Outdoors

RMEF reports record membership

Posted: Jan 14, 2013 8:02 PM by MTN News

MISSOULA - The Missoula-based Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation reports that more people are joining the group than ever before.

Their total membership stands at an all-time high of 196,079 as of the end of 2012, nearly 12,000 higher than a year before, marking RMEF's fourth consecutive year of record growth.

"We are grateful for another solid year of growth," said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. "RMEF continues to stand alongside many sportsmen and women as strong advocates for conservation and wildlife management."

The surge in membership is the highest since an increase of 19,245 members from 2009 to 2010.

"The increase in membership is definitely a positive. We will continue to keep our eye on the big picture of ensuring the future of elk, elk country and our hunting heritage," added Allen.

"Elk hunting is a way of life for many. This success allows us to continue to do more to maintain that culture while also addressing the pressing needs of conserving critical habitat, working to create additional public access, promoting sensible management of all wildlife, including predators, seeking to restore elk to their historic ranges and doing all we can to educate the public that hunting is conservation, Allen concluded in a news release.