A significant part of the modern conservation movement isn’t just about saving wildlife, it’s also about saving the hunter. While population numbers of many wildlife species are rebounding or leveling out, according to most data sources, hunter numbers are in decline. Each year, fewer American hunters hit the field, and fewer non-hunting Americans approve of hunting in general. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is doing something about that with its new Center for Hunting and Conservation.
The organization, in partnership with the University of Montana, is launching the new education center, which will be focused on conservation research and information dissemination. The two entities regularly partner to offer college courses covering conservation, hunting, and wildlife research.
“The University of Montana (UM) and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation are excited to announce the recently formed Center for Hunting and Conservation to advance science, research, education, and outreach that will shape the future of land and wildlife management in the United States,” said the organizations in a joint statement.
The new facility is part of a response to RMEF committing to a long-term partnership with the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at UM.
“UM and RMEF have a shared goal to ensure the long-term sustainability of America’s hunting-conservation culture and the economic opportunities it creates, not only across our state, but across our great nation,” said UM President Seth Bodnar. “The pressure on our wildlife and natural resources has never been greater, and now is the time to rapidly advance the sound science, education, and stakeholder engagement that is needed to protect our hunting culture and outdoor way of life.”
Goals of the New Center for Hunting and Conservation
This new center will focus on the enhancement of wildlife research, management, and education. It will also place emphasis on the role of hunting and how it relates to wildlife conservation and preservation.
“RMEF coined the phrase hunting is conservation, and we are proud to now join UM in the establishment of the Center for Hunting and Conservation,” said RMEF President and CEO Kyle Weaver. “This Center will be the leading authority on hunting, conservation and wildlife management, driven by, and rooted in, sound research and science.”
According to RMEF, the new center will be led by an appointed director who will guide the direction and manage the day-to-day to ensure it continues to align with the originally designated purpose. The center also has numerous objectives and goals.
First, it will conduct “ground-breaking research.” It will focus on how hunting and conservation interweave through the lens of elk conservation in North America. By working with top-tier researchers, it hopes to establish new and improved wildlife management methods.
Additionally, the new center aims to be a hub for research dissemination. This outreach effort will promote the best and latest science in wildlife management. Also, it will place heavy emphasis on sustainable hunting techniques.
Lastly, the center will serve as an extension of the UM Wild Sustenance Program. This is a course that’s available to novice hunters who are enrolled at the college. It will help them in their journey to understanding hunting, conservation, and their journey in the outdoors.
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