My name is Mike Cuin. I live in Rawlins, Wyoming, with my wife Tracy of 20 years. We have four children: Kyle, 20; Kali, 18; Kacey, 13; and Kris, 10—all of whom enjoy the outdoors and hunt with me when they can. At any given time we also have between five and eight hounds, most of them Walkers or Walker/Blue Tick crosses (although the smallest is an 8 pound Pomeranian).

I’ve worked in the transportation business all my adult life. In my twenties I owned a towing and truck repair business. I sold that and went to work in the oil field as a truck and equipment mechanic. Now I work as a maintenance foreman in charge of three terminals. I have made many friends and acquaintances through my work.

In my spare time I’m either training hunting hounds, guiding mountain lion hunters or hunting lions myself. I also guide for pronghorn antelope, mule deer and elk, and will guide for moose when a family member or friend is lucky enough to draw a tag. Sometimes those hunts happen on or near lands the Elk Foundation has helped protect or enhance. It’s a great opportunity to show other hunters what high-quality elk habitat looks like, or explain how a conservation easement both protects wildlife and preserves family traditions. 

I’ve been a supporter of RMEF since 1998.  A good friend of mine asked me to attend a banquet, and that’s when I found out that the foundation was interested in aspen regeneration projects. This is a big deal to me. Aspen habitat is crucial for deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, beavers—even trout. It’s also in severe decline across the Rocky Mountains and elsewhere. While aspen may be why I joined, people are the reason I stayed. Without RMEF, I never would have met all the good people from all over the country that I now consider friends and extended family—all of whom share my passion for elk country and the hunt. 

I eventually joined up as a committee member for the Rawlins Chapter and moved up in the ranks. I was a ticket co-chair with Tracy, ran a Habitat Partner reception committee then served as chapter chair for five years before being appointed Wyoming state chair. In that role, I helped pull together a strong volunteer State Leadership Team. Standing back for the past four years and watching that team net $1 million for the state has been a great ride!

In June 2009 I was appointed regional chair for Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah and the Dakotas—a huge honor and major responsibility! I hope to use what I have learned as a state chair to inspire volunteers to help our region, RMEF and wildlife reach new heights far into the future.