MISSOULA, Mont- Donated hunts, goods and services from guides and outfitters have surpassed the $28 million mark in net proceeds for conservation initiatives of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
“As a group, guides and outfitters are the Elk Foundation’s biggest supporters. Together they have now donated more than 13,000 trips and items for auctions and raffles. These businesses lead by example in an effort to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife their habitat,” said David Allen, president and CEO of the Elk Foundation.
Six outfitters from Arizona, Montana and New Mexico are being honored in 2008 for reaching new levels of support netting $50,000 or more.
New Mexico—Torstenson Wildlife Center/Double H Ranch of Datil, N.M, this year became an Elk Foundation Level 5 contributor ($100,000) with 56 donations since 1986 raising a combined $117,385.
Arizona—The White Mountain Apache Tribe of White River, Ariz., has become an Elk Foundation Level 4 contributor ($50,000) with 4 donations since 1990 worth $71,100.
Montana—North Fork Creek Outfitters of Gardiner, Mont., also became an Elk Foundation Level 4 contributor with 39 donations since 2001 netting $62,350.
New Mexico—RB Outfitters & Guide Service of Chama, N.M., reached Elk Foundation Level 4 status with 53 donations since 1985 worth $55,235.
Montana—Wilderness Lodge/Skyline Outfitters of Hungry Horse, Mont., is now an Elk Foundation Level 4 contributor with 55 donations since 1998 totaling $50,547.
Montana—Broken Arrow Lodge of Alder, Mont., also reached Elk Foundation Level 4 status after 27 donations since 1996 that raised $50,000.
The Elk Foundation currently has 472 guides and outfitters enrolled in a program called Business Partners in Conservation. This year, 61 were recognized for reaching new levels of net contributions to the Elk Foundation mission, including 34 newcomers to Level 1 ($5,000), 7 to Level 2 ($15,000), 14 to Level 3 ($25,000), plus those in Levels 4-5 mentioned above. Only one outfitter has reached the uppermost plateau, Level 6 ($250,000): Wyoming Wilderness Outfitters of Powell, Wyo., with 119 donations since 1986 netting $404,236.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has already conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.4 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. Most work occurs on public lands. More than 561,000 acres have been opened or secured for public access including hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.
