MISSOULA, Mont.-Boy Scouts across the U.S. have a new destination for trekking, mountain climbing, shooting, wildlife watching and other adventures-the Boone and Crockett Club’s Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch near Choteau, Mont.
The Club is partnering with the Montana Council of Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to create a “Montana High Adventure Base” at the Club’s 6,040-acre ranch. The property adjoins the rugged Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. The camp will meet national certification requirements of the BSA for high adventure camps and Scout-trained leaders will direct the program. More than 140 Scouts could visit this summer. Participation could expand in coming years.
In one-week programs, Scouts will learn about backcountry safety and preparation, orientation, conservation and wildlife. They’ll also have opportunities to experience supervised backpacking, fishing and more. Wilderness treks lasting 4-5 days are possible.
“There aren’t too many Boy Scout councils in the country with an organized high adventure program, especially at a place where you can hike right off a private ranch and into one of the premier wilderness areas in the country. It’s a beautiful, special, interesting place. We anticipate that Scouts from all over the country will want to come here,” said Gordon Rubard of the Montana BSA, based in Great Falls, Mont.
Adventures will be based at the ranch’s Rasmuson Wildlife Conservation Center, which contains an engaging classroom, great room/dining hall and sleeping quarters. Rifle and shotgun shooting facilities also are on the ranch.
Participating Scouts will receive a one-year associate membership in the Boone and Crockett Club and a subscription to “Fair Chase” magazine.
Club Director of Conservation Education Lisa Flowers said, “The Boone and Crockett Club is honored to help Boy Scouts develop a greater appreciation of wild places, an understanding of wildlife conservation in the 21st Century, the importance of the hunting tradition and past and present actions of hunter conservationists, and the vision of the Club as established by our founders and first president, Theodore Roosevelt.”
Learn more at www.montanahighadventurebase.com or www.montanabsa.org
About the Boone and Crockett Club
Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship, and is the universally recognized keeper of the records of native North American big game. Member accomplishments include protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the National Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit www.booneandcrockettclub.com.
