I have had mixed emotions about the RMEF for a number of years, due to the way I was personally treated through letters etc.

They do some good stuff and I will not argue that point. The problem is that I watch the RMEF program on tv where they have some dignitary hunting for big bulls on land that the average guy will never be able to afford to have access to and go on to tout their great achievements.

It seems to me that they would be a lot more credible, if they took these people on hunts on public land where their purported great accomplishments should be more obvious.

It was made perfectly clear years ago that they have no use for you unless you are a major donor. My concerns did not even rate a return letter.

Am I the only one that sees this, or is this the standard that members just have to accept now? I doubt that I will join again unless they offer me a free gift that makes it worth it.

Just my opinion.

The knife they gave this year was very nice.

In my opinion, they give the "dignitaries" those types of hunts because they can do the most for hunters and hunting land preservation. If that is wrong, then I would blame the politicians that require such treatment to help in any way. Yes it is disgusting, but the way things work today.

I will remain a member because $100 a year is reasonable for what they do. Just my opinion.

So, the point of joining RMEF is to help conservation and preservation of elk and other wildlife.
And you have a passing interest in this conservation if there's a free gift in it for you?

Can't please everyone, all the time, I guess...

I'm holding out for an embroidered hat, with my name on it.

There is a really nice elk hunting ranch north of here that the RMEF owns. No access to members or any public, only rich donors.

The rich donors can fund the RMEF.

Where is this ranch and what is the name? It's my understanding that the RMEF does not own any property, they tried it (with a property that was given to them and it didn't work). I'd like to know if your statement is actually true. Granted, it wouldn't surprise me if a privately owned ranch only gave access to fat cat donors and board members on behalf of the RMEF.

My GPS says ownership is Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, it is west of Ringling Montana about 10 miles.

N 46 15.497
W 110 56.561

I think that they arrange conservation easements, but don't actually own any land.

The way that it works out, though, they may as well own lots of it, as nobody but hand-picked donors get to hunt most of it.

That is my whole point.

I hear the NRA's whittington center offers free elk hunts to any NRA member.

Yeah they are holding it in trust and until they can find a final owner for it . If they allow any hunting on these properties it should be to people that have won auctions at one of their dinners.

I have been a member for a long time , they do a lot of good.

I want one with Schlitz beer cans embroidered in...

I tried to donate a plains game hunt to my local chapter.

I emailed....I called.....I finally gave up

This doesn't surprise me at all. I am convinced RMEF is owned by some anti-hunting types who do just the minimum to keep the moeyy coming.

Got my hip boots on for sure!

LMAO wouldn't that be great

Does SCI allow any old member to stay and hunt on their facility in Granite Creek near Jackson Hole?

I was on their elk list from about 2000 to 2008. The price went from about $4k to $8K. Now I believe it is over $10K. We stop at the Center almost every year on our way down to the "elk ranch". You don't see much from the road, usually pronghorn and bison, depending on the month and time of day.

These threads pop up about this time every year. It's a free country for the most part so if you don't want to support RMEF, you don't have to do so. The allegations of a clique of insiders who are anti-hunting and elitist, and who are soaking the ordinary members while hunting RMEF protected habitats not open to the public is a favorite canard.

I have been a member for over 30 years and a life member for about 16 years now. I have worked professionally with staff and volunteers on a number of projects, both as a volunteer and as a paid consultant. I can assure you that I have never encountered anyone that would be included in the mythical inside mob that is always alluded to in these threads. I have met a lot of hard-working people from all walks of life who believe that the future of elk hunting lies largely in protecting what elk habitat we have left from fragmentation and degradation.

If you are considering joining, do your homework somewhere else than on the internet forums and then make up your own mind.

I am a life member of the RMEF and appreciate much of the the work that they do. However, I also realize that they are money driven and now a big business organization.

I will leave it at that.

donsm70

Sorry but I disagree with the OP. Here in NM RMEF has supported youth hunting projects in cooperation with other groups and NM Game and Fish. Same for disabled hunter outings at Valles Caldera.

As to being money hungry, How about some facts instead of innuendo.....

Charity Navigator data shows RMEF spends only seven percent on administrative costs and 2.8 percent on fundraising costs. Therefore, 90.2 cents of every dollar that RMEF spends go directly into its mission of ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage.


And then there is this...

August 18, 2016


RMEF Surpasses 10,000 Conservation Projects
MISSOULA, Mont.—An ongoing aspen restoration effort in Oregon’s South Warner Mountains marks the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s 10,000th lifetime conservation project.

“This is an incredible conservation milestone,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “It speaks volumes to the positive, beneficial impact the RMEF has on elk and elk country from coast to coast.”

Earlier this year, RMEF contributed $30,000 in grant funding to the Fremont-Winema National Forest as part of the seventh and final year of landscape aspen treatment in south-central Oregon where elk numbers are below objective. RMEF funded similar efforts in 2014 and 2015 to conserve and restore aspen stands and meadows in the same region. Also in 2016, RMEF awarded $20,000 in grant funding to begin a similar landscape-scale effort in the North Warner Mountains.

RMEF’s first habitat stewardship project was a 1986 prescribed burn in a place fittingly named Elk Creek on the Kootenai National Forest in northwest Montana. The backcountry burn encompassed more than 1,000 acres of prime elk habitat where shrubs had become overgrown or decadent.

“We are grateful to our many partners who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us in making meaningful conservation work a reality. We vow to accelerate our conservation mission of ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage,” added Allen.

To date, RMEF completed 10,198 lifetime conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in 49 states that permanently protected or enhanced 6,883,479 acres of vital elk habitat.


Land Projects
RMEF purchases important elk habitat from landowners and seeks to convey that property to a federal or state management agency. The agency then acts as steward of the land while providing access to the public. Many land projects also improve access to nearby USFS, BLM or state lands that are landlocked or otherwise extremely difficult to reach.

Easements
A road or trail easement is a right-of-way to enter or cross private land without possessing it or trespassing. RMEF works with partners to negotiate road or trail easements that allow public access through privately held land. Access may be by vehicle, foot, horse or other means. Such projects open or improve access to large chunks of public lands that are inaccessible or mostly surrounded by private land.

Land Exchanges
RMEF may assist a government agency or a private landowner in exchanging lands. These exchanges typically take place when an agency has wildlife habitat lands it wants to acquire. Many exchanges will result in an increase of lands that are open to the public.


Contributions
RMEF may award grants to state agencies for their individual hunter access programs. Grant funding is used to maintain or create new areas for public access.

First, the problem with the local chapter is just that--a problem with the local chapter. I've worked with our local chapter and I can tell you that a lot of time and effort goes into drumming up auction items and no call would've gone un-answered here.

The line about RMEF being "owned" by antis is too absurd to dignify with a response. Volunteer for some local habitat improvement projects and see how many antis show up.

I get the list of stuff that you posted, but you are missing my point. If they do all of this great stuff, then why are they filming hunts predominantly with dignitaries, instead of taking a kid or just some average member on one of these hunts?

I realize that it takes large amounts of money to do the things that they do, but they rarely applaud small donors/members. They are furthering the view that hunting is becoming a pursuit for the rich and influential.

Oh well, as long as they offer me a good freebee, I may continue to throw them my penance once in a while.

do they have to take all of us on an all expenses paid guided trip to make you happy, or just you, in addition to the high impact dignitaries you're talking about?

no organization is perfect, but I dont know of ANOTHER elk organization that does much of anything for elk.

I confess that I really appreciate that many of the articles they publish are submitted by regular folk who've just done a good job of capturing their hunts.

my annual RMEF check is an easy one to write. only freebee I need is Bugle magazine.

the allegation that it's run by anti's is maybe the biggest tinfoil hat theory I've heard yet.

yall have a great season. Good luck in the mountains.

I heard nearly this identical gripe about Ducks Unlimited.

I suspect that the 'dignitary' that gets to go hunting is contributing either access, land, easement, or value of some kind in the neighborhood of 6 or 7 figures, and the gratuity he receives is perhaps a hunt that he could have simply purchased for 4 or 5 figures.

It's far superior to the North American Moose Foundation. The one year they quit printing the newsletter, quit answering the phones, and I was in Idaho and left them a message I wanted to stop by ( they had an open door policy for members) and they never returned my call. I ignored their letters to renew after being a member for three years.

Thank you for the dose of common sense mudhen. I couldn't have said it any better.

Now all we need to do is sit back and wait for someone to say they won't join because the wolf reintroduction was RMEF's fault.

Wondering what the CEO receives for a annual salary? At one time I was a huge supporter of the NWTF. But when I found out the Rob Keck the CEO at the time was receiving 375k for an annual salary, I stopped donating. And shortly after the news spread of what he was receiving, he resigned.

I know that both the RMEF and the NWTF have done great things for the elk and turkeys. But I do believe it is all about $$

RMEF holds TV hunts with companies/groups/people that support its conservation mission. It also conducts hunts with RMEF members, volunteers and other common folks--and yes, some of them are on public land.
It does not own any ranch land unless it's in the process of conveying that land to a state or federal agency to manage. It is against RMEF bylaws for RMEF staff or board members to hunt on any such land.

Good post. You should probably change your name to "fact checker" though

Is there documentation for this info?

Their stated policy is that they do not buy property to own and manage. If they acquire properties to protect elk habitat or provide access to public land, they identify a responsible owner and transfer the property. These owners are almost always identified in advance of the actual purchase. In the case of a transfer to a private owner, the property is typically encumbered with a conservation easement to guarantee that the habitat values it was acquired to protect are not compromised by the new owner(s) or subsequent owners.

Do you mean as opposed to your wild-ass theory that RMEF is owned by antis?

That's right. If there is no documentation their opinion is the same as mine: An opinion.

Not quite. Crosschecker laid out a set of facts that I'm going to bet are documented. Your opinion can't be documented because it's untrue. If you want documentation, pick a fact or two and be specific. What is it that you want documentation on?

Yes.

Can one of the current members find out who the ranch 10 miles west of Ringling MT will be conveyed to?

Ownership chip on GPS shows RMEF as owners. Not trust.

N 46 15.497
W 110 56.561

Why don't you call them yourself and find out. That's what any member would have to do.

I am not a current member. Can you find out?

You can call and get the info. same as anyone else.

Next time you are in SW Montana I would buy you a drink. Might even let you hunt over my dog.

You obstinate SOB.
Grin

Dang, and I just tracked down that information. Don't want to jeopardize my invitation though, so I'm not tellin.' You obstinate SOB.

Red Basin Ranch LLC has owned it since at least 2008. My GPS chip shows Red Basin Ranch LLC as the owner as well. RMEF holds a conservation easement on the property, which is what the diagonal lines indicate. You must be seeing the easement holder on your GPS, rather than the landowner.

Thanks Whttail, I should have thought to use cadastral.

Strange that my chip shows that as ownership, not trust or easement as it shows everywhere else.

Must be a glitch.

I sure hope whitey didn't ruin it for me.

Much like the NRA - not perfect but the best thing we have going....

Sbhooper: I quit supporting the rmef when they became the rmWf!
When the greens that run that outfit financially supported the transplantation of Canadian Wolves into the heart of our hard fought for Elk herds I told them to go phhucckk themselves, in writing and in person!
Thanks for NOTHING rmWf!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

I think I first read this post in 1999. Some things never change.

Elk Foundation has a tough task trying to stay in their lane.
I follow Bugle as close as my short attention span will allow. I noticed that for years they had a very narrow focus on funding for elk habitat and did not ever mention the two white elephants in the room - wolves and cwd. I've never seen anything supporting wolves and in fact the absence of any position whatsoever began to seem strange to me.
The past few years I've noticed RMEF taking a stand to protect elk from wolves and the most recent issue has an article on cwd.
They can't stray too far from their charter and go off on a lot of peripheral tangents but I think they have achieved a good balance.

p


2014. Ceo David Allen total comp was $288,204.00
Sect Rodney Trjepke total comp was $ 184,514.00
Treasurer Lori Parker total comp was $ 153,136.00
General Counsel Grant Parker total comp was $ 146, 548.00

These are the top 4 from the RMEF, low compared to most non profits.

Care to explain where that ranch is at?

Seriously, I can assure you that RMEF does not own any ranches. Whoever told you that tidbit is completely misinformed.

As for the TV show, it is required to cover all of its own costs and contribute a profit to the bottom line. Whatever people think of it, not only does it make a profit, it is doing so in a manner that gives RMEF a lot of exposure that most brands would have to pay big money to obtain.

Your GPS would be wrong. RMEF acquires property and turns them over to state and federal agencies for access. You are confused with a conservation easement that might be held by RMEF.

Just last quarter, RMEF completed four projects that will open many thousands of acres of new access to the public. In 32 years of existence, they have helped create/improve access to over 700,000 acres of elk hunting grounds. RMEF has a lot more projects currently in the works that will open more access in the coming year.




Yes, it is in the by-laws of the organization. You can request such from Rod Tripke at Missoula HQ.


Ask away about RMEF. I've been on the Board of Directors for the last four years. I can assure you that most everything posted here are rumors that seem to make the rounds when someone gets bored.

A few comments on their TV show. They do have some average guys on the show. I've seen it many times. Watch the hunts with Kristy Titus taking three young girls. Watch the hunts when they take some of the key volunteers.

I did two TV episodes for them a couple years ago. Both were with regular members, all public land, and all self-guided. Both guys shot elk and had a great time, as did I, even if I didn't fire a shot.

Producing TV is very challenging and very expensive. Far more challenging on public land, without guides, especially with people who are not accustomed to the complications TV poses to hunting. It might look easy to someone who has not done it.

RMEF is asked by sponsors to deliver a highly polished media product. They do that at considerable work and investment. As a result, the TV show makes a profit that allows for more money to be invested in access and conservation.

I wish it was possible to make everyone happy, but that is not reality. Thanks to all members (220,000+) who donate, support, and volunteer (11,000+).

Thanks Randy

It is one thing to do a good job and another to do it and keep most of your members informed and comfortable that everything is run in an ethical fashion. There is so much about elk hunting that is determined by the size of your checkbook the regular members having an opportunity to be part of a special hunt opportunity is a big deal in my view.

Your show is popular in my hunting circle because you show all it takes is a willingness to go out there and some ingenuity and boot leather to succeed on public land. My best spot borders a ranch where the cost is $5K to hunt, with a 3 mile walk gaining 1,000 feet I'm hunting the same herd. The only difference is the 2 days packing mine out instead of sitting by the fire with a good bourbon while the outfitter does the work, who would want to miss all that fun.

What a load of crap. Being completely opposite of VG is always the right place. What a kook.

Agree. There are a lot of intellectually challenged individuals that start typing before fact checking. RMEF got started in 1984 and has been growing ever since. I joined as a life member in 1990. I have continuously served on committees in New Mexico and Texas as a volunteer or chapter chairman ever since. The RMEF is your grandchildrens hunting future. Hunting is conservation. Get out from behind the computer screen and get involved.

Cadastral cleared it all up.

I was a donating member for 30 years. Got my last magazine in August. I can use my dollars better, than RMEF has the last few years.

That's interesting. If you're talking about conserving habitat, I'd like to hear about how youre putting your dollars to work. Care to elaborate?

I'm in Michigan, and last year I was drawn for a once-in-a-lifetime Michigan bull tag. The field I shot my bull in was one of several that were developed and maintained yearly using grant money from RMEF. I'm not a member, but I was a beneficiary of their efforts.

Nice bull!

What he said!

Damned few organizations are as effective as RMEF in turning revenue into actually meeting their stated mission---which is a great accomplishment for wildlife and hunters.

They have my vote and support no matter what the uninformed or misguided sling around with a click of the button.

Bugle is the only mag I subscribe to (with a membership). I have saved everyone so that someday when I am pretty much tied to my rocking chair, I can re read them.

The benefits to the members and donors are great and if one of them gets a special bonus here and there, good.
Tim

For the record, this got me thinking and I went and joined RMEF.

Well played Bersh, well done!

It is going to OHA NRA Oregon Firearms federation

Local is a good way to go, good on you.

Just curious though, what has RMEF spent money on that you object to, as opposed to other national organizations like NRA?

RMEF has plenty of Rich guys footing the bill. I will use my cash for less well funded Objectives.

I haven't seen that myself but to each his own.

The wolves are still a problem.

I got invited to an RMEF banquet this year and I saw a little of both sides: Rich people with money to burn, but mostly ordinary folks who spent hard earned money to support their work.

I'm not a big joiner and have a less than positive impression of many of the self important folks who flock to governing boards of local organizations, less so most bigger organizations. But I like about everything I've seen of RMEF. They don't call my cell phone while I'm working to ask for money like the NRA idiots who still don't get the message. I like Bugle, I like the fact that guys in Michigan kill big bulls and that habitat in the West is preserved.

I didn't know Bigfin was on the board - but Ilke that too. I'll renew next year and may go to another banquet too. I will admit the prizes are the big draw for me at those, a buddy goes to a couple a year and dumps several hundred into the raffle. I think he's won 7 or 8 guns at least 2 times getting first choice. He has his own glass and screen business, works hard with his hands every day he isn't elk hunting and RMEF is his primary charity. Obviously one of the "Rich Guys" identified.