Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

This article by Lee Lamb appears in the “Conserved Forever” department of the September/October 2026 issue of Bugle magazine. To read more Bugle articles, check out the digital previews (available to members and nonmembers) or log in to your My RMEF account for complete digital editions.

Idaho Fish and Game conservation officers are asking for the public’s help in solving a poaching case involving two mule deer does in the southeastern region of the state. According to a report posted on the Idaho Fish and Game website, the two does were shot and left to waste in the Fall Creek drainage of Game Management Unit 66. The animals were discovered lying just off the shoulder of the road approximately two miles up the Fall Creek drainage.

Every archer knows that protecting your equipment is just as important as choosing the right setup. Whether you’re heading to the range, traveling to camp, or preparing for your next hunt, having dependable gear protection can make all the difference. That’s exactly where the Optima Bow Case stands out. Built with rugged 600D polyester construction, the Optima Bow Case is designed to handle the demands of travel and outdoor use while keeping your bow secure and protected.

In the rugged expanse of big game country, where dense timber gives way to open vistas, the lever-action rifle remains a hunter’s trusted companion – swift, reliable, and ready. The Smith & Wesson Model 1854 reimagines this classic, blending heritage design with modern precision to deliver a rifle built for the demands of the hunt. Packed with features tailored for your pursuit, it’s the tool for hunters who chase big game across unforgiving terrain.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, recognizing support and advocacy for public policy that aligns with and advances its mission in Conserving America’s Big Game, announces Rep. Ryan Zinke is the recipient of the RMEF Excellence in Advocacy Award. RMEF President and CEO Kyle Weaver and Chief Conservation Officer Blake Henning presented the honor to Zinke during a gathering at RMEF headquarters.

The X–Bolt 2 Speed is built for the moment everything is on the line, the moment a Colorado elk steps into a clearing or a Nebraska whitetail pauses at first light. This is the rifle for the hunter who refuses to choose between being lighting quick or precise, because the X–Bolt 2 Speed delivers both. Start with the stock. The Vari–Tech composite stock isn’t just lightweight, it’s personal.

Eighty-one high-schoolers attended this year’s South Dakota Wildlife Federation Youth Conservation Camp, thanks in part to an RMEF grant that helped cover lodging, meals, transportation and materials. The week-long camp was held in early June at Camp Bob Marshall in the Black Hills. Run by volunteers, since 1964 the camp has been dedicated to enriching the lives of South Dakota youth who show interest in wildlife and the outdoors.

When Randy Newberg heads into elk country, he understands the importance of seeing elk before they see him. A longtime public–lands hunter, conservation advocate and familiar face to RMEF members, Newberg has spent decades pursuing elk across the West—and he continues to trust his favorite Leupold Optics every time he heads out on an elk hunt. For Randy, quality glass isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Forest openings provide vital forage in the form of grasses and other vegetation for elk and other big game, and all wildlife across the country. That holds especially true in Wisconsin where forestland is extremely dense.

Prepare Your Property Before Storm Season Arrives Severe weather can arrive with little warning, making it important to evaluate your property before storm season begins. A little preventative maintenance can help reduce potential damage, improve safety, and make cleanup easier if high winds, heavy rain, or snow affect your area. Start With a Property Walkaround Take time to inspect your trees, landscaping, and structures for potential hazards.