Photo Feature: A Tour of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s Visitor Center
Discover the beauty of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s Elk Country Visitor Center in Missoula, Montana.
I recently spent time in one of my favorite places — Montana — where I visited the headquarters of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), and in particular, its Elk Country Visitor Center. The setting couldn’t be more beautiful, on the outskirts of Missoula, and also featuring a half-mile walking trail that illustrates what elk need for prime habitat. Overall, the entire experience is family-oriented and geared toward teaching the next generation about conservation and management.
I hope you enjoy this tour in photos. All photos, with the exception of the bear selfie, by Jason Baird.
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The site is home to many beautiful bronze sculptures, including this one that is strategically placed in front of the building.
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Wow! What gorgeous and telling taxidermy.
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I quickly checked through some info in the lounge.
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Some of the country’s Boone & Crockett record holders adorn the gallery.
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Unfortunately, this little calf was stillborn on a ranch in Montana.
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This is a safe bear selfie. Taken with a Kodiak mount in the gallery near the elk mounts.
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If a Native American woman wore an elk ivory dress, it meant she had a good hunter in her family! Usually, these dresses had between 200 and 300 ivories attached!
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Geared for children on field trips, the museum is full of teachable moments, such as this comparison among antlers.
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Check out the jawbones and find out more about aging elk.
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One tail is from a mule deer and the other from a whitetail. Can you tell which one belongs to which deer?
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The mounts here are gorgeous and children who visited enjoyed identifying the animals.
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The gift shop featured lots of items with brand names, sporting the RMEF logo. That’s Kristy Titus on the wall in the poster. She’s a huge advocate for RMEF.
Admission is free. Hours vary, but generally run from 8 or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check the website.
Learn more about RMEF.
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About Barbara Baird
Publisher/Editor Barbara Baird is a freelance writer in hunting, shooting and outdoor markets. Her bylines are found at several top hunting and shooting publications. She also is a travel writer, and you can follow her at https://www.ozarkian.com.
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