In 1984, four dedicated elk hunters from northwest Montana recognized a crucial gap in wildlife conservation—no organization was focused solely on preserving North America's majestic elk and its vital habitat. Determined to make a difference, they combined their expertise and resources to establish the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation on May 14, 1984. Their vision and commitment aimed not only to protect these grand animals but also to ensure a sustainable future for the ecosystems that support them, marking a pivotal moment in elk conservation history.