The RMEF never donated money to wolf re-introduction, they have provided money for research however, tosupport the facts that wolves have "recovered" and need to be de-listed. If you want wolves delisted, Congress needs to hear sound biological data, not a bunch of wound up hunters. They did take a very soft even pro-wolf stance in the beginning, now have changed leadership and stance as well. They promote de-listing so the states can manage their own wolves. The RMEF is a very large organization that is not composed only of hunters, even though hunters are by far the majority of the group, and benefit the most from theiraquisitions. The RMEF would never have had the power to stop this politically driven environmental fiasco, not to mention an act of Congress.No matter what they did, it would have been too much or not enough, and people would be cancelling memberships. Do you guys actually believe wolf re-introduction in Yellowstone was even about wolves or elk? Many are yapping about access, development, winter range. That is what the RMEF is trying to do,save that developable winter range from interests not concerned about elk and/or hunting. The recent purchase in the Elkhorns is a prime example. They saved that land from a developer from Bozeman, literally minutes from being bought and subdivided and lost from hunting forever. It makes me nervous that so many hunters bash an organization that recognizes a need to "save" habitat, AND is pro-hunting.
And the new building. The money for that building did not come from banquets, subscriptions, etc.. The money for that building came from specific donations of money, labor, and materials specific for the building, even the landscaping was a complete donation. The mortgage payment left over is actually less than the RENT the RMEF was paying for their previous location. Did you know that? Now they have some awsome collateral for more land, which means more elk habitat, and more hunting opportunities. Do you have more faith in the Forest Circus, the State, or big timber companies like Plum Creek, not to sell their lands to the highest bidders? They are already doing it.
Heck if you still hate the RMEF, then give your money to other pro-habitate groups like Sierra Club, Earth First, Alliance for the Wild Rockies. See how they view hunting and where your money gets spent there. Can you say LOIYAS!!!