Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation (MOLF) and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) proudly announce their continued commitment to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Elk Hazing operation in the Paradise Valley, with combined contributions of $6,000.

During the past two years, the FWP Elk Hazing program has become an integral part of wildlife management in the Paradise Valley region, maintaining separation of elk herds from cattle on private ranch land during the brucellosis risk period reduces conflict between ranching activities while increasing elk populations.

The financial backing provided by the Foundation and RMEF has proven essential in ensuring the program’s success. Without this crucial support, the FWP’s is able to attract a skilled and dedicated crew of hazers,and have employed a local father-son duo as the primary hazers.  The team is well-known within the ranching community and brings a wealth of experience and expertise. Their familiarity with the landscape and commitment to responsible hazing techniques ensures that the operation is conducted without causing damage to private property.

“The elk hazing operation is an important component of the FWP elk management operation in the Paradise Valley,” said Mitch King, Executive Director MOLF. “We are proud to support the program as it continues to garner widespread appreciation from the local ranching community,”

“RMEF understands the importance and role that private ranches play in the Paradise Valley as supplying vital winter range to elk herds migrating out of Yellowstone Park each year,” said Blake Henning, Chief Conservation Officer RMEF. “We feel it is important to support activities like the elk hazing program which, in part, mitigate some of the impacts of elk and cattle interactions on these important private lands.”

The collaborative efforts of the Montana Outdoor Legacy Foundation, RMEF, FWP, and dedicated and experienced hazers underscore the importance of community involvement in preserving the delicate balance between wildlife and ranching interests. This ongoing partnership exemplifies a shared commitment to responsible wildlife management and sustainable coexistence.