What is the Trails Society?
The Trails Society recognizes members and supporters who have included the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in their estate plans. It’s a group of people who decided their commitment to elk, big-game country and our hunting heritage should continue for generations to come.
A planned gift costs nothing today. It can be a percentage of an estate, a specific dollar amount, a beneficiary designation on a retirement account, or a life insurance policy — whatever fits your circumstances. This kind of support gives RMEF the ability to plan decades into the future—not just year to year.
Letting us know you’ve made that commitment does two things. It lets us thank you properly. And it helps our conservation staff understand what future funding may look like as they take on multi-year habitat and access projects.
Already named RMEF in your estate plans?
Everyone who completes the Trails Society Information Form will receive a Trails Society waxed canvas hunting ballcap.
You’ll also be entered in a random drawing for one of nine Montana Knife Company knives, each valued at $325.00.
we’re giving away 9 MKC knives
Montana Knife Company built the Stonewall Skinner to be a do-it-all hunting knife — curved for skinning, sharp enough for detail work, stout enough to chop. It’s made from stonewashed Magnacut stainless steel, a modern alloy that holds an edge through a full season and resists the wear and corrosion that come with field dressing in wet country. Full tang, G-10 handle, 9¼ inches overall.
The name comes from Stonewall Mountain, on the northern edge of the Scapegoat Wilderness. MKC founder and Master Bladesmith Josh Smith grew up hunting and fishing that country, out of Lincoln, Montana.
Hunters who own MKC knives understand that lasting quality is worth the investment, so that this tool can serve generations. That idea — building something that carries forward — is why the partnership makes sense.
How to enter
Fill out the form below and submit it by February 28, 2027. Takes about a minute. We’ll mail your hat to the address you provide.
NO DONATION, PURCHASE, OR PLANNED GIFT IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN and will not improve your chances. The Trails Society Drawing is open to legal U.S. residents 18+; Washington State residents not eligible. Void where prohibited. Entries accepted October 1, 2026 through 11:59:59 p.m. MST February 28, 2027. Limit one entry per person. Nine winners drawn on or about March 8, 2027. A free alternate method of entry is available. See Official Rules for complete details.
A Legacy Worth Sharing
Every legacy begins with a story. We want to hear yours.
Tell us what inspired you to include RMEF in your estate plans and what you hope your gift will make possible for future generations.
One lucky entrant will receive a custom Kimber firearm and your story could be featured in a future Bugle and/or other RMEF media, inspiring others to consider the legacy they want to leave behind.
The Kimber Hunter Pro
The Model 84M Hunter Pro carries the classic Kimber design in full stainless, with a muzzle brake, a detachable box magazine, and a synthetic stock in the Desolve Blak pattern. Chambered in .308. Valued at $1,227.00
How to enter
Submit your story and a favorite photo using the form below by February 28, 2027. We’re looking for 500 to 1,000 words and a high-resolution photo suitable for print.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN and will not improve your chances. The Trails Society Story Contest is open to legal U.S. residents 18+. Void where prohibited. Entries accepted October 1, 2026 through 11:59:59 p.m. MST February 28, 2027. Limit one entry per person. One winner selected by a panel of RMEF staff on or about March 8, 2027. Entries become the property of RMEF and may be published or edited at RMEF’s discretion. Firearm transfer must be completed through a federally licensed dealer. See Official Rules for complete details.
Start the Conversation
You don’t need anything in place to reach out. Our planned giving specialist can walk you through the options — bequest language to give your attorney, beneficiary designation forms, charitable gift annuities, and how each one fits your situation.
Address
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
5705 Grant Creek
Missoula, MT 59808
Planned Giving Specialist
Phone: 1-800-225-5355
Email: [email protected]
Tax ID
Tax ID# 81-0421425
Have Questions?
Tell us a little about what questions you have and we'll get back to you. If you're asking about the drawing or the story contest, let us know that too.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. No donation, purchase, or planned gift is necessary to enter or win either the drawing or the story contest. A gift of any kind will not improve your chances.
No. RMEF will not publish the amount of your planned gift.
Yes. They’re separate promotions — one entry per person in each.
Entries close at 11:59pm MST on February 28, 2027. Both the drawing and contest are decided on or about March 8, 2027, and the winners will be contacted by phone, email or mail.
Legal U.S. residents, 18 or older, in the 50 states and D.C. Washington State residents are not eligible for the knife drawing, though they can still enter the story contest. RMEF employees and their immediate families and households are not eligible for either.
Hats generally ship within 45 to 60 days of us receiving a valid form. U.S. addresses only. Everyone who completes the form gets a cap, whether or not they’re drawn for a knife.
A panel of RMEF staff reads every entry and selects one winner based on the quality of the story and photo. RMEF is the sole judge.
RMEF ships it at our expense to a federally licensed firearms dealer of your choosing. You complete the transfer paperwork and take possession through that dealer and you’re responsible for meeting all federal, state and local requirements.