Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its partner organizations allotted $7,817,641 in 2024 to help elk, mule deer and other wildlife, their habitat and an assortment of conservation and hunting heritage projects across Wyoming.
“This grant funding bolsters everything from restoring riparian habitat and treating invasive weeds to removing or modifying old fencing and improving public access to both public and private land for hunting and fishing,” said Shawn Kelley, RMEF northern Wyoming regional director. “Thirty-nine projects enhance more than 15,000 acres of wildlife habitat. That’s a big win for Wyoming.”
RMEF allocated $511,540 which helped leverage an additional $7,306,101 in partner funding.
“Our volunteers in Wyoming are a dedicated and energetic bunch. We thank them for helping generate these dollars that go back on the ground in their home state,” said RMEF President and CEO Kyle Weaver.
Since 1986, RMEF and its partners completed 1,000 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in Wyoming with a combined value of more than $219.7 million. These projects conserved or enhanced 1,355,064 acres of habitat and opened or improved public access to 243,846 acres.
Below is a brief list of the area projects, highlighted by county.
Washakie County
Replace outdated water conveyance structures to boost forage production on the Renner Wildlife Habitat Management Area as a benefit for migratory birds and elk winter range.
Supply funding support for the Paintrock Hunter Mentor Program, which conducts mentored hunts for first-time youth deer or elk hunters and sponsors a community service project of donating venison to needy families (also benefits Big Horn, Hot Springs and Park Counties).
Big Horn County
Treat 110 acres in the Bighorn National Forest’s Medicine Wheel Ranger District to restore aspen stands in the drainages of Brindle, Post and Grouse Creeks.
Hot Springs County
Provide funding for Hot Springs County 4-H Shooting Sports, a growing program for participants to take part in air rifle, air pistol, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, muzzleloader, shotgun and archery.
Johnson County
Install 26 beaver dam analogs along Middle Fork Crazy Woman and Poison Creeks to promote willow and aspen growth on nine acres of private land wet meadow habitat. The area provides summer range for approximately 500 elk in the southern Bighorn Mountains.
Supply funding for the Buffalo Stampede Trap Shoot, a first-time regional youth competitive trapshooting event with proceeds benefitting the trapshooting program at Buffalo High School.
Provide funding in support of Troop 415 of the Boy Scouts of America for its camping and outdoor trips that prepare youth to become responsible, participating citizens and leaders through outdoor skills education and community involvement.
Park County
Modify five miles of old fencing to wildlife-friendly fencing on allotment and pastures that impede wildlife movement on public and private land within the eastern greater Yellowstone region.
Supply funding for a new wildlife display at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Cody office to foster a better understanding and appreciation for wildlife and their habitat, local wild landscapes and the conservation work done in the region.
Supply funding to map and inventory fencing in the Clark Fork and Wapiti Ranger Districts on the Shoshone National Forest. Data will highlight fence characteristics and conditions across areas that are important to migratory elk and other wildlife in the Absaroka Range, and help guide needed fence modification and removal.
Statewide
Provide funding to continue the mapping of migration and winter range on private land across the state. Doing so will help land trusts prioritize the establishment of voluntary conservation agreements to protect and conserve habitat for elk and other big game.
Supply funding to bolster the state’s Access Yes program, which maintains and enhances hunter and angler access on private lands and inaccessible public lands. It also helps biologists better manage elk populations.
Support for the Cody Archery Club’s K Bar Z 3D Archery Shoot, an event drawing more than 200 shooters from Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, South Dakota and Utah.
Provide funding to update the Wyoming Landowner’s Handbook to Fences and Wildlife guide for landowners, agricultural producers, nonprofits and businesses as well as federal, state and local agencies.
Supply funding for Wyoming Disabled Hunters, a nonprofit that offers affordable and accessible outdoor experiences to hunters with disabilities from across the country.
Partners include the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Bureau of Land Management, Bighorn, Medicine Bow-Routt and Shoshone National Forests, private landowners, University of Wyoming and various hunting, conservation, civic and business groups.
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Founded in 1984 and fueled by hunters, RMEF has conserved more than 9 million acres for elk and other wildlife. RMEF also works to open and improve public access, fund and advocate for science-based resource management, and ensure the future of America’s hunting heritage.