Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

#ElkFactFriday Spring movement is shaped as much by snowpack as food. Even shallow-crusted snow can dramatically increase the energy cost of walking for elk. Presented by @STIHLUSA Proto by Glenn Oakley

Why hunting is conservation: elk population recovery. Prior to European settlement centuries ago, there were more than 10 million elk across North America. By the early 1900s, only 41,000 remained. Thanks to the money and hard work invested by hunters to restore and conserve habitat, elk numbers grew to 550,000 by 1984, when the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation was founded to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage. Today, the elk population stands at more than 1.1 million. Since its humble beginnings, RMEF has completed more than 15,000 conservation and hunting heritage projects that have conserved or enhanced more than 9.2 million acres of habitat across big game country. And we’re not slowing down. One square mile a day. Over 10 million acres by 2030. Join our mission and help keep the momentum going ➡️ RMEF.org

During Big Game Days, the TOUGH ELK workout challenges you to experience the effort it takes to grind it out in the backcountry. This one-hour hunt-inspired workout is built to test your strength, endurance and grit — the same mindset it takes to succeed in elk country. Finish the workout and you’ll earn an entry to win a premier elk hunt in Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains with Montana OutWest, complete with guides, lodging, meals and full game care. Missoula, Montana | July 18, 2026 Learn more and sign up at biggamedays.com #BigGameDays #ToughElk #BackcountryTraining #RMEF

What's your dream #SundayGunday destination? 🗻🌊 Image credit: Leupold #rmef #huntingheritage

ONE SQUARE MILE A DAY. OVER 10 MILLION ACRES BY 2030. At RMEF, we’re not just conserving what’s here today, we’re creating what’s possible for tomorrow. That means more access, healthier habitats and a stronger future for all big game. Join the movement RMEF.ORG

Looking to the future, RMEF awarded funding for research to help assess the utility of virtual fencing as a management tool in improving habitat use and movement for elk and other big game.

How virtual fencing and a phone app helps ranchers manage cattle and protect habitat: now live on YouTube: ➡️🔗 youtu.be/XB5NZRsoRrw Fencing is an invaluable tool for ranchers, allowing them to better contain and control their livestock. But sometimes, fencing can be dangerous or even deadly for elk, mule deer and other species trying to cross the landscape. Thread ⬇️

The CPW Commission ignored @COParksWildlife leadership and wildlife professionals and instead sided with anti-hunters by voting to institute a ban on the sale, barter or trade of wild fur in Colorado. rmef.org/media/commissi… #rmef #furtrade #furban #coloradoparksandwildlife

“America’s Best Idea” began 154 years ago when Yellowstone was protected as the world’s first national park.

Even deep in winter, elk keep their bellies full thanks to their four-chambered stomach that helps them digest woody plants and fibrous material most animals can't handle. #ElkFactFriday presented by @STIHLUSA

From Idaho Fish and Game, Panhandle Region: On Feb. 18, a St. Maries man was sentenced for the unlawful take of seven mature white-tailed deer bucks. The second man involved in the case is scheduled for sentencing soon. The first man received the following sentence: – $17,200 in restitution – $525 in meat processing fees – All associated court costs for his case – Seven months in county jail—one month for each deer in the case – Two years fixed and three years indeterminate incarceration for each of the two felony convictions (suspended and placed on probation)- Five years of supervised probation – Ten-year hunting license revocation More details about the case: rmef.org/media/idaho-po… RMEF partnered with @FiocchiUSA for 2026 to spread the word and stop poaching.

RMEF has always been on the cutting edge of conservation. Our in-house research is the next step. What can elk calves teach us about future hunting opportunities? Watch now ⤵️ 📽️ Wildlife Management: Montana Elk Research – An RMEF Film youtu.be/c4Bn7vFPjac

When you think of conservation heroes, you might not picture hunters, anglers, or gun owners, but you should. In this episode, I head into the backcountry to shine a light on the often-overlooked truth: gun owners and hunters are the backbone of American conservation. We’ll explore how these dollars fund everything from healthy wildlife populations to trail systems and non-game species protection, benefiting anyone who values wild places, whether you hunt or not. If you care about conservation, this is the story you need to hear.

Snow and ice? Nothing we can't handle #sundaygunday Photo by @LeupoldOptics

How an Olympian helped create the Team Elk Packs ➡️ instagram.com/p/DU_cMmaDsw3/…

Furthering its commitment to hunters and hunting heritage, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation now owns RMEF OutdoorClass®, the leading online learning platform dedicated to individuals who desire to improve their skills in the field. Defined by video courses led by experts such as John Barklow, Corey Jacobsen, Randy Newberg and Remi Warren, RMEF OutdoorClass® delivers real-world knowledge and reflects RMEF’s mission to promote ethical hunting practices, conservation and stewardship of wildlife resources. Learn more: rmef.org/?p=862167

New Access Elk Country just dropped, where we take you to a rare riparian habitat in New Mexico ⬇️ youtu.be/cksdaZo-cgM At RMEF, we’re not just conserving what’s here today, we’re creating what’s possible for tomorrow. That means more access, healthier habitats and a stronger future for all big game.