ROverview
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and pro-hunting group that protects elk, their habitat, and the American hunting heritage. It funds land protection, habitat stewardship, wildlife management, research, and hunting-heritage programs through donations, sponsorships, and investment income, and often acquires land or conservation easements to safeguard elk ranges and migration routes. With about 500 chapters and 10,000 volunteers, it carries out hundreds of projects to restore habitat, improve public access, and support wildlife conservation advocacy. Its goal is to secure the future of elk, other wildlife, and hunting traditions for generations to come.
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About Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Industries
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Missoula, MT
Founded
1984
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What believers are saying
- In 2025, RMEF funded 488 projects and leveraged more than $53 million.
- In August 2026, RMEF secured $1 million for Cumberland Highlands public access.
- March 2026 wildfire restoration commits up to $3 million through 2029.
What critics are saying
- RMEF is tied to a 2025 Montana ESA lawsuit that now opposes its earlier position.
- The 2026 blanket 4(d) fight alienates donors who want broader species protections.
- If access politics harden, RMEF becomes a niche hunting lobby, not a mainstream conservation nonprofit.
What makes Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation unique
- RMEF monetizes volunteer chapters into land deals, habitat work, and access easements nationwide.
- The 2026 grant program prioritizes migration corridors, wildfire restoration, and public access.
- Its brand pairs conservation with hunting heritage, attracting outdoor industry partners like KUIU.
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Benefits
- Wellness Program
Company News
RMEF media RMEF's blake Henning honored with Conservation Trailblazer Award from Dallas Safari Club. Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer, was recently selected by Dallas Safari Club (DSC) as the recipient of the 2027 Conservation Trailblazer Award. The award recognizes wildlife professionals whose work has significantly advanced game and non-game conservation, applied research, habitat stewardship and forward-looking policy, DSC noted in a recent news release. With more than three decades of experience in wildlife conservation and natural resource management, Henning has built an accomplished career shaped by his lifelong connection to the outdoors. He began his professional career in seasonal biologist positions with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks before earning a Master of Science in Wildlife Biology from Kansas State University. In 1991, he joined the State of Kansas, dedicating nine years to soil, water and wetland conservation, and serving as the first president of the Kansas Wetlands and Riparian Areas Alliance. In 2000, Henning joined RMEF as regional director for Wyoming before advancing to senior leadership positions at headquarters in Missoula, Mont. He became vice president of lands and conservation in 2010 and later chief conservation officer, overseeing habitat conservation, elk restoration, hunting heritage initiatives and government affairs. His leadership contributed to expanding public hunting access, advancing big-game migration science and supporting elk restoration initiatives in Missouri, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. He also participated in the international Wild Harvest Initiative and helped cultivate strategic partnerships with wildlife agencies and conservation organizations. "Blake Henning's career reflects an extraordinary commitment to wildlife conservation, habitat stewardship and the future of hunting," said DSC CEO Russell Stacy. "His leadership has helped strengthen conservation partnerships, expand access to public lands and preserve opportunities for future generations." Among Henning's most significant accomplishments is the Headwaters of the John Day River project in Oregon. In collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, RMEF facilitated the transfer of approximately 13,000 acres of privately owned timberlands into public ownership within the Malheur National Forest. The project expanded public access while benefiting elk, salmon, trout and other wildlife species. The complex undertaking required extensive collaboration, with Henning playing a pivotal role in securing the funding, agency partnerships and political support necessary for its completion. Henning also contributed to the development of Wild Sustenance, an accredited university course established in collaboration with professors at the University of Montana. Designed to introduce students with little or no hunting experience to the principles and importance of the practice, the program offers hands-on learning opportunities that demonstrate the value of harvesting wild game to provide food for their families. Its success has led to expansion beyond the University of Montana, broadening its educational reach and impact. "It's a tremendous honor to be presented this award by Dallas Safari Club and recognized for a career of work that has been so fulfilling," said Henning. "Anything positive for conservation that I have had a hand in is also a tribute to the many co-workers, RMEF volunteers, agency staff and conservation partners, including DSC, that I have worked alongside for many years. I am truly humbled by the award." Henning's passion for hunting began in Nebraska, where he was raised on a farm and pursued rabbits, pheasants, quail, turkeys and deer alongside family members. His hunting experiences later expanded to elk and other game in Wyoming and Montana, as well as a safari in South Africa. These experiences have reinforced his lifelong commitment to conservation and the preservation of hunting traditions for future generations. The Conservation Trailblazer Award will be formally presented during the 2027 DSC Convention and Sporting Expo, Jan. 7-10, 2027, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga.
RMEF media new developments to RMEF Falls Creek access project improve site for hunters, anglers, other outdoor lovers. Seven years ago, RMEF led a successful effort to open and improve public access to 26,000 acres of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest at Falls Creek, located on Montana's Rocky Mountain Front. The project closed just in time for the 2019 general hunting season. Now, thanks to recent developments made by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) at the Falls Creek Recreation Site, hunters will enjoy new amenities in 2026 and during future seasons. Officially unveiled by USFS in August, the developments include a five-site campground with fire rings, picnic tables, hand-operated water pumps and sweet-smelling toilets. Other improvements are expanded trailer parking areas, hitch rails, feed bunks and corrals for stock use. In addition, the site now has an area to access the adjacent Dearborn River with non-motorized watercraft. "Being able to work with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, I am very grateful," said Rory Glueckert, forest recreation program manager for the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. "I'm very grateful we've been able to do this. Right now, it's so important to support these lands, support public lands, and to make these places accessible for the American public." To complete the Falls Creek project, RMEF purchased 442 acres southwest of Augusta from a conservation-minded landowner with help from several funding partners and transferred the land to the USFS. The project both opened an access point to the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest and protected quality big game habitat. The recent developments added by the USFS are a testament to the popularity of Falls Creek, which serves as a gateway to the backcountry, and further the value of an already-special piece of land RMEF helped conserve. "To see it today with the campground being completed and actually see people enjoy it... whether it's elk hunting, whatever they may be doing, it's priceless," said Bryan Golie from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Eight outstanding performers to sing the National Anthem at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Las Vegas Events, in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, announced today the list of eight outstanding performers scheduled to sing the national anthem at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. The Wrangler NFR will kick off on Thursday, Dec. 3 and run through Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Thomas & Mack Center. The eight confirmed national anthem performers are: Thursday, Dec. 3 - Hadlie Jo Friday, Dec. 4 - Bryce Leatherwood Saturday, Dec. 5 - Caden Gillard (also performing at Westgate Las Vegas on Dec. 3 and 11) Sunday, Dec. 6 - A.R. Simmons Monday, Dec. 7 - Peyton Grace (also performing at Rio Las Vegas on Dec. 4) Tuesday, Dec. 8 - *Contest winner will perform (TBD) Wednesday, Dec. 9 - Walker Montgomery Thursday, Dec. 10 - Morgan Klaiber (Canadian Anthem), *Contest winner will perform (TBD) Friday, Dec. 11 - Gunnar Lantham (also performing at Rio Las Vegas on Dec. 8) Saturday, Dec. 12 - Kalsey Kulyk "We have worked closely again with our partners at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to assemble another impressive group of national anthem performers for the 2026 Wrangler NFR," said Bo Gardner, vice president of corporate marketing at Las Vegas Events. "We're appreciative both of our partnership to secure this group of entertainers and of the performers themselves who have dedicated their time and talent to be with us in Las Vegas to pay tribute and start the rodeo with the Star Spangled Banner." Two additional performers will be added to the list above, awarded to the winners of the NFR National Anthem Contest. The contest launched Aug. 12 with all entries submitted by Friday, Aug. 28. From there, an initial fan vote will narrow the list to the Top 30. On Oct. 9, following a committee review of the Top 30, two winners will be announced and perform in Las Vegas. Full details, along with all rules and regulations about the NFR National Anthem Contest, can be found here. Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the increased purse and the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle. In 2025, the event had a total attendance of 175,846 over the ten rounds of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out 389 consecutive performances in Las Vegas. Share it on:
RMEF media first-ever Big Game Days brings together thousands to celebrate conservation and hunting heritage. Thousands of hunters, outdoor enthusiasts and their families joined the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in celebrating conservation and hunting heritage at the inaugural Big Game Days in Missoula, Mont. Presented by onX Hunt and Montana Knife Company, the four-day event included public activities at numerous venues in the Missoula area and showcased the leading role RMEF and its members, volunteers, partners and supporters have in Conserving America's Big Game. RMEF Basecamp at the headquarters campus put hunting gear from dozens of top outdoor brands on display, and attendees had the opportunity to test new firearms, ammunition, optics and suppressors during RMEF Range Day at the Deer Creek Shooting Center. RMEF at Full Draw brought more than 900 bowhunters to Snowbowl resort to test their skills on three, 25-target 3D courses created by Total Archery Challenge, while TOUGH ELK presented by MTNTOUGH saw adventurers of all ages grinding through a backcountry-inspired workout for the chance to win an outfitted elk hunt with Montana OutWest and other prizes. Big Game Days was also an opportunity for the hunting community to come together and reflect on conservation achievement. During Film Night at the historic Wilma Theater in downtown Missoula, RMEF President and CEO Kyle Weaver and Board of Directors Chair Todd Walker recognized two partners who have had a profound effect on RMEF's mission success. The Wallace Fennel Pate Wildlife Conservation Award, RMEF's highest honor, was bestowed upon the late country music artist Daryle Singletary. For many years, Singletary contributed his talent to RMEF national events, and at RMEF's request, he recorded a version of "America the Beautiful" that has become the anthem for hundreds of RMEF Big Game Banquets annually. Honoring outstanding service to wildlife, its habitat and its management, the Conservation Impact Award was presented to the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for facilitating collaboration and advancing RMEF's conservation priorities among its member agencies in 23 states and Canadian provinces. Big Game Days served as the setting for the 35th World Elk Calling Championships (WECC), where callers from across the country took the stage at the Wilma for two days of head-to-head, pool-play competition. Corey Jacobsen of Donnelly, Idaho, claimed the title in the Pro Division - his record 11th WECC win. Participating in his second WECC, Jaeger Evinger of Townsend, Mont., won the Open Division. Fifteen-year-old Milo Keldson traveled from Woodland Park, Colo., with his wrestling coach - two-time Open Division champion Patrick Littrell - to enter his first WECC and finish at the top in the Youth Division. Two RMEF volunteer work projects during Big Game Days furthered habitat stewardship efforts in Missoula and Granite counties. At Lolo Creek, 12 miles southwest of Missoula, volunteers removed old fencing and assisted RMEF staff in replacing boundary fencing with a wildlife-friendly design. The second project involved cutting conifers that were encroaching on aspen and cottonwood stands on about 60 acres at Bearmouth, about 25 miles southeast of Missoula. More Big Game Days activities included a Youth Event with a trout pond, climbing wall and other hands-on experiences for children; meet-and-greets and discussions with RMEF OutdoorClass subject-matter experts; an After Party at Caras Park with live music from Presley Barker and Mae Estes; and an online auction featuring the 2026 Wyoming Governor's Tag, vehicles, hunting and fishing trips, firearms, gear and artwork. Plans for the next Big Game Days are underway. Visit BigGameDays.com in the coming months for more information. Big Game Days action.
Rocky Mountain Elk chapter to hold banquet. Published 12:02 pm Friday, July 17, 2026 By News Release Magnolia Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation members are, from left, Wayne Perkins, Michael Hamner, Macy Lawrence, Eddie Hill, James Redding, Michael Upton, Sanford Bennett, Trey Wright, Steve Campbell, and Michael Curry. (Contributed) The Magnolia Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation invites outdoor enthusiasts, conservation supporters, hunters, and families to attend its Inaugural Chapter Banquet on Saturday, July 25, at the Oxford Conference Center. The evening will celebrate conservation while raising funds to support wildlife habitat, hunting heritage, and outdoor education in Mississippi and across the nation. RMEF volunteers host fundraising banquets that directly support conservation projects. Since its founding in 1984, the organization has helped conserve or enhance more than 8 million acres of wildlife habitat through partnerships and volunteer-driven fundraising efforts. The impact is also being felt in Mississippi. As of Dec. 31, 2024, RMEF and its partners have completed 50 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in the state, investing more than $210,000 in archery programs, shooting sports, hunter outreach, outdoor skills instruction, and natural resource education. The banquet will feature games, raffles, auctions, prizes, and opportunities to support conservation while enjoying an evening of fellowship with fellow outdoorsmen and women. Funds raised by Mississippi chapters help support conservation and hunting heritage projects throughout the state. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now. To register or learn more about the Magnolia Chapter Banquet, visit RMEF Events. For more information, contact Eddie Hill at 520-548-4343
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About Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Industries
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Missoula, MT
Founded
1984
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is Hiring for 5 Jobs on Simplify!
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today
Don't see your dream role? Check out thousands of other roles on Simplify.Browse all jobs