Three days of camping and fun began with dozens of volunteers of all ages who headed into the backcountry with their boots, work gloves and fence pliers to remove old barb wire fencing. Their hard work will free up migration corridors for years to come by making it easier for elk and other wildlife to travel across the mountainous Montana landscape.
“It is amazing how much RMEF volunteers can accomplish when they come together with a common goal to make an impact on the ground in elk country,” said Matt Ashley, RMEF regional director.
When all was said and done, the volunteers filled pickup beds with wire and removed them from the land.
“Our volunteers made quick work of our work project and are always underestimated at how fast they can get things done,” said Jared Wold, RMEF regional director.
Other rendezvous highlights included a wild game potluck dinner, the second annual washoe tournament and a wide array of informative learning seminars including elk calling, hunting, filming your hunt, how to hunt in bear country and Dutch oven cooking. Staffers from RMEF and our partners from the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management provided updates on the latest RMEF land projects. Kids of all ages practiced their skills on a nearby archery course while others took their fly rods to the nearest stretch of blue ribbon rivers and streams.
The final evening included more food and fun at the Wild West Fun Night of games. It included a happy hour with games and raffles, a catered pig roast barbecue, prizes and awards, and live music provided by the Rocky Mountain Pearls.All in all, the 20th annual Montana Rendezvous was another successful celebration of elk and elk country. Who’s ready for the 21st?
