Elk NetworkRMEF Donates Youth Knives to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

News Releases | November 6, 2014

November 6, 2014
 

RMEF Donates Youth Knives to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

MISSOULA, Mont.— The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation donated 4,000 knives to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to support the DNR’s youth hunter education classes.

“Reaching out to youth and ensuring the future of our hunting heritage is an important part of RMEF’s mission,” said Lou George, RMEF regional director. “We feel it is vital to inspire the next generation to be engaged in hunting and conservation and this is a great way to do it. Those who receive the knives also receive a free RMEF Youth Membership.”

The Wisconsin Hunter Safety Education Course is required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1973. Its objectives include promoting safe, responsible and ethical use of the environment and our resources; reducing the potential for accidents, injuries and fatalities; and reducing the potential for conflict between participants, landowners and other resource users. (The course is not required for those taking part in the hunting mentorship program.)

“As if it is not exciting enough to get the opportunity to complete Hunter Education and start hunting, now the youth of Wisconsin will get a chance to win a very nice Browning knife donated by the RMEF,” said Hunter Education Administrator Jon King. “The Wisconsin Hunter Education Program is grateful for the donation and looks forward to seeing the smiles on the faces of the 4,000 youth that will receive them during Hunter Education classes.”

The Browning fixed knife features a four-inch blade, rugged RMEF logo handle, sturdy protective plastic sheath with a rubberized lock and belt clip, and a striker for starting fires.

Funding for the donation comes from the Torstenson Family Endowment (TFE) in honor of Bob Torstenson, an Illinois native who had a passion for elk, hunting and sharing our hunting lifestyle and traditions with our children and grandchildren.

In 2013, its first year in existence, the TFE provided nearly a million dollars to accelerate mission priorities. TFE funding is solely used to further RMEF’s core mission programs of permanent land protection, habitat stewardship, elk restoration and hunting heritage.