A 44-minute documentary titled #PROJECT ELK is now available on the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s YouTube channel. It tells the story of the origins, science and evolution behind conservation, and the question around whether hunters are the earth’s true conservationists.
Originally released in 2015 and filmed and produced by Jason Matzinger, it features interviews with hunters, biologists, wildlife experts and many others.
“We believe Jason’s documentary will spark and improve the continuing discussions around the nation about the benefits of hunting and its positive benefits on our wildlife and wild places,” Steve Decker, RMEF vice president of marketing, said immediately prior to the film’s original release.
“The goal is to help educate the 80 percent of our population that does not hunt on exactly how Hunting Is Conservation,” said Matzinger. “I understand that not everyone was brought up in a hunting household and can see why the killing of an animal to save a wildlife population may be confusing. I want people to understand how that works and why that’s okay. I would also like those who do hunt to better understand our shared role as stewards of the land as we share the conservation message with others.”
“Jason is as skilled a cinematographer as he is a hunter—and that’s saying something. He created the final product by editing down more than 200 hours of footage taken over six hunting seasons. It is compelling and delivers an important message for all ages and lifestyles that examines the vital link between hunting and conservation,” added Decker.
(Video source: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation)