Simply put, it is like a campout on steroids. Volunteers, members and staffers of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation gathered for two days to work, play, eat, laugh and enjoy friendships at the 23rd Annual RMEF Montana Summer Rendezvous.
It began with a hands-on habitat project at the Robb-Ledford Wildlife Management Area, site of RMEF’s first major acquisition that is also winter range for up to 3,100 elk. Volunteers put encroaching conifers and houndstongue, an invasive noxious weed, in their crosshairs, spread out and got to work.
Other activities at the Madison County Fairgrounds included a wild game potluck, washoe tournament and clinics, seminars and demonstrations. RMEF Montana Fun Night capped off the rendezvous with free games, raffles, prizes, a catered BBQ and a bonfire gathering.
“Rendezvous is a family reunion for our volunteers and staff in Montana. We gather to celebrate our success and share in each other’s company, but it is also productive, in that we have a work project, volunteer meetings and hunting-related seminars,” said Jared Wold, RMEF regional director. “We had a great weekend and made new friends. All who attend can’t wait to come back next year,” added Wold.
