It’s a head-turner, alright – a 50-foot RMEF-blue trailer blazing its way down the highway. And people love seeing it.
“It’s overwhelming how many people are waving to me and blowing their horns,” said Dave Meehan.
Meehan is the manager of the Great Elk Tour, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s mobile marketing experience and America’s premiere portable conservation exhibit. Outside, it sports the slogan “Great Elk Need Great Habitat.” Inside, it houses just about everything you need to see and know about elk, one of North America’s most majestic big game species.
Four bull elk are the focal point, each with a massive set of antlers and each with its own unique story. The 2023 bulls feature a giant bull from Pennsylvania, shed antlers found in Michigan, a 14-year-old girl’s big Utah bull and antlers from a bull found in Oregon in 1910 and since passed down through a family.
“The Great Elk Tour is about allowing people to get a close-up look and learn more about this magnificent animal, its habitat needs and its place on our wild landscapes,” said Riza Lesser, RMEF managing director of marketing and communication. There is also a media center that showcases RMEF Films productions that highlight land conservation and access projects, as well as hands-on volunteer efforts.”
Additionally, a retail section allows visitors to purchase RMEF shirts, hats and other merchandise with a portion of the proceeds benefiting conservation efforts.
The Great Elk Tour trailer crisscrosses more than 25,000 miles from coast to coast. For now, planned 2023 stops include Colorado, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Utah, although more locations may be added to the schedule.
“It’s just an amazing opportunity to visit so many places and meet so many great people,” said Meehan. “We have a huge core of volunteers across the country. When we bring the tour to their town, they take ownership of it. They help set up. They help talk about it. It’s truly amazing. It warms my heart every time I see them.”
Great Elk Tour sponsors include Browning, Danner, Nosler, Trijicon, Les Schwab Tires, and McKenzie Taxidermy Supply.
To view the 2023 schedule, inquire about booking the Great Elk Tour for an outdoor trade show or event, or if you have a bull elk you would like considered to join the tour, contact the Great Elk Tour manager by clicking here.
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