Wyoming’s Elk, Mule Deer & Other Wildlife Receive $10.7 Million Boost

Posted on: Jul 26, 2023

MISSOULA, Mont. — Wyoming’s elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope and other wildlife populations are getting a helping hand thanks to an allocation of $10,764,859 from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its partners. The grant funding supports 33 projects across the Cowboy State.

“There continues to be a great need to restore aspen, fight noxious weeds, establish wildlife-friendly fencing and create public access for hunting and other recreational activities,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer. “This funding will help all those efforts while also bolstering scientific research and advancing Wyoming’s traditional hunting lifestyle.”

Twenty-three conservation projects will benefit 17,643 acres of habitat, including land protection and public access, while the other 10 are focused on outdoor and hunting heritage efforts.

“Despite living in the state with the smallest population in America, our volunteers in Wyoming continue to do big things,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “It is because of their passion and fundraising efforts that these dollars go on the ground to help elk and many other wildlife species.”

RMEF provided $524,910 that leveraged $10,239,949 in partner dollars. The grant funding includes financial support for two Wyoming wildfire restoration projects announced earlier this year.

Dating back to 1986, RMEF and its partners completed 950 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in Wyoming with a combined value of more than $211.8 million. These projects conserved or enhanced 1,343,798 acres of habitat and opened or improved public access to 251,325 acres.

Click here to view details about the 33 projects and where they are located.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:

Founded more than 39 years ago and fueled by hunters, RMEF maintains more than 225,000 members and has conserved more than 8.6 million acres for elk and other wildlife. RMEF also works to open and improve public access, fund and advocate for science-based resource management, and ensure the future of America’s hunting heritage. Discover why “Hunting Is Conservation™” at rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.