary of GFP)
(left to right)

RMEF Statement Regarding Randy Newberg

RMEF Makes Memories for First-Time Teenage Elk Hunter

Elk Camp 2013: The "Calm" Before the Storm

Elk Camp 2013 Begins in Las Vegas

RMEF Auctions, Where There are No Losers

RMEF “Girls” Just Wanna Have Fun

A Monumental Moment, Honoring a Man & Spreading His Legacy

World Elk Calling Champions Claim Their Titles

A Call to Action in Colorado

Yellowstone Elk Population Falls, Concern Grows

Recognizing Those Who Do So Much for Elk and Elk Country

Young Paul Stands Tall at World Elk Calling Championships

RMEF CALL TO ACTION on Wolves in Minnesota

SAFE Event Turns Gloomy Day Brighter for Wisconsin Youth

RMEF Recognized for Virginia Elk Restoration Efforts

RMEF Volunteers Deliver, Conservation Wins BIG

Volunteers Pull Up Their Sleeves for California Elk

A Soldier/Elk Hunter Gives a Shout-Out to RMEF from Afghanistan

Public Approval of Hunting Hits 17-Year High

RMEF Gets a South Dakota Surprise