MISSOULA, Mont. —The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation continued its long-time support of restoring elk to their historic eastern range by helping the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) expand the state’s active elk range.

RMEF provided volunteer assistance as well as $130,000 for the helicopter contract and GPS collars to move 50 elk to Daniel Boone National Forest lands in McCreary County from elsewhere within the state’s elk zone where numbers are much higher.* To date, RMEF contributed more than $2.5 million for wildlife management, research and habitat enhancement in the Kentucky elk zone.

*(Click on the image below to view an intimate RMEF Film of the project.)

KDFWR and RMEF’s Torstenson Family Endowment provided funding for the effort. RMEF also acquired a grant from Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Outdoor Fund for additional support.

Go here to learn more about RMEF’s partners and what they say about the project, Kentucky’s Elk Management Zone, the feasibility of future hunting opportunity and RMEF’s history helping restore elk 25 years ago.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:

Founded more than 37 years ago and fueled by hunters, RMEF maintains more than 225,000 members and has conserved nearly 8.4 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.