Unprecedented Launch of Hunting & Conservation Center in Missoula

“UM and RMEF have a shared goal to ensure the long-term hunting-conservation culture and the economic opportunities it creates."

So says University of Montana President Seth Bodnar, summarizing the UM's and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's announcement of the recently formed Center for Hunting and Conservation. Its mission is to advance science, research, education and outreach to shape the future of land and wildlife management in the United States.

UM News Service tells us that the center builds on existing partnership between UM’s No. 1-ranked wildlife biology program and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, whose world headquarters are in Missoula, and is one of the most effective conservation and hunting advocacy organizations in North America. The center will be the first of its kind in the region, focused primarily on advancing wildlife research and the vital role hunting plays in wildlife management.

The Montana Board of Regents established the center as a result of a significant long-term financial commitment from RMEF to UM’s W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. 

"HUNTING IS CONSERVATION"

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation President/CEO Kyle Weaver says RMEF coined that phrase, and also says, "We are proud to now join UM in the establishment of the Center for Hunting and Conservation. This center will be the leading authority on hunting, conservation and wildlife management, driven by, and rooted in, sound research and science.” 

THREE PRIMARY GOALS OF THE CENTER

First, advance science and research at the intersection of hunting and conservation. By bringing together world-class researchers, the center will expand opportunities to advance effective wildlife management techniques supported by extensive research and data.

Second, provide an expanded platform for UM’s Wild Sustenance Program, a course available to UM students who are novice hunters. Launched in conjunction with RMEF, the class is open to students of all UM majors who wish to pursue knowledge and experience related to the full cycle of hunting and its role in conservation.

Third, engage in broad outreach promoting the best-available science and data on wildlife management and conservation, including the vital role of hunting. The center will additionally provide decision-makers access to the most recent, accurate and relevant data, resulting in more-informed wildlife management decisions, effective conservation and sustainable hunting opportunities.

More information on the new center can be found here.