Favorite Organizations

[whereisfredbeckey]

The recent thread about a proposed rule in Montana (https://www.rokslide.com/forums/thr...-of-information-on-big-game-locations.118777/) surprised me a bit by the strong criticism of the BHA. I'm one of those casual members and maybe I need to pay a little more attention to what issues they stand for and against. But, I like the overall theme of what they stand for.

Then, I saw the thread about a planned new group in Jackson, WY that seems to have a particular bias I find concerning. I'm not sure why the world needs another organization, but I'm sure there will be plenty to come. Unfortunately, I'm worried that it will be dividing a group instead of adding advocacy for a missing contingent. (Like, who's advocating for mountain caribou in Northern Idaho?)

In full disclosure, I'm also a member of the Mule Deer Foundation, NRA, and TRCP...oh, and the ARRL (for my neglected HAM radio hobby). It makes sense that there are groups devoted to species. If I was a waterfowl hunter I'd probably be sending a few bucks to organizations more focused on that mission, but I'm not. I am interested in keeping the hunting privileges I currently enjoy. I would like to improve habitat and access where possible. But, to be realistic - I'm better at writing a small check and sending in a few letters a year.

Anyway, I'm curious - what groups do others belong to and how effective do you think they are at their core mission?

 

[CorbLand]

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is the only one I donate to regularly.

 

[realunlucky]

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is the only one I donate to regularly.

After they threw in the towel without a fight over the expo and left Utah to the dogs they no longer get my money either.

 

[BuzzH]

I'm a life member of BHA, RCFWA, and MWF.

I'm an on and off member of B&C, P&Y, and RMEF...probably should throw life memberships to RMEF and B&C, even though I don't agree with them on every issue, they both do good work.

 

[CorbLand]

After they threw in the towel without a fight over the expo and left Utah to the dogs they no longer get my money either.

Yea that sucked but how much money or time do you spend fighting that versus doing what your organization is suppose to do? Its hard to argue with how transparent and effective RMEF is compared to others.

 

[PNWTO]

BHA

TRCP

WSF

Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance

The Wildlife Society

The first two are gaining traction, the middle two have proven themselves, and the last one has done great things.

 

[JWP58]

RMEF

http://www.rmef.org/NewsandMedia/PressRoom/AboutRMEF/Financials.aspx

 

[Mt Al]

None and somewhat conflicted about it. I worked for a company that made auction products for many of these groups and got sickened by each and every one of them. Volunteered for another: same thing.

Generally, people who run non-profits that fight every logging plan, griz hunting, etc. have sweet jobs and live great lives - while acting like they suffer for endangered animals and the wilderness. They raise money by marketing their protection of the wilderness to (mostly) rich eastern elitist liberals and philanthropists. It's a great business model and works like a charm.

Generally, similarly, the "foundations" "forevers" "unlimiteds", etc, raise money by membership, auctions, volunteers, etc.. Many of "us" belong and, in return, they're supposed to ensure hunting, access and species survival, etc.. It's a great business model and works like a charm.

I don't pay but I benefit from wilderness protection, gun rights and hunting advocacy. Without these groups, who knows where we'd be? I got turned off by the management and arrogance. My 2 cents and not claiming I'm right

 

[dirtytough]

I love mule deer and joined the MDF. I donated a little over $550 last year. They just came out with all the projects and habitat improvements they did here this last year. They spent almost $300k which is good. Except it is all done on private land. I asked them a question and they don't respond. So I am done with them. I am also a RMEF member. I almost got sucked in by BHA but lucked out there.

 

[ODB]

None and somewhat conflicted about it. I worked for a company that made auction products for many of these groups and got sickened by each and every one of them. Volunteered for another: same thing.

Generally, people who run non-profits that fight every logging plan, griz hunting, etc. have sweet jobs and live great lives - while acting like they suffer for endangered animals and the wilderness. They raise money by marketing their protection of the wilderness to (mostly) rich eastern elitist liberals and philanthropists. It's a great business model and works like a charm.

Generally, similarly, the "foundations" "forevers" "unlimiteds", etc, raise money by membership, auctions, volunteers, etc.. Many of "us" belong and, in return, they're supposed to ensure hunting, access and species survival, etc.. It's a great business model and works like a charm.

I don't pay but I benefit from wilderness protection, gun rights and hunting advocacy. Without these groups, who knows where we'd be? I got turned off by the management and arrogance. My 2 cents and not claiming I'm right

Man, you are talking my language. My feelings exactly. I’ve been involved in several .orgs in various ways and have been turned off to the point I am against the whole non-profit racket entirely. It’s frustrating. I have yet to meet one who didn’t act as you say. Sad.

 

[handwerk]

BHA, RMEF, WSF, RMGA on the national level and others localized.
No group is perfect for sure but it's better than doing nothing and watch as things you really care about go away.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

SCI and the NRA. Thinking about the P&Y and the RMEF. The latter solely based on Randy Newburg's desire and work ethic to protect public land hunting. I might not agree with every organization he is fond of but, I am certain of his intent. Glad this come up because I need to check my notes and see when my SCI fees are due. The only organization I will/have joined for life is the NRA

 

[backcountry_hunter]

NRA life, trcp, nwtf, du and rmef

Been a member of a bunch of others and for one reason or another let the membership go. Above are the main ones that have been a constant for me and have no intentions of leaving

 

[Ten Bears]

WSF. Ruffed Grouse Society. American Woodcock Society. NRA. TRCP. RMEF. Wounded Warrior.

Considering Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance and any other grouse things I can dig up. For the most part I like tossing more of my charitable money towards some of the things that don’t get as much love.

Former BHA member. Never again.

 

[Ndbowhunter]

The Trevor Project Mission


Gill foundation

 

[MtGomer]

WSF National and Montana chapter, Goat Alliance, Arizona Desert Bighorn Society, NRA.
BHA membership recently expired. Looking for a good reason to renew.
Also thinking about joining Gun Owners of America ( GOA ). They seem less willing to compromise on our rights than the NRA.
Planning to join the Montana Wildlife Federation. They always show up and lend a thoughtful voice to wildlife management and seem to be doing a job nobody else (like RMEF)has the will to do.

Not a member, but I’ve donated to The Nature Conservancy. They’ve bought good sized chunks of timber company land that was for sale and left it open to sportsman.

The list of organizations I’ve looked into joining and the reasons I haven’t joined could be an essay.

 

[Ndbowhunter]

mt gomer care to share list of groups you don't support.

Pm me if you don't feel like sharing publicly

 

[trickytross]

Sportsmen Alliance (think everyones should check them out, actually go and fight in court against HSUS and PETA)
QDMA, NWTF, BHA, and the North Carolina Bowhunters Association. I will also be billing a Ruffed Grouse Society Membership as well as RMEF, both groups have done and are doing awesome things for habitat here.

 

[lyle_destroys]

Gun Owners of America is the only one I pay to support right now.
I refuse to suupport the NRA at all since they continue to support things like red flag laws and negotiate away our gun rights.

 

[MtGomer]

mt gomer care to share list of groups you don't support.

Pm me if you don't feel like sharing publicly

I’m not holding any great information about some group that nobody knows or anything like that. I’ve either just looked into groups and found that they weren’t what they said they were ‘The Wildernesss Society’ for example, or they support some things I’m not a fan of, or it’s just that there’s only so much money to spread around and the choices i’ve made are where I think it’s best spent.

Another group that I would like to join or donate to that people should look into is Public Land and Water Access (PLWA.) https://plwa.org/
They have been very diligent and effective at re-opening road and trails that have been illegally closed by landowners. In a state like Montana a landowner can illegally gate or close a road or trail and the burden of proof that it is public is on the public to prove. If an agency is unable or unwilling to take up the fight, it will remain closed. PLWA is very good at doing historical records research, determining whether or not there’s actually a case, and fighting to get our access restored.
There’s a whole list of locations they’ve worked on their website.