In elk hunting and conservation, there are two kinds of passion.

There is the enthusiasm that compels us up a steep mountain trail in the cold dark morning hoping to hear the guttural chuckle of a bull elk signaling the finest time of year has arrived.

The other passion?  It is one that drives thousands of hunter-conservationists to volunteer and work so hard for the most effective and credible conservation organization in North America—the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation!

What an honor to be given the opportunity to lead the RMEF’s Central Division and serve the greatest volunteers in the world. My introduction to the Elk Foundation came as a member of the Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society while earning my wildlife biology degree from Colorado State University. That’s where I became an RMEF member and had the opportunity to work with the foundation and receive their Wildlife Leadership Award. After graduating I returned home to Nevada to work for the Division of Wildlife. In 1996 the RMEF hired me as regional director for Minnesota and Iowa. That’s when I knew I could really begin to help leave a legacy on the land and ensure the way of life we all cherish.

If you feel like I do about wildlife, elk country and hunting, I know you appreciate what Elk Foundation members, volunteers and supporters have accomplished. Since 1984 the RMEF has permanently protected more than 1,000 square miles of critical elk habitat, opened up more than 500,000 acres of previously closed lands for the public to hunt, fish and roam, and greatly enhanced another 4.5 million acres of elk country.   

I cannot thank you enough for the outstanding and unselfish commitment you have made to the Elk Foundation. It is volunteers like you who have made the RMEF what it is today. To carry on this great legacy, I ask you to continue your commitment and support. Many challenges lie ahead in the second half of 2008 moving into 2009. An uncertain economy and increasing energy prices have us all concerned. To top it off, we continue to lose elk habitat at a rate of 2,500 acres a day. Our mission has never been more critical. Please help us finish ’08 strong and set 2009 on fire.

I am so excited to be able to work for you as we charge forward—turning heads and setting records to help protect the most important and imperiled habitat in the nation. Let’s come together to see old friends, make new ones, and to support the mission of the Elk Foundation and “Pass It On!”