Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

There probably isn’t a bull rider in America who hasn’t fantasized about putting the crosshairs on some especially ornery old bull. The 150,000 members of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) feel the same way. But instead of some 2,000-pound version of Satan wrapped in cowhide, the bulls we dream about carry outrageous antlers and roam free in the best country America has left.

For 25 years, keeping that country wild and open to the public has been our passion. So far, the Elk Foundation has forever protected more than 900,000 acres of the tenderloin of elk country. We’ve greatly enhanced the health of another 4.6 million acres wherever wild bulls bugle from California to Pennsylvania. And we’ve torn down the No Trespassing signs on almost 600,000 acres of prime elk habitat where you’re now free to hunt, fish and hike. Now, with a growing partnership with PBR, we aim to accomplish even more.

In the Cowboys for Conservation partnership, PBR is providing Built Ford Tough Series World Finals packages for fundraising events around the country. Winning bidders receive tickets and other prizes including a VIP reception with PBR stars. In 2008, this partnership generated over $145,000 to conserve elk country. New this year is the RMEF Trophy Bull Challenge: PBR selects three bulls for each long round of competition. If a selected bull bucks off the rider, the stock contractor wins a point. If the rider successfully rides the bull, the rider wins a point. At the 2009 Built Ford Tough World Finals, the three riders or stock contractors with the most Trophy Bull points win a fully outfitted elk hunt or other great outdoor adventure of their choice courtesy of the Elk Foundation.

The bottom line about PBR fans and RMEF members: different kinds of bulls, same kinds of people. To find out more about the Elk Foundation or how you can get involved conserving elk country, visit www.rmef.org.