Regional Director

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

RMEF media Colorado Wildlife Council names RMEF as Conservationist of the Year. The Colorado Wildlife Council (CWC) recently selected RMEF as the recipient of the 2026 Conservationist of the Year Award, recognizing nearly 40 years of dedication to big game conservation in the state. Celebrating excellence in environmental stewardship, the award honors individuals, groups and organizations that make significant, measurable impact on Colorado. Since 1987 RMEF has served as a cornerstone of Colorado conservation, noted the CWC in announcing the award. For nearly four decades, RMEF has worked to protect, restore and enhance the lands that make Colorado a premier destination for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Their work ensures that the world's largest elk population and the landscapes they inhabit remain vibrant for all Coloradans to enjoy for generations to come, the CWC continued. "The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's impact on Colorado is not measured in intentions or ambitions - it is measured in acres protected, corridors secured and a community deeply connected to Colorado's wildlife heritage," said Luke Weidel, an active RMEF volunteer who nominated RMEF for the award. "Their collaborative spirit, bridging the gap between federal agencies, state managers, private landowners and local volunteers, has set a gold standard for what collaborative conservation can achieve." Across 922 projects valued at over $213 million in Colorado, RMEF has conserved or enhanced more than 514,000 acres of critical habitat, an area larger than Rocky Mountain National Park, and opened or improved public access to more than 120,000 acres. By leveraging cutting-edge research, such as GPS migration mapping and virtual fencing technology, RMEF ensures the long-term resilience of Colorado's wildlife herds. Furthermore, RMEF's 30 active local chapters provide the grassroots energy needed to tackle essential, boots-on-the-ground work, such as wildlife-friendly fencing improvements and other habitat stewardship projects. Made up of nine members representing various interests throughout Colorado, the CWC was created and developed by a coalition of hunters, anglers and conservationists working together with livestock and agricultural organizations. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife director appoints council members and holds final approval authority for campaign plans. The program is funded by a $1.50 education surcharge on each hunting and fishing license sold.