INVESTING IN FUTURE LEADERSWildlife Leadership Awards Scholarship Program
NOW OPEN
RMEF’s mission is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat, and our hunting heritage. Supporting the education and development of wildlife professionals—grounded in the North American Model of Wildlife Management—is a vital part of that mission.
The RMEF Wildlife Leadership Awards (WLA) recognize, encourage, and promote leadership among future wildlife management professionals. Established in 1991, the awards are presented to undergraduate wildlife students and currently include a $5,000 scholarship and one-year RMEF membership.
HOW TO APPLY
The 2026 application window is NOW OPEN. All application materials must be completed in full and submitted by October 30, 2026. Use the link below to download the instructions and application. Questions may be directed to [email protected].
Results will be emailed to all applicants by December 1, 2026, with scholarship funding awarded that December.
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIPSUPPORTING LEADERS ACROSS THE NATION
Since 1991, RMEF’s Wildlife Leadership Awards have supported students pursuing careers in wildlife management. Explore the map to see the universities represented by scholarship recipients from 1991–2025.
2025 A Record Year for Future Wildlife Leaders
In 2025, RMEF awarded scholarships to 15 college students—the most in the program’s history. Meet the recipients helping shape the future of elk, other big game and their habitat.
Rebeca Appelmann
Helen Bailey
Natalie Barksdale
Maxwell Bloom
Claire Boeshaar
Mark Booth
Trenton Ford
Ethan Halstead
Albery Kennedy
Paige Meadows
Daniel Moak
Madison Moyer
Eliana Ortega
Kendall Pleninger
Malakhi Spint
Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience
Each year, RMEF hosts outdoor family fun to learn more about conservation, wildlife and hunting heritage. Check back for more information.
Activities include
- Bear Aware
- Fishing Ponds
- Critter Corner
- Search and Rescue
- Animal Wonders
- Climbing Wall
- Fly Casting
- Fish Cleaning
- Smokey Bear
- and much more…
James R. Wilkins, Jr. Conservation Education Center
Step into RMEF’s James R. Wilkins, Jr. Conservation Education Center—where conservation comes to life.
More than an exhibit, it’s an immersive journey into the heart of big game country.
Test your instincts in cutting-edge simulations that put you inside a herd—searching for food, migrating through rugged landscapes and evading predators. Explore interactive exhibits, towering trophy mounts and dynamic displays that showcase the beauty, diversity and importance of elk country across North America.
Open year-round with free admission, the Visitor Center is your gateway to discovery, adventure and a deeper connection to big game and their magnificent habitat.