There is a new species-oriented conservation organization on the scene. This one is for moose, and it's called the North American Moose Foundation. Like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep (FNAWS), this organization is a pro-hunting, conservation group. It was founded two years ago in Mackay, Idaho, by three people with "a great appreciation for moose" and has since grown to 829 members. Dedicated to promoting and conserving moose, the organization has conducted a number of events, including an annual convention that mirrors those of RMEF and FNAWS, with vendor booths, live auctions, raffles and outfitter participation. The last convention was held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, this past March, and offered for auction two Wyoming Governor's Moose Permits, a Wyoming Commissioner's Permit and a Maine moose permit. The event also featured a moose-calling contest. Next year it will offer a scoring clinic, to which participants may bring their trophies for scoring, and a special breakfast for any hunter taking a moose in 2003 that meets the minimum entry scores for Boone & Crockett, Pope & Young, The Longhunter Muzzle-loading Big Game Record Program or Safari Club International.
Executive Director and Co-Founder, Marty Orwig says that with funds raised from its two conventions and other events, the foundation has already funded several habitat restoration projects, planting willows and dogwoods in prime moose areas that were either damaged by fire or simply needed some improvement to support moose. They are working closely with fish and game departments in the US and Canada to identify areas in need of habitat improvement and use volunteers to complete the work. Orwig says they are also working with elementary schools, funding projects that teach children about moose, their behavior, habitat needs and predation.
The foundation has big plans for its headquarters as well, where Orwig says they are creating the "premier" moose center in North America. Plans are to feature all four species of moose with habitat displays, moose artifacts and original artwork related to moose. Currently, they have a Yukon moose mount and are working with........(continued)
