Rocky Mt. Elk Foundation?

Pink Salmon · 02-13-2009, 06:29 PM

I'm seriously considering joining. I've read all about it on the website. Are there any ifish members? What are your thoughts? What kind of perks are there to being a member? I'm just looking for an insight to what i have to look forward to.

Thanks

kigercreek · 02-13-2009, 06:33 PM

Have been a member for 20 years now since the first Harney County banquet. RMEF has had its ups and downs, but it seems to be returning to its roots of hunting and conservation from what I am seeing. For awhile there it leaned a bit away from the hunting end of the spectrum, in my opinion, but seems to be back on track. The $$ they have put into local/state projects is quite impressive, and the banquets are just plain fun!!

ORsouthpaw · 02-13-2009, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kigercreek

Have been a member for 20 years now since the first Harney County banquet. RMEF has had its ups and downs, but it seems to be returning to its roots of hunting and conservation from what I am seeing. For awhile there it leaned a bit away from the hunting end of the spectrum, in my opinion, but seems to be back on track. The $$ they have put into local/state projects is quite impressive, and the banquets are just plain fun!!

That's good to hear. I was a member for several years including the times when it seemed that the foundation had shifted it's focus from elk hunting and habitat to tyring be all things to all people and be politically correct even when it meant compromising what it's membership was asking for. Perhaps if that's true and they are once again standing up for not only elk but elk hunting I will look at rejoining myself.

chukarchaser · 02-13-2009, 06:55 PM

Agree with what kigercreek said. They are a great organization that does a lot for conservation. Biggest perk IMO is the mag... bugle. I love it, and I like that they aren't afraid to write a few controversial articles that might ruffle a few feathers but actually make you think a little. So many other mags seem to be the same old stuff written in slightly different ways.

Oh yeah... one more thing. I've been a member for about 15 years and am actually going to my first banquet (Rose City chapter) next month. Can't wait, I hear they are a good time! And I think I read that Wayne Van Zwoll is the guest speaker.

CC

huntercgr · 02-13-2009, 07:01 PM

I've been a life member for roughly 15 years. My perks are free Bugles and calendars for life.

And knowing I somehow helped save some critical land. Glad I did it when I did, because I couldn't do much to help now. They may not be perfect, but they're the best the elk (and other wildlife) have going for them right now.

Big Unit · 02-13-2009, 07:17 PM

Been a member since 1986. Committee member for years, co-chaired one year. Got out when the red tape was too thick.

Great organization! Great goals and results with our money.

Bugle, calendars etc...are nice, but when I hunt something, I support it!

BU

loper · 02-13-2009, 07:19 PM

I have been a life member for more than 10 years now. The magazine is excellent and only available to members. The yearly calendar is always a gift I look forward to receiving. In 2007 95% of contributions went directly towards conservation work, 3% went to fundraising, and 2% went to administration. You will also receive opportunities to get copies of "The Best of Elk Country Journal".

If you are in Oregon I believe you will also get "Oregon's Elk Country Legacy", a newsletter for Oregon members.

That organization is all about putting dollars on the ground.

CamoHunter · 02-13-2009, 07:30 PM

I became a member back in late 80's or early 90's.
I enjoy reading Bugle, and helping out with $$ when I can.
I agree with the post above; if I'm going to hunt them I will try to do my small part to help maintain habitat.
All in all a good way to give back a little.

Camo

jmg · 02-13-2009, 09:41 PM

I've been a member going on 2 years, but I did it mainly for the magazine hopeful that one day I can plop the $$ down for a life membership.

rrust1 · 02-13-2009, 10:20 PM

Bugle is the biggest perk. Oh and my buddy won a 1187 camo 12 ga. at last years banquet...

shinook65 · 02-13-2009, 10:46 PM

Family membership for 15+

sliverpicker · 02-14-2009, 05:28 AM

Been a member since Oct. 1984. Haven't become a life member simply because I want to keep my low membership number of #436

RMEF has spent alot of money here in Oregon & Washington that benefits all wildlife, not just elk.

Pink Salmon · 02-14-2009, 06:12 AM

Thanks guys, Well i did it this morning. My family and i are officially members of the Rocky Mt. Elk Foundation. I had to get a family membership. Once my duaghter found out she would have her own membership card, I think she is more excited about it than me and I'm pretty excited.

Cliff D. · 02-14-2009, 06:53 AM

If anyone knows of the perfect organization, please let me know, i'll join. Until that time i'll send my money(and time, when i can) to groups with a more narrow focus that more closely resembles my own interest. Rocky mt.(ELK) foundation,and (OREGON) Hunters Association come to mind.

Benny · 02-14-2009, 07:35 AM

Rocky Mt. Elk Foundation is a great one to support. I had a few classes with Bill Richardson (Oregon Chapter) when he was doing some natural resource and forestry touch up; what a great guy, and really cares for the resource.
If you've ever heard of the Starkey Project west of La Grande, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation supports a large portion of the funding. If you have time, google.com the Starkey Project to see good science being applied in the name of our sport.

fisher22 · 02-14-2009, 07:55 AM

Ihave been a member since the early 90's and a life member for the last 6 yrs. Istrongly believe they do alot to provide and protect habitat.

Chinook Nut · 02-14-2009, 10:53 AM

I've been a member for eight years now and usually go to two of the banquets a year to support and have fun. Have been to one of the nationals as well. The Bugle magazine is also a great read. The more supporters we have the better.

johndeeregreen · 02-14-2009, 12:39 PM

I dumped them when they turned enviro-elk hunters years ago. I'm to independant for any group. To many things not to like in groops like that and I think they are all about $$$$$$$$. IMO. Just my two cents.

jjelkhorn · 02-14-2009, 02:54 PM

Sliverpicker- When I did my life membership a few years ago I still kept the same membership number. Might check into it.

RidgeRunner · 02-14-2009, 03:49 PM

I dumped the elk foundation years ago when things were not going well for hunters. I just joined back up again a few weeks ago. I will support OHA all I can though.

Stephany · 02-14-2009, 04:04 PM

I got my husband one of their calendars from the sportsmans show for his birthday, and he took it into his work, and I guess someone wanted or needed it more then he did...

I didn't pay an arm and a leg for it, but we liked how it had all the hunting dates, etc... Now I have to either buy him ANOTHER calendar or do what we do every year for the past 10... write it down on our calendar we have now.

StevenB · 02-14-2009, 04:13 PM

Why those money gubbing East of The Rockies low life... oh I thought you meant NPR ... RMEF is fine.

I donated a signed limited edition of Chuck Adams poster and they paid for a frame and glass. It sold for 3,000.. or was it 300???

Benny · 02-14-2009, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevenB

Why those money gubbing East of The Rockies low life... oh I thought you meant NPR ...

Hey now

I love those Boston wacko's on Car Talk.

Small Fry · 02-14-2009, 05:34 PM

My wife and I have been members for three years now. RMEF has done a lot for habit around Oregon the last couple of years.

After attending our first Banquet we joined and have been on the banquet committee for 3 years now.

Our local Banquet is next Saturday Feb 21st in Hillsboro. Still lots of room if you want to attend. Were severing a whole BBQ pig and all the trimming for dinner. If you interested feel free to send me a PM and we will be happy to get you signed up. Were still offer an early bird discount on raffle tickets. We have lots of good stuff to auction off.
We will have 4 time Elk calling champion Dieter Kaboth there to give us a demenstraion too.

Hope to see some of your there.

flipperdog · 02-14-2009, 06:08 PM

Been a member and helped run banquets in Burns, Or and El Paso TX, (when I was in the military) Became disenchanted with the organization in the mid 1990's. I do not agree with taking private land and giving it to the government. Also, after the forced acquisition of the Brownlee Ranch out of Cambridge Idaho, I lost my trust in the organization. This acqisition was never publicized and was a crime against freedom and an old man and his son. Former gov. Cecil Andrus was a part of the RMEF scandal. I hope that things are changing. Notice, the elk population on the Brownlee property have nearly left, thru our "saving." Range and wildife management have suffered. I very much enjoyed the people I met and the good folks I worked beside. Cervids are a unique animal especially C. canadensis. But, i have a proud pioneer spirit and I will have to deal with that. God Bless

StevenB · 02-14-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benny

Hey now

I love those Boston wacko's on Car Talk.

Benny I'm with you about Click & Clack and a few other NPR shows.

Car Talk is right up there with good old Bob & Ray when it comes to humorous radio.

It's just that I realized there are always going to be plenty of great sugar shows in the IMO poisoned KoolAid served on
NPR.

NPR (Neutered Political Radio)

Go Beavs

StevenB

ommedia · 02-16-2009, 08:55 AM

Have been a member for nearly 20 years, and a life member for about 6. Our family has been on the Central Oregon committee for 15 years.

One thing that I remind everyone who wants to hate on this group or that group is this: "get involved, get informed, and understand that every organization has it's purpose and nitch".

RMEF is a great organization. And if you do get a copy of the Oregon's Elk Country Legacy, you'll see great information on the efforts being made here in Oregon, rReports from the various volunteer leaders....and great stories...my daughter's deer story was included in the latest edition

I am attending / working at the Hillsboro banquet this Saturday, the 21st. I've heard that their ticket sales are very low this year (hope that is picking up steam the last week), but it could get you some great odds and bargins on some great items!

Quote:

Originally Posted by loper

I have been a life member for more than 10 years now. The magazine is excellent and only available to members. The yearly calendar is always a gift I look forward to receiving. In 2007 95% of contributions went directly towards conservation work, 3% went to fundraising, and 2% went to administration. You will also receive opportunities to get copies of "The Best of Elk Country Journal".

If you are in Oregon I believe you will also get "Oregon's Elk Country Legacy", a newsletter for Oregon members.

That organization is all about putting dollars on the ground.