RMEF Allocates $1.2 Million for Habitat Work in Six States

So far in 2012, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has allocated $1,258,888 for habitat stewardship and protection projects in six key elk states. The figure represents a significant increase from 2011. More than 139,000 acres should be conserved for elk and other wildlife in 2012 as a result of these initial allocations. Affected states include Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.  RMEF will announce funding allocations for additional states later this year.

The combined allocation for the initial six states is $181,562, or 16 percent, higher than their total from 2011. The increase is based on a strong upward trend in banquet-based memberships and fundraising performance by RMEF chapters and volunteers in the respective states.

“Thanks to RMEF volunteers and supporters and a wave of momentum, our organization is positioned to pump more money than ever into crucial habitat work in six major areas of elk country,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

Allocated amounts and acres expected to be conserved in 2012:

• Colorado—$251,451 and 42,030 acres
• Idaho—$82,710 and 31,984 acres
• Montana—$257,011 and 21,658 acres
• Oregon—$165,000 and 11,483 acres
• Washington—$184,460 and 10,454 acres
• Wyoming—$318,256 and 21,555 acres

Combined, 112 different conservation projects will receive RMEF funding.
Projects are selected for RMEF grants using science-based criteria and a committee of RMEF volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering agencies and universities. Examples of projects include habitat stewardship such as prescribed burning, forest thinning and management, weed control, water improvements and more, mostly on public lands. Also included are research projects to improve management of elk, habitat, predators and other factors that influence conservation.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - RMEF Allocates $1.2 Million for Habitat Work in Six States

3rd Annual Old West Invitational Turkey Shoot Set for May 10-12, 2012

The 3rd Annual Old West Invitational Turkey Shoot will be held May 10-12, 2012, in Hulett, Wyo., to raise funds to conserve state wildlife and improve the community’s educational facilities.

Wyoming Wildlife -The Foundation and the Greater Hulett Community Center are teaming up to host celebrities and special guests for a weekend of turkey hunting. A portion of the proceeds from this event will help fund research, education and habitat projects that benefit the state’s game and nongame species as well as improve Hulett’s community center.

“Wyoming is home to more than 600 different species of wildlife, and it’s the Foundation’s mission to help finance on-the-ground projects that conserve these precious resources,” said Craig Showalter, president and CEO the Wyoming Community Foundation. “To help us meet our fundraising goals, we welcome the support of companies and organizations that share our passion for wildlife conservation and education.”

Wyoming Wildlife – The Foundation funded 17 projects in 2011 including the Fathers in the Field Outdoor Mentoring Program. Through this program, outdoor enthusiasts from local churches were paired with fatherless boys to provide one-on-one training in a variety of outdoor skills and activities. Other Foundation projects included a Wildlife/Livestock Friendly Fencing Initiative and the Nature Mapping Jackson Hole: Citizen Project, where trained citizen scientists observe and record when and where they see wildlife.

Fun and fundraising will go hand in hand at the Old West Invitational Turkey Shoot. Guests will enjoy a first-class event consisting of two days of turkey hunting in northeast Wyoming, home to Devils Tower. Western hospitality will be provided by the Greater Hulett Community Center, a nonprofit organization with a mission to transform the former Hulett School into a community center. Hulett residents will help coordinate guides, lodging, meals and transportation. During the event, local landowners will offer hunting opportunities on private land where only guided hunts are traditionally allowed. Auctions, dinners and a host of other activities are scheduled throughout the weekend.

Find more information about the Old West Invitational Turkey Shoot and Wyoming Wildlife –The Foundation.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - 3rd Annual Old West Invitational Turkey Shoot Set for May 10-12, 2012

Yamaha Outdoors Tip of the Week: Early Season Turkey Calling

Deciding how aggressive your turkey calling should be depends on several variables, not the least of which is the time of season.

Early in the season, turkeys are usually in large groups.  Depending on how early your season begins, these may be either winter aggregations that have yet to break up, or more likely,
dominant toms with their harem of hens and (hopefully), a few subordinate adult males.

It may seem counterintuitive but this is the time for aggressive calling.  There are several reasons for this.  For starters, real birds are very vocal this time of year.  They’re used to hearing a lot of calling, and you have to compete with that.

Second, they have yet to become call shy.  Yours will be the first artificial calls they hear so they’ll be more receptive, and there’s less chance of making a mistake.

For the third, and most important, tip of early-season turkey calling, please visit – http://www.yamahamotor.com/outdoor/events/dynamicevent/2/1604/yamaha_outdoors_tips_-_early-season_turkey_calling.aspx.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Yamaha Outdoors Tip of the Week: Early Season Turkey Calling

Wyoming Native Americans Win Right to Hunt Bald Eagles

A recent ruling by the federal government has granted a Wyoming tribe the right to kill two bald eagles for a religious ceremony. Native Americans are calling this a victory for American Indian sovereignty.

On March 9 the Northern Arapaho Tribe was granted a permit allowing to either kill or capture and release two bald eagles this year.

Conservation groups have questioned why the Arapaho tribal members can’t meet its religious needs without killing wild eagles, citing the tribe’s capacity to raise captive birds, substitute feathers, or use an eagle that died of natural causes in their ceremonies.

According to Harvey Spoonhunter, a tribal elder and former chairman of the Northern Arapaho Business Council, eagle hunting “has been since the beginning of time with us, and we respectfully utilize the eagle in our ceremonies. We get to use the eagle, which we consider a message to the Creator.”

Bald eagles were removed the endangered species list in 2007.

This video provides some background on the decision.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvtZF8vhdhw

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Wyoming Native Americans Win Right to Hunt Bald Eagles

MDF Applauds Gov. Mead for Wyoming Wolf Plan

The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) came out in strong support today of Gov. Matt Mead and the Wyoming Legislature for decisive action Monday regarding Senate File 41, which will allow for state management of the gray wolf population in Wyoming.

There has been a long-fought battle by Wyoming lawmakers to delist the gray wolf, as was accomplished recently in neighboring states, Montana and Idaho. Working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Gov. Mead and the Wyoming Game and Fish Dept. were able to negotiate a compromise plan that involves removing wolves from endangered species status while allowing for protections in core habitat areas such as Yellowstone Park.

MDF President and CEO Miles Moretti said, “We want to congratulate Wyoming on passage of their wolf plan. Gov. Mead showed great leadership in negotiating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Wyoming will now be able to manage wolves in their state. This is a huge step in getting wolves delisted nationwide.”

Monday’s 57-1 vote in the Wyoming House in favor of the plan was a critical step in returning wolf management to the state. The legislation now heads to Gov. Mead for his signature. The bill should be signed and wolves delisted by September.

It is the position of the Mule Deer Foundation that the gray wolf in the northern Rocky Mountains be delisted and managed by state fish and wildlife agencies. MDF believes states can more effectively balance the management of wolves with the management of other resident wildlife such as mule deer.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - MDF Applauds Gov. Mead for Wyoming Wolf Plan

Quail Forever Honors Illinois Chapter with No Child Left Indoors National Award

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have honored the chapter recipients of its fifth annual No Child Left Indoors National Awards. The distinction is presented to one Pheasants Forever chapter and one Quail Forever chapter for their efforts in introducing youth to the outdoors and bringing along the next generation of hunters and conservationists. Chapters honored were the High Plains Pheasants Forever chapter, based out of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, and the Golden Triangle Quail Forever chapter, based out of Quincy, Illinois.

Pheasants Forever’s No Child Left Indoors initiative is the organization’s national effort to engage youngsters in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and camping. The No Child Left Indoors National Awards recognize chapters for their youth habitat projects, youth and family community events, and youth outdoor education programs. “These chapters have shown the ultimate commitment to promoting youth activities and getting kids involved in the outdoors,” said Cheryl Riley, Pheasants Forever’s Vice President of Education and Outreach.

Wyoming’s High Plains Pheasants Forever chapter

The High Plains Pheasants Forever chapter is a model youth participation chapter, holding a minimum of one youth event per month throughout the year. In 2011, the chapter’s events helped 700 children participate in outdoor activities. These activities included a visit to Yellowstone National Park, mentored goose hunts, mentored pheasant hunts, an outdoor survival day, and a day dedicated to game processing and storage.

The chapter also hosts “Day in the Wild” for grade school youth (grades K-6^th). At the event, approximately 500 youth are introduced to a wide variety of outdoor activities, skills and programs. At last year’s event, with the financial help of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Wildlife Turkey Federation, the Wildlife Heritage Foundation, and several other organizations and individuals, the chapter provided each attendee with a Wyoming Conservation Stamp. The High Plains Pheasants Forever chapter also serves as the parent chapter for the youth-only Texas Trail Ringnecks Pheasants Forever chapter, further fostering youth in conservation and outdoor education.

Illinois’ Golden Triangle Quail Forever chapter

Less than a year old, the Golden Triangle Quail Forever chapter has hit the ground sprinting. Within five weeks of the chapter’s startup, the first annual chapter banquet had 260 people in attendance and raised nearly $50,000 for wildlife habitat and youth conservation education. The chapter’s commitment to youth programs has already resulted in three wingshooting clinics, a chapter sponsored Scholastic Clay Target Program team, involvement in local hunter safety courses, and a scholarship for youth to attend a special Quail Forever youth camp. The Golden Triangle Quail Forever chapter held multiple youth mentored hunts in 2011, including one specifically for disabled or challenged youth.

In addition to the No Child Left Indoors Award, the Golden Triangle Quail Forever chapter won “Rookie Chapter of the Year” for Illinois. The chapter’s president, Ryan Viehmeyer, was chosen by Field & Stream magazine as a “Hero of Conservation” for his dedication to the chapter’s conservation mission and youth involvement.

For more information regarding Pheasants Forever’s youth programs, please contact Rich Wissink, Pheasants Forever National Youth Programs Specialist, at 715-722-0286 / Email Rich. For all other inquiries, contact Rehan Nana, Pheasants Forever Public Relations Specialist, at 651-209-4973 / Email Rehan.

Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division, Quail Forever, is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 130,000 members and 700 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Chapters are empowered to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds are spent, the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Quail Forever Honors Illinois Chapter with No Child Left Indoors National Award

Close Up Video of Two Wolves in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

This video was shot by a Wyoming man as two wolves crossed through a 1-acre lot near his home. His dog can be heard growling at the intruders as they pass by.

In the recent wolf season 166 wolves were taken by Wyoming hunters. However, as this video shows, the wolves haven’t been intimidated all that much.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PFjyTtHu-0

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Close Up Video of Two Wolves in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

RMEF, Partners Recognize Standout Conservation Pros

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service employees in four states—Idaho, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming—have earned recognition for standout work to enhance and conserve habitat for elk and other wildlife.

Each has received a special award from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and their respective agency for conservation efforts in partnership with RMEF.

“These awards are meant to give a pat on the back and a thank-you to some of the finest professionals anywhere in wildlife conservation,” said Blake Henning, vice president of lands and conservation for RMEF. “Together, the BLM, U.S. Forest Service and RMEF are making a real difference in elk country.”

RMEF works with many partners, none more prominent than BLM and the U.S. Forest Service. Lands owned or managed by these federal agencies provide habitat for most elk in the U.S., as well as the most opportunities for elk hunters and other recreationists.

The awards were presented during the annual RMEF convention, called Elk Camp, which ended Feb. 4 in Las Vegas.

Honorees include:

RMEF/BLM Elk Conservation Awards

Partnership Coordination Award

Idaho—Christine Shaver, Idaho BLM office. Shavers was honored for standout national leadership in managing and coordinating grants for habitat stewardship. She oversaw funding and stewardship agreements involving 14 BLM offices in Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming. Through her work, a total of 5,600 acres were enhanced for elk and other wildlife.

Habitat Enhancement Award

New Mexico—BLM Taos Field Office. This entire staff was recognized for outstanding contributions to habitat enhancement in New Mexico. Active with RMEF since 1988, projects have included native seed planting on 1,348 acres in the Ute Mountain area, aspen restoration on the Taos Plateau, Buffalo Pinon water development and many others to benefit elk and other wildlife.

Individual Achievement Award

Wyoming—Jack Mononi, BLM Cody Field Office. Mononi, a range conservationist, was recognized for his achievements in partnership with the RMEF since 1993. He has submitted 30 successful grant proposals over the last 18 years to enhance a combined 20,112 acres of Wyoming elk country. Many of these projects were prescribe burns, noxious weed treatments and water developments.

RMEF/U.S. Forest Service Elk Country Awards

Elk Country Award

Montana—Jane Ingebretson, Swan Lake Ranger District, Flathead National Forest. A wildlife biologist, Ingebretson was recognized for her work in partnership with RMEF since 1995. She has submitted 19 projects, mostly prescribe burns, for RMEF funding. She also has overseen completion of those projects totaling more than 3,500 acres. An additional 1,000 acres in habitat stewardship are expected for completion in 2012.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - RMEF, Partners Recognize Standout Conservation Pros

Wyoming is No. 1 Fundraising State for RMEF

The state ranked last in total population, Wyoming, has emerged as the No. 1 fundraising state for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Over the past six years, Wyoming had consistently finished second to America’s most populous state, California, but the Cowboy State came out on top in 2011.

“Wyomingites are deeply proud of their wild country, their elk herds and their hunting heritage—and they’re clearly willing to invest to keep them all in top shape,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO of RMEF, an international conservation outfit based in Missoula, Mont.

RMEF’s mission is ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. Since launching in 1984, the organization has helped to conserve more than 6 million acres across the continent. In 2012, Wyoming could become the first state to reach 1 million acres of RMEF-funded habitat stewardship and protection projects.

To fuel these efforts, RMEF volunteers host fundraising banquets in cities and towns nationwide, with each event billed as “a good time for a great cause.”

In 2011, Wyoming chapters of RMEF raised $1,388,569, edging second-place California by $10,752.

RMEF volunteers were honored during a rowdy celebration at the RMEF convention and expo, called Elk Camp, which concluded Feb. 4 in Las Vegas.

Allen congratulated the RMEF leadership team in Wyoming including volunteer state chairs Donae Bezanson and Tom Kaness, volunteer regional chair Mike Cuin, and staff regional directors Jill Tonn and Ryan Kaiser.

He added, “We can’t say ‘thank you’ enough to the volunteers and RMEF members and partners in Wyoming, California and around the country. We have fun with competition between the states, but the fact is, conservation today depends our cumulative effort.”

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Wyoming is No. 1 Fundraising State for RMEF