I've been a member of the RMEF in the past. They are hitting me pretty hard to rejoin what are your thoughts of the RMEF? What do you gain by being a member? Who gets to hunt the big Ranch in New Mexico that was donated to the RMEF? Can members, or is that a high dollar hunt club for the RMEF? Is it worth it or are the top people in the orgenization just living/hunting good off members fee's? What about support for delisting wolves? Im wondering what other elk hunters thoughts are on them before I rejoin.
RMEF is calling.
- Thread starter jodog
- Start date
LAST EDITED ON Dec-25-11 AT 02:06PM (MST)[p]Their heart may or may not be in the right place, but I dropped my membership when they failed to take the bull by the horns on the wolf issue. IMHO they waited way too long to enter into the fray and I think they lost a lot of members because of that one issue alone. I don't know what the requirements are to hunt the HH ranch in west central NM that was willed to them, but it's probably big bucks for a very few hunters and I'm not sure whether you have to be an active member to have a chance to get on it or not.
Edit: Just went on their website and the hunts on the HH Ranch are open to anyone and are 1x1 guided. These are the current fees: Bull Elk---5 day archery early---$13,000
" " " mid Sept--$14,500
" " ML in October-$16,500
" " " " December-$17,000
Mulies " " Rifle----------$4,000 $4,000 Trophy fee
Antelope-------------------------$6,000
Lion-----------------------------$3,500
Edit: Just went on their website and the hunts on the HH Ranch are open to anyone and are 1x1 guided. These are the current fees: Bull Elk---5 day archery early---$13,000
" " " mid Sept--$14,500
" " ML in October-$16,500
" " " " December-$17,000
Mulies " " Rifle----------$4,000 $4,000 Trophy fee
Antelope-------------------------$6,000
Lion-----------------------------$3,500
I joined them when they first came out in the eightys, it was great for a long time, they had a lot of support from everyone, then about a decade ago they got kind of strange, printing non factual things in their magazine ect, I quit a few years ago when they crawled in bed with Garth Carters hunting fool, that was the last straw, I grabbed an issue of Bugle their official magazine a while ago, sure enough there was several pages by Garth telling us to give him a hundred bucks and how to get in shape for hunting season, reading below his picture he says he works out a lot all year and then he goes on an early Dall sheep or stone hunt just to get ready for all the rest of the season, for me it was enough to gag a maggot. sorry I will put my money somewhere else.
I also used to belong to the RMEF,until they started hounding me for more memberships.I would pay my dues,then recieve more requests for additional years or more premium memberships.Yes I think someone is getting rich off this and I'm sure they can hunt all the property for no money,and I think they will end up with a bunch of land someday, that all of the rest of us payed for.
tailchasers
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 5,297
Nope, I stay away from them too. To much is spent on private lands for habitat improvements which we get very little benefit from. They may throw out arguements about calving or wintering grounds or whatever but there are already plenty of programs already out there not utilized by the private land owner for property improvements while our public lands suffer and could use some serious attention. I feel more comfortable giving my money directly to the states where even there we get screwed.
"Courage is being scared to death but saddling
up anyway."
"Courage is being scared to death but saddling
up anyway."
txhunter58
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 8,532
LAST EDITED ON Dec-25-11 AT 07:26PM (MST)[p]Two facts I will tell you about the RMEF.
1) Their primary goal is to improve habitat.
2) Over 89 cents out of every dollar that is sent them goes to projects (ie habitat improvement). That is verified by independent watchdogs. Not many organizations rank that high. So no, the top dogs are not "getting rich" off our contributions.
As far as the ranch. With a gift of that magnitude comes lots of costs and repsponsibilities. They could have chosen to pay those costs out of our contributions and put less into their mission, or they could have chosen to make it a profitable venture and put the money made into projects. Now you may dissagree with what was decided, but you can't say it was a "sweetheart deal" for the higher ups.
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
1) Their primary goal is to improve habitat.
2) Over 89 cents out of every dollar that is sent them goes to projects (ie habitat improvement). That is verified by independent watchdogs. Not many organizations rank that high. So no, the top dogs are not "getting rich" off our contributions.
As far as the ranch. With a gift of that magnitude comes lots of costs and repsponsibilities. They could have chosen to pay those costs out of our contributions and put less into their mission, or they could have chosen to make it a profitable venture and put the money made into projects. Now you may dissagree with what was decided, but you can't say it was a "sweetheart deal" for the higher ups.
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
txhunter58
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 8,532
>Nope, I stay away from them
>too. To much is spent
>on private lands for habitat
>improvements which we get very
>little benefit from. They may
>throw out arguements about calving
>or wintering grounds or whatever
>but there are already plenty
>of programs already out there
>not utilized by the private
>land owner for property improvements
>while our public lands suffer
>and could use some serious
>attention. I feel more comfortable
>giving my money directly to
>the states where even there
>we get screwed.
>
>"Courage is being scared to death
>but saddling
>up anyway."
Where do elk winter???? Lots of them winter on private ground. So RMEF does two things. First, if possible, they help purchase private land and turn it over to the public. But that takes megamillions and those opportunities are few and far between.
However, they also help put private land into conservation easements. This costs much less than actully buying the land but means that those lands will never end up subdivisions. Sounds like a pretty good idea to me. Or should those people just sell them to a real estate developer??
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
>too. To much is spent
>on private lands for habitat
>improvements which we get very
>little benefit from. They may
>throw out arguements about calving
>or wintering grounds or whatever
>but there are already plenty
>of programs already out there
>not utilized by the private
>land owner for property improvements
>while our public lands suffer
>and could use some serious
>attention. I feel more comfortable
>giving my money directly to
>the states where even there
>we get screwed.
>
>"Courage is being scared to death
>but saddling
>up anyway."
Where do elk winter???? Lots of them winter on private ground. So RMEF does two things. First, if possible, they help purchase private land and turn it over to the public. But that takes megamillions and those opportunities are few and far between.
However, they also help put private land into conservation easements. This costs much less than actully buying the land but means that those lands will never end up subdivisions. Sounds like a pretty good idea to me. Or should those people just sell them to a real estate developer??
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
M
MTSHEDHEDZ
Guest
Join the RMEF and fund hunts for their "Board",thats the only thing your membership will accomplish.
nontypical
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 4,198
RMEF has also recently joined the anti-wolf campaign as well.I was a member from the beginning until they chose a non-partisan(pro?)stance on the wolf issue.I rejoined recently after they decided to fight the enviro-wackos on the wolf issue.For $35 a year??They have done lots of good for wildlife(not just elk)over the years.I've filled other's pockets with plenty of money over the years that do nothing for wildlife.Membership is cheaper than most hunting tags.I've said it before and I'll say it again.Paying for your hunting license every year does very little towards habitat improvements and such.The bulk of those funds come from RMEF,MDF,DU,etc.You can either support the cause or do nothing.By far the majority of hunters choose the latter.
nontypical
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 4,198
So support no one?Do you honestly think in this day and age that your license fees pay for anything worthwhile habitat-wise?
txhunter58
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 8,532
LAST EDITED ON Dec-25-11 AT 07:47PM (MST)[p]MTSHEDHEDZ: Wow! And you base this on what? Make a statement like that and you need to back it up with facts.
Another thing about the ranch. They give 30 youth guided cow hunts each year:
http://www.rmef.org/Hunting/TWC/ConEd/
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
Another thing about the ranch. They give 30 youth guided cow hunts each year:
http://www.rmef.org/Hunting/TWC/ConEd/
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
BigFin
Active Member
- Messages
- 693
LAST EDITED ON Dec-25-11 AT 11:07PM (MST)[p]>Join the RMEF and fund hunts
>for their "Board",thats the only
>thing your membership will accomplish.
>
Shedz - Do you hunt elk in any of the General units in MT?
If so, I can guarantee you that RMEF has funded projects on public land in the unit you are hunting.
If not for RMEF, the entire Taylor's Fork, Gallatin and Madison Ranges, Dome Mountain, OTO, and the Royal Teton properties would have went the way of private development and the hundreds of thousands of hunter days that are now realized on those properties would not be happening. The number of elk shot each year on property that they helped bring into public access is huge. Probably close to a thousand of bulls each year.
You might be a good guy, and a great hunter, but that is one very inaccurate statement, with no factual basis, especially when made about a group that has done more for public hunting access in MT than anyone. Not just elk hunters, but deer hunters, bear hunters, and cat hunters.
As Wapiti Bob stated, the Double H is a money loser for RMEF. They were donated that ranch from an estate. When you receive an estate donation that has restrictions and conditions, such as the Double H had, you have two choices.
1) Either you say "No" and let it go, which in this case may have went to a ranchette developer as is the case with so many properties near the Double H, or
2) you say "Yes" and accept it with the restrictions that come with it. And you do your best to manage it in a way that improves elk and elk habitat under those restrictions.
One of those restrictions is to operate it as a fee hunting operation to pay for the operating expenses of the place, which are significant. I am glad they accepted it and have managed it as some of the best elk habitat in NM, rather than let it be subdivided. There are a lot more elk on the public land adjacent to the Double H than were there prior to that ranch being managed with wildlife as a priority. We all benefit from that.
They do a ton of youth hunts on that ranch, FOR FREE. Yes, they are cow hunts, but they could be selling those for smaller fees as neighboring ranches do, but instead they chose to invest in the future of hunting.
The stories of RMEF staff and management getting to hunt places at the expense of membership is way off base. Easy to recite that as bar stool rumors. If anyone has one shred of evidence to support such, they should post it. And "my brother's co-workers's cousin's neice heard that at her pre-school" doesn't count as evidence.
Not anything provided here will change many minds, so my hope is that anyone who is not a fan of RMEF, continues to invest, or will invest, their time and their money in some other organization that is doing good work for habitat and hunting. For us hunters, doing nothing is not an option in today's world.
Happy New Year to all elk hunters. May you all get the elk tag you wish for in 2012.
"Hunt when you can - You're gonna' run out of health before you run out of money!"
>for their "Board",thats the only
>thing your membership will accomplish.
>
Shedz - Do you hunt elk in any of the General units in MT?
If so, I can guarantee you that RMEF has funded projects on public land in the unit you are hunting.
If not for RMEF, the entire Taylor's Fork, Gallatin and Madison Ranges, Dome Mountain, OTO, and the Royal Teton properties would have went the way of private development and the hundreds of thousands of hunter days that are now realized on those properties would not be happening. The number of elk shot each year on property that they helped bring into public access is huge. Probably close to a thousand of bulls each year.
You might be a good guy, and a great hunter, but that is one very inaccurate statement, with no factual basis, especially when made about a group that has done more for public hunting access in MT than anyone. Not just elk hunters, but deer hunters, bear hunters, and cat hunters.
As Wapiti Bob stated, the Double H is a money loser for RMEF. They were donated that ranch from an estate. When you receive an estate donation that has restrictions and conditions, such as the Double H had, you have two choices.
1) Either you say "No" and let it go, which in this case may have went to a ranchette developer as is the case with so many properties near the Double H, or
2) you say "Yes" and accept it with the restrictions that come with it. And you do your best to manage it in a way that improves elk and elk habitat under those restrictions.
One of those restrictions is to operate it as a fee hunting operation to pay for the operating expenses of the place, which are significant. I am glad they accepted it and have managed it as some of the best elk habitat in NM, rather than let it be subdivided. There are a lot more elk on the public land adjacent to the Double H than were there prior to that ranch being managed with wildlife as a priority. We all benefit from that.
They do a ton of youth hunts on that ranch, FOR FREE. Yes, they are cow hunts, but they could be selling those for smaller fees as neighboring ranches do, but instead they chose to invest in the future of hunting.
The stories of RMEF staff and management getting to hunt places at the expense of membership is way off base. Easy to recite that as bar stool rumors. If anyone has one shred of evidence to support such, they should post it. And "my brother's co-workers's cousin's neice heard that at her pre-school" doesn't count as evidence.
Not anything provided here will change many minds, so my hope is that anyone who is not a fan of RMEF, continues to invest, or will invest, their time and their money in some other organization that is doing good work for habitat and hunting. For us hunters, doing nothing is not an option in today's world.
Happy New Year to all elk hunters. May you all get the elk tag you wish for in 2012.
"Hunt when you can - You're gonna' run out of health before you run out of money!"
llamapacker
Moderator
- Messages
- 1,068
I see a lot of people jumping to conclusions based on rumor or innuendo. Do yourself a favor and check out their record, not only on their own website (rmef.org) but also charity noavigator, among others. This is one of, if not THE, most respected, successful wildlife and pro-hunting groups out there.
Non of the officers of the group are permitted to hunt on the ranch in NM. Yes, they sell guided hunts. They also provide many hunts for kids and charities. Significant habitat research also takes place on the ranch.
They are actively supporting wolf delisting, and have taken a very active role in this fight in the last few years.
Get informed. Learn what they are doing for elk and elk country, and you won't hesitate to join.
Bill
(And yes, about 5-6 years ago they had a president (Dart) that was not good for the organization. He didn't last long, and the ship was put back on course.)
Non of the officers of the group are permitted to hunt on the ranch in NM. Yes, they sell guided hunts. They also provide many hunts for kids and charities. Significant habitat research also takes place on the ranch.
They are actively supporting wolf delisting, and have taken a very active role in this fight in the last few years.
Get informed. Learn what they are doing for elk and elk country, and you won't hesitate to join.
Bill
(And yes, about 5-6 years ago they had a president (Dart) that was not good for the organization. He didn't last long, and the ship was put back on course.)
Call and talk to them 1-800-CALL-ELK they will direct you to someone that can answer any questions you might have and then make your own decision.
In my opinion they are the original conservation organization of the west and their mission statement says it the best, to protect the habitat of elk and other wildlife. They just surpassed the 6 million acre mark so I would say they are doing what they set out to do.
"WHEN INJUSTICE BECOMES LAW" "REVOLUTION
BECOMES DUTY" unknown
Windage and elevation pilgrim windage and elevation
In my opinion they are the original conservation organization of the west and their mission statement says it the best, to protect the habitat of elk and other wildlife. They just surpassed the 6 million acre mark so I would say they are doing what they set out to do.
"WHEN INJUSTICE BECOMES LAW" "REVOLUTION
BECOMES DUTY" unknown
Windage and elevation pilgrim windage and elevation
puyallupaul
Member
- Messages
- 30
Not going to renew. Joined it's first year. Went to first convention in Spokane. Washington's final game dept meeting in Spokane on wolf plan there was no RMEF representative. How far is Spokane from Missoula ? They sent a letter.
Not even the state representative. Heard he didn't know of mtg.
They did sit on the fence WAY too long.
Things started going bad when the Munson's left.
Not even the state representative. Heard he didn't know of mtg.
They did sit on the fence WAY too long.
Things started going bad when the Munson's left.
If you like Garth Carters organization then join, personally I can't stand them. RMEF was on track when it was all about habitat, its now as much about turning hunting into a weathy persons sport, pick up a copy of bugle and read between the lines. They were supposed to be about habitat, on the ground stuff, period, I understood that, they didn't get into the trenches when it came to elk management. They lost their way.
Idahoron
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 1,980
I don't like their magazine. It makes me sick to read the stories about how the hunters was too moved by the grand sight of the monarch bull to kill it. I want to throw up every time I pick one up. The pictures are all from yellowstone and the advertisements are for rifles, binoculars, and scopes that cost two months wages for the regular guy.
The RMEF was way too slow to get into the wolf problem. They kept raising money for habitat and yes they have done a lot in that area. But what good is 5-6- or 20 million acres of habitat if there aren't any elk in it?
RMEF should have been in the fight from the very start. They sat on the fence and now their base membership is dropping, the hunters and revenue is also dropping I bet.
If RMEF were really interested in elk they would have been there for us. All we heard were crickets. I have several friends that were in the RMEF. They can't support them now either.
No I will let the doctors, lawyers, and other rich guys throw their money at an organization that has just lost touch with the regular hunter.
Ron
The RMEF was way too slow to get into the wolf problem. They kept raising money for habitat and yes they have done a lot in that area. But what good is 5-6- or 20 million acres of habitat if there aren't any elk in it?
RMEF should have been in the fight from the very start. They sat on the fence and now their base membership is dropping, the hunters and revenue is also dropping I bet.
If RMEF were really interested in elk they would have been there for us. All we heard were crickets. I have several friends that were in the RMEF. They can't support them now either.
No I will let the doctors, lawyers, and other rich guys throw their money at an organization that has just lost touch with the regular hunter.
Ron
txhunter58
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 8,532
LAST EDITED ON Dec-26-11 AT 10:08AM (MST)[p]
There is good and bad about every organization out there. I don't like everything about the NRA, but they are on the front lines fighting for us, so I stay a member.
Name one other hunting/habitat organization that spends 90 cents of every dollar taken in on projects and only 10 cents on "administration"? Specifics please............
No one can say that RMEF hasn't done a lot of good for elk, and will continue to do so. Again, I won't agree 100% with their policies, but name one other organization that has their track record for elk/wildlife habitat. Specifics please.........
You can't, because there isn't any that I know of. If there is, please enlighten me and I will contribute to them as well (not instead of)
And if you don't think habitat is that important, you don't know what is going on across the west. In the long run, I think habitat is ever bit as important as wolves.
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
There is good and bad about every organization out there. I don't like everything about the NRA, but they are on the front lines fighting for us, so I stay a member.
Name one other hunting/habitat organization that spends 90 cents of every dollar taken in on projects and only 10 cents on "administration"? Specifics please............
No one can say that RMEF hasn't done a lot of good for elk, and will continue to do so. Again, I won't agree 100% with their policies, but name one other organization that has their track record for elk/wildlife habitat. Specifics please.........
You can't, because there isn't any that I know of. If there is, please enlighten me and I will contribute to them as well (not instead of)
And if you don't think habitat is that important, you don't know what is going on across the west. In the long run, I think habitat is ever bit as important as wolves.
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
M
MTSHEDHEDZ
Guest
Shedz - Do you hunt elk in any of the General units in MT?
If so, I can guarantee you that RMEF has funded projects on public land in the unit you are hunting.
Doubt it,if they did the project was on private land that I will never have access to.If they did they need to rethink their projects,the elk are being pushed around by the wolves and dont stay in the same haunts they used to.Maybe they should have stood up and taken a stand before they were reintroduced,they were one of the few organizations that could have helped and they did NOTHING.
If so, I can guarantee you that RMEF has funded projects on public land in the unit you are hunting.
Doubt it,if they did the project was on private land that I will never have access to.If they did they need to rethink their projects,the elk are being pushed around by the wolves and dont stay in the same haunts they used to.Maybe they should have stood up and taken a stand before they were reintroduced,they were one of the few organizations that could have helped and they did NOTHING.
There'a alot of things I'm reading that I really don't like...The wolves and the RMEF doing nothing about it thats hard to send your money to a group that sits on the fence like that and so many saying the RMEF has lost touch with the average elk hunter. It's bad enough that states like NM are reducing tags for the nonres. but if you have enough money you can buy your way in. If I find out that the top people in the RMEF are making BIG bucks and catering to the rich that will make my decision that the RMEF doesn't need me!! Why can't they sell the members tags to hunt the HH ranch for a resonable price so we ALL could enjoy it? The RMEF is in controll of it.
BigFin
Active Member
- Messages
- 693
>Doubt it,if they did the project
>was on private land that
>I will never have access
>to.
Wrong!
Name a general unit you elk hunt and I will provide you example of public lands RMEF either funded habitat work on, and a very good chance that unit has land RMEF either brought into public ownership or public land they worked to preserve public access on.
Just give one of the general elk units that interest you and I will post the RMEF funded public land projects here.
I am not trying to convince you to join RMEF, just curious why guys say such things, blatantly false things, when the information clealry shows otherwise. Anyone involved in public access and public land conservation in MT knows how much good work RMEF has done in MT for public hunters.
It is very easy to show how much work they have done on public land. Land we all have access to and work that we all benefit from.
Since you are so sure it is all on private land, tell me one project where money was spent on private land. You seem to be pretty sure of your knowledge about where RMEF spends money, so why don't you post one example here?
"Hunt when you can - You're gonna' run out of health before you run out of money!"
>was on private land that
>I will never have access
>to.
Wrong!
Name a general unit you elk hunt and I will provide you example of public lands RMEF either funded habitat work on, and a very good chance that unit has land RMEF either brought into public ownership or public land they worked to preserve public access on.
Just give one of the general elk units that interest you and I will post the RMEF funded public land projects here.
I am not trying to convince you to join RMEF, just curious why guys say such things, blatantly false things, when the information clealry shows otherwise. Anyone involved in public access and public land conservation in MT knows how much good work RMEF has done in MT for public hunters.
It is very easy to show how much work they have done on public land. Land we all have access to and work that we all benefit from.
Since you are so sure it is all on private land, tell me one project where money was spent on private land. You seem to be pretty sure of your knowledge about where RMEF spends money, so why don't you post one example here?
"Hunt when you can - You're gonna' run out of health before you run out of money!"
M
MTSHEDHEDZ
Guest
444
txhunter58
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 8,532
" If I find out that the top people in the RMEF are making BIG bucks and catering to the rich that will make my decision that the RMEF doesn't need me!! "
Well, you won't because it is not happening! Organizations that do that don't put 90% into projects.
As far as the wolf issue, if I lived in wolf central and had my herds decimated, I might feel the same way. Yes, they did wait too long before entering the struggle. However, from the start they have always stated they are not a political organization, just habitat. But this because such an issue for elk they had to change their mission to even get actively in the political process. They needed to and they did, be it late in the game.
Bottom line now is they ARE in the fight and will be one of the big players in the future. Tell me another organization to give to that will do more. Big game forever? With the track record of the top people there and the NON-TRANSPARENCY where money is concerned, I don't feel comfortable giving to them.
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
Well, you won't because it is not happening! Organizations that do that don't put 90% into projects.
As far as the wolf issue, if I lived in wolf central and had my herds decimated, I might feel the same way. Yes, they did wait too long before entering the struggle. However, from the start they have always stated they are not a political organization, just habitat. But this because such an issue for elk they had to change their mission to even get actively in the political process. They needed to and they did, be it late in the game.
Bottom line now is they ARE in the fight and will be one of the big players in the future. Tell me another organization to give to that will do more. Big game forever? With the track record of the top people there and the NON-TRANSPARENCY where money is concerned, I don't feel comfortable giving to them.
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
txhunter58
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 8,532
>Join the RMEF and fund hunts
>for their "Board",thats the only
>thing your membership will accomplish.
>
I am also waiting for some facts backing up this statement.
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
>for their "Board",thats the only
>thing your membership will accomplish.
>
I am also waiting for some facts backing up this statement.
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
BigFin
Active Member
- Messages
- 693
>444
That's a good one, Shedz. You got me laughing on that one.
There may be an RMEF project there, but very unlikely, given there is no elk habitat to speak of. Not a good idea to spend elk conservation dollars on a unit where FWP gives you this warning;
"NOTE: ELK NUMBERS ARE LOW AND WILL BE DIFFICULT TO FIND."
Guess I should have been more specific and said it needs to be a unit where some elk actually live on public land.
How about a unit that actually has some public land elk?
That was a good response, though. Teach me
.
"Hunt when you can - You're gonna' run out of health before you run out of money!"
That's a good one, Shedz. You got me laughing on that one.
There may be an RMEF project there, but very unlikely, given there is no elk habitat to speak of. Not a good idea to spend elk conservation dollars on a unit where FWP gives you this warning;
"NOTE: ELK NUMBERS ARE LOW AND WILL BE DIFFICULT TO FIND."
Guess I should have been more specific and said it needs to be a unit where some elk actually live on public land.
How about a unit that actually has some public land elk?
That was a good response, though. Teach me
."Hunt when you can - You're gonna' run out of health before you run out of money!"
E
elkun
Guest
boys rmef. sfw. mdf. ive worked with all of them. they all have good points.bad points. the bottem line is wildlife' i could tell bad things all have done . i could tell all the good things they have done. if you can afford it join all. if not, pick the one that fits your way of hunting ect...but dont bad mouth people that help wildlife. because what have you done that every body liked...
I went through this very same struggle this month concerning my membership renewal. My thought was, why should I give up my hard earned dollars to provide habitat for elk so wolves can live and eat? That seems to be what its turning into, habitat for wolves.
Looking back the RMEF seemed to be pro introduction as long as wolf populations were managed like any other big game species. But the feds lied to us all and once rmef realized the destruction the wolves are doing to elk herds they joined the fight, new prez helped, calling this, quite possibly "the greatest ecological disaster since the buffalo." That statement rattled some of the enviro freak organizations pretty bad, like it or not these freak organizations do respect rmef. It didn't take to long after that that wolves were de-listed.
I did send my money in for renewal, mostly because I do not believe there is anywhere else worth while to send it?
Looking back the RMEF seemed to be pro introduction as long as wolf populations were managed like any other big game species. But the feds lied to us all and once rmef realized the destruction the wolves are doing to elk herds they joined the fight, new prez helped, calling this, quite possibly "the greatest ecological disaster since the buffalo." That statement rattled some of the enviro freak organizations pretty bad, like it or not these freak organizations do respect rmef. It didn't take to long after that that wolves were de-listed.
I did send my money in for renewal, mostly because I do not believe there is anywhere else worth while to send it?
M
MTSHEDHEDZ
Guest
LAST EDITED ON Dec-26-11 AT 06:19PM (MST)[p]We kill good bulls on a regular basis in 444,almost all of them on public or BM land.I have come close to taking a couple BIG bulls in 444 with my bow on public land.Ran into this herd of bulls the last week of the season last year (2010),too bad I cut my tag on a bull in 444 on opening morning of rifle.Ever since the wolves have taken over the elk have reverted to living down on the open lowlands below the front,even more than they did just a few years ago,I guess the RMEF hasnt spent much time out there or they would have seen the resident herd of about 200 elk that spent all summer out there in the open.The RMEF is living in a fantasy world with their pet areas and pet projects that rarely if effect any of the elk hunting we do,I was a member for quite a few years before I realized there were much better ways to spend my money if I want to promote elk hunting opportunity's in MT.I do 95% of my elk hunting in this area and I know there arnt any RMEF projects on public ground there.
E
elkun
Guest
joe dirt. i think the name says.' it all. get a life. if you can do more for elk please do it.,.,.our wildlife needs all the help it can get.,, nice bulls...
BigFin
Active Member
- Messages
- 693
Shedz;
Nice elk. Congrats. Looks like you found a cool spot. Hope it keeps producing.
Since there is no Forest Service, virtually zero BLM, and only small and isolated sections of state land in that unit, I am sure RMEF has not funded any projects in that area. Would make no sense to do so, given the access difficulty it presents and it would be a project on private land. Their work in that area is in the units to the west, where you say these elk migrated from due to wolf pressure.
Glad to see the landowners tolerating elk in that area. Hope that continues.
"Hunt when you can - You're gonna' run out of health before you run out of money!"
Nice elk. Congrats. Looks like you found a cool spot. Hope it keeps producing.
Since there is no Forest Service, virtually zero BLM, and only small and isolated sections of state land in that unit, I am sure RMEF has not funded any projects in that area. Would make no sense to do so, given the access difficulty it presents and it would be a project on private land. Their work in that area is in the units to the west, where you say these elk migrated from due to wolf pressure.
Glad to see the landowners tolerating elk in that area. Hope that continues.
"Hunt when you can - You're gonna' run out of health before you run out of money!"
M
MTSHEDHEDZ
Guest
"Glad to see the landowners tolerating elk in that area. Hope that continues."
Tolerate?They outfit for deer/elk,why wouldn't they "tolerate" them.What they dont tolerate is the wolf,and thats why the elk feel safe down low.You asked where I hunted and now you dont like my answer,sorry your beloved RMEF hasnt done a damn thing where I hunt just like I said.The RMEF fell for the Feds BS when the reintroduction was proposed and dropped the ball when they really had a chance to stand up for the elk and the hunters that make their little club possible.They wont see another dime from a whole bunch of us that have figured out why they are really about at their core.
Tolerate?They outfit for deer/elk,why wouldn't they "tolerate" them.What they dont tolerate is the wolf,and thats why the elk feel safe down low.You asked where I hunted and now you dont like my answer,sorry your beloved RMEF hasnt done a damn thing where I hunt just like I said.The RMEF fell for the Feds BS when the reintroduction was proposed and dropped the ball when they really had a chance to stand up for the elk and the hunters that make their little club possible.They wont see another dime from a whole bunch of us that have figured out why they are really about at their core.
E
elkun
Guest
so now your saying the only people that get to hunt where you hunt; pay. . i think the only line of bs is yours,,,,
BigFin
Active Member
- Messages
- 693
Shedz;
I like that you are hunting that area and killing elk. Just no public land, so I can't show you any RMEF projects there. As you stated, if they had done any work in that unit, it would have to be on private ground. Pretty hard for me to show a public land project in a unit with no public land. I should have worded it differently, but my bad.
I have no problem admitting you got me on that unit, as I did not know there were much for elk out there on that private ground.
Are you saying the wolves in that area were part of the reintroduction by the Feds?
Never asked you to join RMEF or pay one dime. Hope you put your efforts into a group that does the things you think need to be done.
I will continue to volunteer for groups I see making a big difference in the areas I hunt. RMEF being the biggest difference maker in Southwest Montana.
"Hunt when you can - You're gonna' run out of health before you run out of money!"
I like that you are hunting that area and killing elk. Just no public land, so I can't show you any RMEF projects there. As you stated, if they had done any work in that unit, it would have to be on private ground. Pretty hard for me to show a public land project in a unit with no public land. I should have worded it differently, but my bad.
I have no problem admitting you got me on that unit, as I did not know there were much for elk out there on that private ground.
Are you saying the wolves in that area were part of the reintroduction by the Feds?
Never asked you to join RMEF or pay one dime. Hope you put your efforts into a group that does the things you think need to be done.
I will continue to volunteer for groups I see making a big difference in the areas I hunt. RMEF being the biggest difference maker in Southwest Montana.
"Hunt when you can - You're gonna' run out of health before you run out of money!"
M
MTSHEDHEDZ
Guest
>so now your saying the only
>people that get to hunt
>where you hunt; pay.
>. i think the only
>line of bs is yours,,,,
>
WTF are you talking about?
>people that get to hunt
>where you hunt; pay.
>. i think the only
>line of bs is yours,,,,
>
WTF are you talking about?
M
MTSHEDHEDZ
Guest
SW Montana?What are they doing there?
Idahoron
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 1,980
RMEF waited until the NRA jumped into it. It could be said that the NRA had more clout and they were the reason the wolves were removed from the list. So RMEF saw the NRA jump in and they finally decided to get off their asses and do something.
Yes I back NRA. If they didn't protect our second amendment we would have nothing. The NRA is the root everything else is a branch off the tree. Ron
Yes I back NRA. If they didn't protect our second amendment we would have nothing. The NRA is the root everything else is a branch off the tree. Ron
>RMEF waited until the NRA jumped
>into it. It could be
>said that the NRA had
>more clout and they were
>the reason the wolves were
>removed from the list. So
>RMEF saw the NRA jump
>in and they finally decided
>to get off their asses
>and do something.
Ron
Thats good to know, thanks Ron
>into it. It could be
>said that the NRA had
>more clout and they were
>the reason the wolves were
>removed from the list. So
>RMEF saw the NRA jump
>in and they finally decided
>to get off their asses
>and do something.
Ron
Thats good to know, thanks Ron
nontypical
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 4,198
Support no one.Our hunting in the west will continue to improve like it has been the past 20 years.All of our G&F depts will make it better.They have unlimited funds to pay for all habitat improvement projects.
BigFin
Active Member
- Messages
- 693
>SW Montana?What are they doing there?
>
Shedz - Sorry for the delay in a reply. Just finished up some wolf hunting. Still have my tag, but have five more days scheduled late next week.
In SW MT, here are a list of projects they have done either solely, or in cooperation with other organizations. All of which increased access to public lands in Region 3.
Gallatin I Land Exchange
Gallatin II Land Exchange
OTO Ranch
Dome Mountain
Royal Teton acquisition and easement
Taylor's Fork acquisition
Robb-Ledford
All of those brought acreage into public land that is now available for public hunting, or preserved access to public lands by purchasing private lands that were cutting off access to the public.
In Region 3, RMEF has brought many thousand acres of land into public access, and in doing so, has preserved access to many, many more times that amount of existing public acreage.
Anyone who hunts the upper Yellowstone drainage, the Gallatin drainage, the upper Madison, or the Gravelly's is benefiting from these projects.
Those are just the projects that improved public access. It does not count the many more projects they have funded for habitat improvements in Region 3, or the conservation easements they have received as donations to protect winter range from subdivision.
If you go to there site, there are a list of habitat projects by county. Those are in addition to the land exchange work they have coordianted, which to me is even bigger due to the amount of access those exchnages have created/preserved.
Happy New Year to all.
"Hunt when you can - You're gonna' run out of health before you run out of money!"
>
Shedz - Sorry for the delay in a reply. Just finished up some wolf hunting. Still have my tag, but have five more days scheduled late next week.
In SW MT, here are a list of projects they have done either solely, or in cooperation with other organizations. All of which increased access to public lands in Region 3.
Gallatin I Land Exchange
Gallatin II Land Exchange
OTO Ranch
Dome Mountain
Royal Teton acquisition and easement
Taylor's Fork acquisition
Robb-Ledford
All of those brought acreage into public land that is now available for public hunting, or preserved access to public lands by purchasing private lands that were cutting off access to the public.
In Region 3, RMEF has brought many thousand acres of land into public access, and in doing so, has preserved access to many, many more times that amount of existing public acreage.
Anyone who hunts the upper Yellowstone drainage, the Gallatin drainage, the upper Madison, or the Gravelly's is benefiting from these projects.
Those are just the projects that improved public access. It does not count the many more projects they have funded for habitat improvements in Region 3, or the conservation easements they have received as donations to protect winter range from subdivision.
If you go to there site, there are a list of habitat projects by county. Those are in addition to the land exchange work they have coordianted, which to me is even bigger due to the amount of access those exchnages have created/preserved.
Happy New Year to all.
"Hunt when you can - You're gonna' run out of health before you run out of money!"
txhunter58
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 8,532
>I personally would join the Arizona
>Elk Society!
Spoken like a true Arizonan.
For me and mine, I will continue to support the RMEF because they are a positive force for elk all over the US. Regardless of what you think of them, and whether you think they should be doing "this" or not be doing "that" the previous statement is fact.
But if they don't float your boat, don't be a member!!! But by God join SOME organization that is fighting for your hunting rights and improving habitat.
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
>Elk Society!
Spoken like a true Arizonan.
For me and mine, I will continue to support the RMEF because they are a positive force for elk all over the US. Regardless of what you think of them, and whether you think they should be doing "this" or not be doing "that" the previous statement is fact.
But if they don't float your boat, don't be a member!!! But by God join SOME organization that is fighting for your hunting rights and improving habitat.
txhunter58
venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
delmag1942
Active Member
- Messages
- 806
1 month of internet
6 cans Copenhagen
14 beers at the local tavern
10 shells for my Weatherby
or
Yearly dues to the RMEF
Pretty small price to pay IMO.
I am with BigFin on this one. They can't be everywhere and do everything, but they are well worth the $35.
I would venture to guess that in places where the RMEF has led the charge in reintroduction (ie Kentucky)the lucky tag "drawers" can see the benefits of the RMEF.
6 cans Copenhagen
14 beers at the local tavern
10 shells for my Weatherby
or
Yearly dues to the RMEF
Pretty small price to pay IMO.
I am with BigFin on this one. They can't be everywhere and do everything, but they are well worth the $35.
I would venture to guess that in places where the RMEF has led the charge in reintroduction (ie Kentucky)the lucky tag "drawers" can see the benefits of the RMEF.
E
elkmtngear
Guest
delmag1942
Active Member
- Messages
- 806
In simplest terms....
If there were no RMEF, would there be more or less elk/access/habitat?
If there were no RMEF, would there be more or less elk/access/habitat?
heard a rumor about the RMEF selling or in the process of selling the Double HH ranch in NM to an italian company for the water. the company is going to take the water pipe it into the rio grande and pull the water back out in Texas for natural gas drilling.
this would distroy the entire region if this is true. I have talked to lots of locals that are fighting the sale down in southern NM.
any body have info on this.
this would distroy the entire region if this is true. I have talked to lots of locals that are fighting the sale down in southern NM.
any body have info on this.
nontypical
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 4,198
Seriously,jodog,if you're that worried about the $35,you probably shouldn't join.Like I said above,support no one and keep our hunting heritage as it is now.A slow downward spiral...
M
MTSHEDHEDZ
Guest
>Well in Big Fins case I
>see the RMEF sponsors his
>web site...I would'nt bite the
>hand that feeds me either.
>Just sayin.
BIG SUPRISE
>see the RMEF sponsors his
>web site...I would'nt bite the
>hand that feeds me either.
>Just sayin.
BIG SUPRISE
>heard a rumor about the RMEF
>selling or in the process
>of selling the Double HH
>ranch in NM to an
>italian company for the water.
>the company is going to
>take the water pipe it
>into the rio grande and
>pull the water back out
>in Texas for natural gas
>drilling.
>this would distroy the entire region
>if this is true. I
>have talked to lots of
>locals that are fighting the
>sale down in southern NM.
>
>
>any body have info on this.
>
Potential sale is not a rumor, but I'm not saying anything else.
>selling or in the process
>of selling the Double HH
>ranch in NM to an
>italian company for the water.
>the company is going to
>take the water pipe it
>into the rio grande and
>pull the water back out
>in Texas for natural gas
>drilling.
>this would distroy the entire region
>if this is true. I
>have talked to lots of
>locals that are fighting the
>sale down in southern NM.
>
>
>any body have info on this.
>
Potential sale is not a rumor, but I'm not saying anything else.
M
MTSHEDHEDZ
Guest
As I originally stated,they havnt done sh&t in the areas I hunt and they dropped the ball when they had a chance to help us fight the wolf reintroduction,they wouldnt take a stand and we dropped our membership and sent our money in a another direction.If the RMEF with all its resources had stood up and helped those who knew what the reintroduction was going to mean to our elk herds who knows what we could have achieved,but they didnt they took a wait and see attitude because their politically driven bureaucracy
was afraid of making waves.
was afraid of making waves.
G
Garthcarter
Guest
The RMEF does a lot of good and so do I.
LAST EDITED ON Jan-06-12 AT 10:56PM (MST)[p]They do a lot of good, at least they have done a lot of good in the past that I know of. I just can't deal with things like printing a picture of an elk depredation area and then saying "name this elk country",WTH is that about?. And I think they have gone overboard on the commercialization of elk hunting, its a big issue with me, I will never hunt many of my hard earned areas again because I will never get a tag, I know nothing stays the same but I sure miss things before public land hunting became such a big business, and I hate to see RMEF promoting that end of it so much. I guess we all have our own hang ups and thats mine.
E
elkun
Guest
piper. you seem to have a lot of hang ups. dedcated hunters. rmef. sfw. you need to look for the good things. now and then .or you will get yourself in a rut..
E
elkun
Guest
mtshedhedz. the rmef this week in north eastern utah helped sponcer a coyote hunt. leased ground on the duchesne river . to put in to wildlife feed. will meet over the nxt3 months with many oil feild com. to help wildlife.what have you done for elk .wildlife so far this year..?? thats just one little chapter in utah,. thier is chapters all over the us doing things all the time..no body does more for wild life than we do .nobody. have we made mistaks. yes .have we made a difference? you know it......
M
MTSHEDHEDZ
Guest
LAST EDITED ON Jan-07-12 AT 04:03PM (MST)[p]How many elk have we lost since the introduction of the Canadian grey wolf?RMEF didnt lift a godamnned finger to help us stop that.By far the most important elk issue that has arisen since the RMEF started and they didnt make any effort to help those trying to fight the federal plan.
W
whiteshadow
Guest
They say two of the hardest things in life are figuring out how to get money and the other is holding on to it. I think I can spend my money more wisely than in the pockets of these sfw and rmef exc. I've had bad experiences with non profit organizations, someones paying for that new truck and private hunts And nice house the high up guys in the organizations all have. With non profit you show no profit for the organization you can set salaries, and gift money as long as you show no profit.
6 million acres conserved in 27 years
with just over 10% of the elk hunters in the United States as RMEF members just think what the RMEF could do with 50% or more of the elk hunters as members, 85 cents of every dollar goes right back to the ground in my opinion one of the best organizations out there. The best advice I would give is get to know the local committee talk to the locals in the area that attend the local banquet see what projects they have in the works one of the things the RMEF needs to get better at is advertising the work they do in the local community they send out information to the members but the general public around the areas they have contributed money to really don't know where the money came form I think this would help drive up memberships.
"WHEN INJUSTICE BECOMES LAW" "REVOLUTION
BECOMES DUTY" unknown
Windage and elevation pilgrim windage and elevation
with just over 10% of the elk hunters in the United States as RMEF members just think what the RMEF could do with 50% or more of the elk hunters as members, 85 cents of every dollar goes right back to the ground in my opinion one of the best organizations out there. The best advice I would give is get to know the local committee talk to the locals in the area that attend the local banquet see what projects they have in the works one of the things the RMEF needs to get better at is advertising the work they do in the local community they send out information to the members but the general public around the areas they have contributed money to really don't know where the money came form I think this would help drive up memberships.
"WHEN INJUSTICE BECOMES LAW" "REVOLUTION
BECOMES DUTY" unknown
Windage and elevation pilgrim windage and elevation
Idahoron
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 1,980
What good is 6 million acres of habitat if the elk have all been eaten by wolves? I can tell you this for a fact. I know MANY former RMEF members. If RMEF would have rolled up their sleeves and took on the wolf reintroduction from the first day we would never have left RMEF. The only reason they jumped in the fight is because they are losing members. Elk populations are NOT going to rebound until RMEF offers a bounty on wolves. If I were the top dog of RMEF I would say that every member of RMEF that shoots a wolf gets an instant Life Membership. That would get some people into the RMEF and it would do some good. Forget habitat, kill wolves. Ron
G
Garthcarter
Guest
Send me $100 & I will send a copy of my new magazine hunting for the foolish along with a cheesy knife & teach you how to save all the elk you want...
Well that's three posts for you and every one has been about as stupid as anything posted on these Forums. Why don't you go back where you came from, wherever that is, LOL!!! On second thought, just keep posting and making a bigger azz out of yourself!!! It looks like it's pretty easy for you and is your calling in life!
New President David Allen, he might be behind the 8 ball on the wolves but he has his sights on it, Remember due to the rules and regs of non-profits the RMEFs commitment was to put $.85 cents of every dollar back on the ground where Defenders of wildlife, Sierra Club, and others spend $.85 cents of every dollar to lobby and pay lawyers to keep this crap in the court system. All I am saying is RMEF has our best interests at heart sooner or later we have to join forces and all get on the same team and do the right thing I just feel the RMEF is the most established organization to do what needs to be done.
"WHEN INJUSTICE BECOMES LAW" "REVOLUTION
BECOMES DUTY" unknown
Windage and elevation pilgrim windage and elevation
"WHEN INJUSTICE BECOMES LAW" "REVOLUTION
BECOMES DUTY" unknown
Windage and elevation pilgrim windage and elevation
>I've been a member of the
>RMEF in the past. They
>are hitting me pretty hard
>to rejoin what are your
>thoughts of the RMEF? What
>do you gain by being
>a member? Who gets to
>hunt the big Ranch in
>New Mexico that was donated
>to the RMEF? Can members,
>or is that a high
>dollar hunt club for the
>RMEF? Is it worth it
>or are the top people
>in the orgenization just living/hunting
>good off members fee's? What
>about support for delisting wolves?
>Im wondering what other elk
>hunters thoughts are on them
>before I rejoin.
>RMEF in the past. They
>are hitting me pretty hard
>to rejoin what are your
>thoughts of the RMEF? What
>do you gain by being
>a member? Who gets to
>hunt the big Ranch in
>New Mexico that was donated
>to the RMEF? Can members,
>or is that a high
>dollar hunt club for the
>RMEF? Is it worth it
>or are the top people
>in the orgenization just living/hunting
>good off members fee's? What
>about support for delisting wolves?
>Im wondering what other elk
>hunters thoughts are on them
>before I rejoin.
I brough my daughter and myself a life memberships in RMEF about nine years ago. I had got a elk hunt in NM with a outfitter at one of their fund raisers. The hunt turned out to be a ripoff. I told the head on the RMEF comittee what happen, all of my money was returned to me. I had been a member for a couple of years. I knew what work they did but after them returing my money I decided to use the money to become a life member. Anyone who doesn't think they have done any good. look a KY. over 10,000 elk where the were none before.
I would much rather give my money to an organization that is as transparent as the RMEF than one that is not. At least I know where $0.89 of my dollar are going. As long as it stays that way all is good.
I am not a member of the RMEF for the magazine or the knives cause both are lacking in my opinion.
I do tend to agree that if you can afford to join them all then do so, as long as transparency exists!
My $0.02
"The problem with quotes on Internet Forums is that it is often difficult to verify their authenticity." - Abraham Lincoln
I am not a member of the RMEF for the magazine or the knives cause both are lacking in my opinion.
I do tend to agree that if you can afford to join them all then do so, as long as transparency exists!
My $0.02
"The problem with quotes on Internet Forums is that it is often difficult to verify their authenticity." - Abraham Lincoln
G
Garthcarter
Guest
Send me $100 and like I said before my hunting for the foolish magazine will teach you have to save the elk. Oh yes and you will also receive a free POS knife to gut your next raghorn with.
what is needed is grassroots single issue foundations. For example "Hunters for the protection of Idaho Big Game" this group of average Joe hunters would zero in on the wolf issue.
Another group could be "Utah deer association" this group would target enhancing Utah deer herd. It seems to me these Big Game Country Clubs have a way of co opting the conservation message and a lot of cronyism creeps in. That isn't to say some good isn't done, but leaving these issues to the Country Club set is a bad idea.
Another group could be "Utah deer association" this group would target enhancing Utah deer herd. It seems to me these Big Game Country Clubs have a way of co opting the conservation message and a lot of cronyism creeps in. That isn't to say some good isn't done, but leaving these issues to the Country Club set is a bad idea.
M
MTSHEDHEDZ
Guest
LAST EDITED ON Jan-14-12 AT 02:01PM (MST)[p]Unfortunatly the most important issue impacting the elk herds these days is controlled by the court system and lawyers,if they had dumped some funds in that direction it would have made a hell of a lot more progress for the elk herds than buying more habitat,all that habitat is keeping the wolves fat and happy.Is the RMEF doing anything to help WY get their s^%$ together so they can get a wolf managment plan approved?
BPKHunter
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 1,744
Local groups sounds great but in practice these kinds of groups are very hard to control and are rarely started or run by people with organizational skills. On top of that as organizations do grow, then those on top tend to take advantage of their power to benefit themselves or their specific issues and get cross with many of their members by not spending money on the piece of ground they hunt on, for example. That's why I think you need to give RMEF a break, it's not easy being a big national organization because you can't please everyone. What I see is that they have some tangible results that you can see, most notably millions of acres conserved for elk habitat. Yes some come with strings and most aren't in my back yard. 85% of my money on the ground ain't bad either. With power will come personal gain by those who have it, that is human nature. I will judge them by how they self police and it sound like they have.
So many on here seem to expect perfection from these groups, like you personally have never made mistakes. Sure if you have a better organization to give to that is the best message to send for RMEF to improve themselves, but to expect them to either spend money on the specific unit I hunt or pay bounties on wolves is a bit unrealistic benchmark for me.
My biggest gripe with all of these organizations is that when I hope to get more involved, it always seems to start as a fund raiser.
So many on here seem to expect perfection from these groups, like you personally have never made mistakes. Sure if you have a better organization to give to that is the best message to send for RMEF to improve themselves, but to expect them to either spend money on the specific unit I hunt or pay bounties on wolves is a bit unrealistic benchmark for me.
My biggest gripe with all of these organizations is that when I hope to get more involved, it always seems to start as a fund raiser.
nontypical
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 4,198
NOTHING gets done without money.
Thats not true nontypical, I got involved with trying to get more elk on the ground in Nevada, where there is tons of habitat and there is lots of public ground, it didn't take money as these things belong to all of us. A lack of vocal sportsmen support was the deciding factor in being far less successful that it could have been. And that lack of support has resulted in the loss in many thousands of elk that sportsmen could be enjoying right now. The overwhelming majority of elk on public lands are there not because of big money but because of political support from sportsmen.
"I would much rather give my money to an organization that is as transparent as the RMEF than one that is not. At least I know where $0.89 of my dollar are going. As long as it stays that way all is good."
that is a winning combination, it's the transparency that keeps inertia alive. I still think there is room for local single issue foundations, if they remain transparent and stay on task.
that is a winning combination, it's the transparency that keeps inertia alive. I still think there is room for local single issue foundations, if they remain transparent and stay on task.
BPKHunter
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 1,744
Sure there is room for more local gropus, the limiting factor is the skills of the individuals that start it and how they act as they grow it. There are organizations in Idaho that I would love to belong to but when I spend time with the guys at their booth each year they just turn me off. Get the right guys with a reasonable agenda. I can tell you I could not work with some of the guys on here that have such extreme positions and are so unrealistic in there expectations.
Of course 3 blade, It was mostly myself and one friend who doesn't even hunt against a bunch of public land permitees. I Bluffed them once and got A 1000 elk cap in Jarbridge, instead of 500, but they soon figured out there weren't many sportsmen who cared, and things went downhill from there. Most sportsmen don't understand how things work, even the majority of elk in Utah didn't get there by themselves.
