The University of Montana (UM) and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) have announced the creation of the Center for Hunting and Conservation, a pioneering initiative dedicated to advancing science, research, education, and outreach focused on land and wildlife management across the United States.
The new center builds on the longstanding partnership between UM’s top-ranked wildlife biology program and RMEF, one of North America’s leading conservation and hunting advocacy organizations.
“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.”
As the first center of its kind in the region, it will primarily focus on advancing wildlife research and highlighting the crucial role hunting plays in effective wildlife management. The Montana Board of Regents established the center following a significant long-term financial commitment from RMEF to UM’s W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.
“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.”
The Center for Hunting and Conservation will pursue three primary goals:
- Advance science and research at the intersection of hunting and conservation by bringing together world-class researchers to develop effective wildlife management strategies grounded in rigorous data.
- Expand UM’s Wild Sustenance Program, a course designed for UM students—including novice hunters across all majors—to learn about the full cycle of hunting and its role in conservation. The program was launched in partnership with RMEF.
- Engage in broad outreach to promote the best-available science and data on wildlife management, conservation, and the critical role hunting plays. The center will also serve as a resource for decision-makers, providing access to accurate and relevant data to support informed policies and sustainable hunting opportunities.
Led by a director, the center aims to grow UM’s research portfolio and attract additional funding and support for hunting and conservation science in the coming years.
The launch of the Center for Hunting and Conservation marks a significant step forward in blending academic research with practical conservation efforts to safeguard Montana’s—and America’s—natural heritage for generations to come.
By: DNU staff