MISSOULA, Mont. – For the first time in Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation history, annual labor donated by RMEF volunteers has exceeded $17 million in total value.

This voluntary workforce of devoted elk hunters and other conservationists is providing much of the horsepower for RMEF initiatives in 2011 habitat conservation and enhancement, elk restoration, hunting heritage and youth education programs, and more.

The labor figures were released by RMEF in conjunction with National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 10-16, 2011. President Nixon designated the annual commemoration in 1974 to celebrate America’s spirit of volunteerism for good causes. U.S. Presidents still issue formal proclamations to help keep volunteerism going strong.

“Volunteer labor doesn’t show up on financial statements. Neither bankers nor the IRS even consider it a true asset. But this year the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will reach its 6 millionth acre of habitat conservation, we’re helping to restore elk herds in Missouri and Virginia, and we’re influencing millions of people with positive messages about hunting and wildlife. And I can promise you that almost none of that would happen if not for our volunteers,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

“Conservation today depends on volunteers,” he added, saying, “and I hope all who love the outdoors will join RMEF in thanking not only those whose volunteerism is inspired by elk, but everyone who gives of their time and talents for wildlife and wild places.”

For tips on how to get started as a volunteer for conservation, visit the link/URL below:

http://www.rmef.org/NewsandMedia/NewsReleases/2009/Volunteer.htm

Nationwide, RMEF boasts 10,000 volunteers who conservatively average 80 hours of donated labor annually, for a total of 800,000 hours. The 2010 national average value for an hour of volunteer labor is $21.36, according to the nonprofit Independent Sector using U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics plus estimates for saved employee benefits.

RMEF volunteers coordinate and host banquets and other fundraisers, assist wildlife and land managers by building wildlife watering devices, conducting elk research, removing unneeded fencing and countless other jobs.

MISSOULA, Mont. – More than 1,800 pre-paid memberships to one of America’s premier wildlife organizations are waiting to be claimed by active U.S. servicemen and women with an interest in elk, hunting and conservation.

Supporters of the 178,000-member Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) paid for these memberships as a thank-you to those who are defending our nation.

An RMEF membership ($35) includes a year’s subscription to Bugle magazine and other benefits, with proceeds supporting the nonprofit organization’s work to conserve habitat for elk and other wildlife. Learn more at www.rmef.org.

To claim a membership, simply go to www.rmef.org/military and sign up.

This offer from RMEF is good while supplies last.

Skinny Moose Media, LLC, for whom I am part owner, has been a supporter of Hunt of a Lifetime for several years. This movie trailer is segments intended for the final movie, “The Harvest”. They need your help! Completion of this film can only help to reach out the many more young people that would like to participate in the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, while facing uncertainty in their person battle with illness, disease or handicaps.

If you would like to donate even the smallest amount to this cause, or perhaps even fund the remaining cost of $10,000, visit this link to learn more and make an easy to do donation.

MISSOULA, Mont. – A team of marathoners representing the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation was among the 3,000 athletes who spent Saturday “running to remember” the deadly attack at Fort Hood, Texas, on Nov. 5, 2009.

The Fort Hood Run to Remember, which recognized the one-year anniversary of the tragedy and may become an annual event, was part of a series of weekend activities at the post designed to honor the fallen, provide a time of remembrance for the victims and families affected by the shooting, and support those who were wounded. The event featured a half-marathon, 5k, one-mile walk, music and entertainment.

The RMEF team dedicated the 13.1-mile half-marathon to the 13 victims and one unborn child killed in the shooting. But their endeavor also honored the heroic recovery efforts of a special soldier who survived four gunshot wounds in the attack and who still dreams of recovering well enough to go elk hunting someday.

RMEF “adopted” U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Patrick Zeigler shortly after the shooting, promising to make his elk-hunting wish come true as soon as he’s healthy enough to go.

A fully donated and outfitted elk hunt, along with cards, letters and countless prayers and good wishes have been supplied by RMEF members and supporters nationwide.

“Our organization has developed a very special relationship with Patrick and we’re anxious to see him fully recover and eventually experience elk country and join the fraternity of elk hunters,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “We’re humbled at the sacrifices that he and his family and colleagues have made, and we’re pleased to be able to offer small but meaningful gestures to help them through a difficult time.”

Last December, Zeigler’s father, Pat, told Allen: “When I told Patrick about the offer to go elk hunting, it was one of the few times I’ve seen his eyes light up since he’s been in the hospital. He loves to hunt and fish and be outdoors. He always wanted to hunt elk but never had a chance. Now, that experience is one of the things he’s driving for.”

Today, Zeigler has overcome multiple surgeries, painful rehab and various setbacks in a long and grueling healing process. But he’s making progress. In fact, he and his fiancée, Jessica Hansen, on Saturday completed the Fort Hood half-marathon route on bicycles.

RMEF supplied Hansen, who helped organize the marathon, with RMEF-logo clothing to use as prizes and gifts. Upon receiving the merchandise, she e-mailed Allen, saying:

“I picked up the boxes at the Post Office this morning. I broke into tears when I opened them up. You guys are unbelievable. This stuff is really great and I know the soldiers are going to be so grateful and so happy to receive it. I’ll send lots of pictures. Thank you for not only supporting Patrick but for being patriots in general and for reaching out to other soldiers. RMEF has been life changing for us and we are only getting started with you guys! Thank you so, so much.”

For more information about supporting victims and families affected by the Fort Hood tragedy, visit http://novemberfifthfamiliesassociation.org.

Zeigler’s friends also launched a web site: www.healpatrickzeigler.com.

The RMEF team, co-sponsored by Smith & Wesson, included Kevin Jarnagin, Bronnice Green, Sean Oneill and Matt Rice. Volunteers also manned an RMEF booth at the event.

Allen added, “Veterans Day is this week, on Nov. 11, and we ask all Americans to do your part in remembering our country’s military veterans. If it weren’t for our servicemen and women, we simply wouldn’t enjoy the freedoms and lifestyles that make us who we are as people, conservationists and sportsmen.”

Milestone Marks Nearly a Decade of Leading Outdoor Youth Education

(Columbus, OH) – The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation’s (USSAF) signature outdoor education program for American youth, the Trailblazer Adventure Program, is preparing to reach a major milestone on October 2 with its one millionth participant attending an event.

Thousands of youth and their families will be flooding seven Trailblazer Adventure Day locations around the nation including sites in Atlanta, Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, Traverse City, Michigan, Jackson, Mississippi, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Albany, New York and East Providence, Rhode Island.

By the end of the day, over one million participants will have gone through the Trailblazer Adventure Program since its inception as an Atlanta pilot program in 2001.

In 2002 Trailblazer grew with five pilots around the country averaging over 1,000 participants at each site. That tremendous growth continued reaching a record number of 200,000 youth and their families attending in 2009 alone.

Trailblazer has received many awards and accolades including a U.S. Department of the Interior Take Pride in America® award for its leadership in recruiting youth and families to outdoor sports.

“For close to a decade, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation has worked with all types of youth organizations to make Trailblazer the largest outdoor education program of its kind in the nation,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSAF president and CEO. “To have touched the lives of so many young people and their families and to have given them a taste of the wonders of outdoor sports has been awe inspiring.”

The Chair of the Trailblazer Program is Mary Cabela, co-founder with husband Richard Cabela, and brother Jim Cabela of the well known sportsmen store chain, Cabela’s. It is under her guidance and generosity that Trailblazer has the resources to introduce legions of youth and their families to shooting, fishing, hunting, and trapping.

Additionally, many organizations have provided invaluable resources to make Trailblazer a reality such as the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, nearly every state wildlife agency, and numerous national conservation based groups such as Fur Takers of American, Masters of Foxhounds Association, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. In addition to these groups, tens of thousands of volunteers, many from the expansive national network of local conservation clubs, have donated their time and money to make each Trailblazer event a unique experience for the children and families attending.

Trailblazer would not be possible without numerous conservation minded businesses such as Cabela’s, the Crosman Corporation, Bushnell Performance Optics, Henry Repeating Arms, and many more.

About Trailblazer: Trailblazer events are typically hosted at a Boy Scout camp or similar facility and features a variety of activities, demonstrations and orientation sessions designed to let children and their parents experience the outdoor lifestyle. Activities include firearm shooting and safety, archery, trapping, fishing and much more. All activities are conducted under the supervision of experienced “Trail Guides” with an emphasis on safety. USSAF Local Field Directors attend each event to ensure coordination between all participating organizations.

Youth-serving partnerships include: Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, Campfire USA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, Girls Incorporated and YMCA.

Conservation organization partnerships include: National Shooting Sports Foundation, Masters of Foxhounds Association, Fur Takers of America, National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), its state chapters and the NWTF JAKES program, Ohio Division of Wildlife, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources- Wildlife, Wild Sheep Foundation, Bass Anglers Sportsmen’s Society, Kentucky Fur Takers Association, Safari Club International Foundation, Safari Club International Golden Gate Chapter, United Taxidermist Association (UTA), Hidden Haven Hunting Preserve, local sportsmen’s clubs, and the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit.

Special partnerships: Three of the aforementioned organizations have signed agreements to provide leadership at Trailblazer events. These groups are the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), its state chapters, and the NWTF JAKES program, BASS, and the United Taxidermy Association.

Also indispensable to the success of Trailblazer are generous financial sponsors including the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, Ohio Division of Wildlife, Bushnell Performance Optics, Cabela’s, Charles Daly and the Crosman Corporation.

Additional support: The Lee and Ramona Bass Foundation, Shikar-Safari Club International Foundation, Mrs. Mary A. Cabela, William H. Flowers Jr. Foundation, Alan & Barbara Sackman, McBean Family Foundation, Bicknell Fund, Hampe Family Foundation, Inc., Mr. Richard C. Hampe, JCK Foundation, Northstar Youth Houndsman, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, West Virginia Trophy Hunters Association, and the Big Game Hunters Foundation.

For more information about the Trailblazer Adventure program, e-mail trailblazer@ussportsmen.org or visit www.trailblazeradventure.org.

About USSAF
The USSAF protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. It is responsible for public education, legal defense and research.

About NSSF
The NSSF is the professional trade association for the firearms industry. Formed in 1961, it manages a variety of public outreach programs with a special emphasis on promoting gun safety and participation in shooting sports.

About Cabela’s
Cabela’s is the World’s Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear. The leader in the outdoor equipment business, it has grown and prospered from simple beginnings to become the largest mail-order, retail and Internet outdoor outfitter in the world.

About the NWTF
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a national nonprofit conservation and hunting organization that, along with its volunteers, partners and sponsors, has worked for the conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of the hunting tradition. When the NWTF was established in 1973, there were only 1.3 million wild turkeys. Today that number stands at more than seven million birds throughout North America, and hunting seasons have been established in 49 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico.

About UTA
The United Taxidermist Association was founded in September 2007 by a group of like minded individuals, seeking to promote unity and professionalism within the taxidermy industry. The UTA focuses on advancing the art of taxidermy with special emphasis on education and youth.

MISSOULA, Mont.–A trio of conservation education and hunting heritage projects in Virginia have been selected to receive grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 2010.

The new RMEF funding, totaling $1,500, will help fund regional and statewide programs.

“Elk have always been an inspiration to our volunteers and members in Virginia, even before elk restoration was making local headlines. Since 1996, RMEF banquets and fundraisers have supported many kinds of conservation projects all across elk habitat, in western as well as eastern states, plus some 30 different projects in Virginia with a combined value of more than $150,000,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

RMEF grants for 2010 have been awarded to:

Virginia Sportsman Reward Fund (VSRF)–An RMEF grant will help fund rewards for individuals who call-in tips concerning wildlife crimes to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ Crime Line. The VSRF board of directors manages public donations for rewards, reviews reports from conservation officers and determines amounts to be rewarded. RMEF will have a seat on the board and a voice in this process. As Virginia moves forward with an elk restoration program, RMEF participation in this program will help to encourage protection of the developing resource.

Virginia Hunter Education–A grant will support the Virginia Hunter Education Association and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ Hunter Skills weekend at Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center in Appomattox, Va., October 1-3, 2010. The event offers a variety of classes from habitat management to rifle skills for both new and experienced hunters. The grant helps establish an RMEF scholarship program to allow disadvantaged individuals to attend.

Virginia Hunters for the Hungry–This RMEF grant will assist with distributing venison to needy families, elderly citizens and children. In 2009, a record 405,340 pounds of venison was processed and distributed in Virginia, and demand has increased. The grant will offset the cost of processing and distributing venison across Virginia.

Projects were selected for grants by a committee of RMEF field staff and volunteers.

Editor’s note: I want to thank Albert Ladd for sharing his photos and story and to Roger, Steve and Matt for allowing this to be posted for others to enjoy. And, for a fresh mooseburger call ………never mind!

It all began when Maine Warden Norm Lewis gave a call to Roger Boucher of Byron, Maine that there was a bull moose down, having been hit by a vehicle. This happened on State Rt. 17, just south of Beaver Pond. Roger sprung into action calling his son-in-law, Steve Ladd, and Steve’s father Albert, for assistance.

Albert Ladd says, “Roger, also my son’s father-in-law contacted us for help and to take some of the meat. By dark Saturday the meat was cut up and in cooler. Monday afternoon we ground and wrapped and by dark the meat was distributed to several people in the area (with the appropriate tag number).”

Roger Boucher driving the tractor and Matt Boucher in the background on the right.

Roger Boucher and Steve Ladd roll up their sleeves and get to work butchering.

Roger and Steve hard it.

This just isn’t right! Does that look good or what? No, no, no! Not the Sam Adams! The moose meat!

And there’s a little something for everyone!

Posted by Tom Remington

LEE, Maine – Five Disabled Maine Veterans were selected through a lottery to receive permits for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Controlled Moose Hunt in Aroostook County.

Four alternates also were selected during a special lottery drawing barbecue on Friday, July 23 in Lee. The lottery was hosted by Paul and Deanna House, whose son Sgt. Joel House was killed in Iraq in 2007, and Bill Emery, whose son Sgt. Blair Emery also was killed in Iraq in 2007.

“It is a privilege to attend the disabled Maine veterans moose permit lottery drawing at what’s called The House in the Woods, a welcoming place where the Houses bring veterans for outdoor recreational adventures, camaraderie and friendship,” said MDIF&W Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin. “My appreciation is extended to Mr. and Mrs. House and Mr. Emery for hosting the event. Through your sorrow, you’re helping Maine veterans. The special controlled moose hunt permit for disabled Maine veterans is our way of joining you to say ‘thank you’ to veterans for their service.”

The Controlled Moose Hunt takes place from Aug. 16 through Sept. 25 and is not part of Maine’s annual recreational hunt. It is a targeted and focused effort to respond to farmers’ concerns about crop depredation and to address concerns about high incidences of moose/vehicle collisions along Routes 1 and 161. For several years, MDIF&W has increased the number of moose permits in this area during the recreational hunt to address the same concerns. The controlled hunt, however, provides greater flexibility for MDIF&W to effectively manage moose and reduce the negative impacts from moose in areas that may have “non-traditional” habitat that may not attract hunters.

This year’s controlled hunt will be the second consecutive one approved by the MDIF&W Advisory Council based on the recommendation of Commissioner Martin and the Department’s Wildlife Division. One-hundred permits, with 55 being allotted for landowners and 45 allotted for Maine Registered Guides, are awarded through a separate lottery and NOT as part of the recreational moose lottery.

In a letter that was read at the lottery drawing, Gov. John E. Baldacci said giving the disabled veterans the opportunity to take part in the controlled moose hunt is one way all Mainers can show their appreciation to those who have served in the military.

“Disabled Maine veterans have been able to obtain complementary hunting permits, and this program expands opportunities we offer to disabled veterans to enjoy the beauty of our great state,” Gov. Baldacci said.

This year, five additional permits were designated for Disabled Maine Veterans and the permits were to be drawn through a lottery. The names of four alternates also were drawn. More than 145 disabled Maine veterans entered the lottery, which was coordinated by Peter Ogden of Maine’s Bureau of Veterans Services.

The disabled veterans selected are:

· Francis J. Dumas, Augusta

· Robert E. Blais, Holden

· Michael A. McArthur, Orrington

· Darrell C. Grover, Orrington

· Douglas B. Kulisich, Norridgewock

The four alternates are:

· Larry E. Brooks, Mars Hill

· Leonard D. Hanson, Crawford

· Gilbert R. Rossignol, East Millinocket

· Philip A. Smearer, Waldo

MISSOULA, Mont. – For the second year in a row, America’s premier charity watchdog has given its highest marks to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Only 21 percent of all U.S. charities have attained Charity Navigator’s coveted 4-star rating for two or more consecutive years. The achievement denotes RMEF’s exceptional ability to manage and grow finances; a key factor for donors selecting top-performing conservation organizations for philanthropic gifts.

Ratings data show RMEF spends just 6.7 percent on administrative costs, and 3 percent on fundraising costs. Therefore, more than 90 cents of every dollar that RMEF spends goes directly to its mission of ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.

Charity Navigator President and CEO Ken Berger wrote, “Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America. This ‘exceptional’ designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”

To review ratings of all charitable organizations, visit www.charitynavigator.org.

Details on the RMEF rating are at the link/URL below:

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=4406

Profiled by Forbes, Business Week and Kiplinger’s Financial Magazine, Charity Navigator estimates that it annually evaluates 10 times more charities than its nearest competitor, attracts more online visitors than all other rating groups combined, and influenced over $10 billion in charitable gifts over the past year.

Editor’s Commentary: After reading this call by the National Center for Public Policy Research, I would concur with Mr. Ridenour. Under the circumstances of the amount of money these “environmental” organizations receive from BP and other like companies, it is time to put their money where their mouth is and put these “donations” to work in oil clean up efforts. I would hesitate to return the money directly to BP but instead donate the money to a third party entity with assurances and guarantees that every penny of it went specifically for oil clean up in the Gulf of Mexico and United States’ interests. Good call by NCPPR.

Call for Voluntary Return of Gifts Spurred by Reports that BP Could Go Bankrupt

Washington, D.C. – In light of recent reports that BP may go bankrupt paying claims for damages and cleanup of the Gulf oil spill, The National Center for Public Policy Research today called on organizations and individuals that have received contributions from BP or its affiliated foundation in recent years to return these donations, or to contribute them to a reputable, independent Gulf cleanup fund.

“It is now well-established that when politicians and others find themselves in receipt of donations of dubious or inappropriate origin, they return those donations,” said David A. Ridenour, vice president of the National Center for Public Policy Research. “Donations were returned to Goldman Sachs after that firm was charged with civil fraud. Numerous Florida politicians returned donations from a law firm charged with operating a Ponzi scheme. President Obama returned donations from his aunt, an illegal alien, and from a man charged with murder before the latter’s conviction, and very many donations were returned to Enron, among others.”

“The argument for returning the money in this situation is even more compelling than most, in light of the fact that the full cleanup effort may not occur if BP goes bankrupt. Nobody thought that Goldman Sachs was going to go belly up. Returning BP’s money to assist cleanup efforts and help those harmed by the leak would respect both the moral imperative and the environmental imperative,” added David Ridenour.

According to published reports, major environmental advocacy organizations in receipt of major gifts from BP in recent years include the Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, the World Resources Institute, various branches of the Audubon Society, the Wildlife Habitat Council and others. Very many politicians from both political parties also have received contributions.

“It is not appropriate to on the one hand to criticize BP for taking what appear to have been shortcuts with safety and environmental needs while at the same time profiting from BP’s business model,” said Amy Ridenour, president of the National Center for Public Policy Research. “And it’s not as if returning the BP grants would cause these institutions to close their doors. The Nature Conservancy reported nearly $1.4 billion in revenue in 07-08, against about $900 million in expenses, with net assets of nearly $5 billion. The World Wildlife Fund raised $10 million more in FYE 2008 than it spent, and had nearly $300 million in net assets. The World Resources Institute had over $50 million in net assets.”

“These environmental organizations are to the non-profit community what the Fortune 100 is to the business community,” Amy Ridenour continued. “Even the least known of these groups, the Wildlife Habitat Council, reported revenue of $2.9 million for FYE 2009, with the publicly-reported BP monies they received totaling far less than their net assets.”