2025 Field Operations Highlights
By Kirk Murphy, Managing Director of Field Operations
Driven by a dedicated army of volunteers, 2025 was another year of significant achievement. It was marked by record-breaking growth in multiple areas. With new chapters established and others restarted, RMEF has achieved five consecutive years of post-COVID expansion, bringing us closer to the magical 500-chapter mark.
Thanks to innovative, integrated table packages, chapters and volunteers drove record growth, yielding a $350,000 year-over-year increase in event sponsor revenue as well as growing table sales. While the national net/gross ratio saw modest improvement, specific areas of the country achieved a 3 to 5 percentage-point increase due to cost controls and increased local donations.
Volunteers are making a noticeable difference nationwide, improving big game habitat through hands-on volunteer projects as well as sharing ideas and networking by attending volunteer workshops and summer rendezvous events.
2025 was an extremely successful year in RMEF field operations due to the passion and effort RMEF volunteers contribute every single day. Donating your time and talents is a tremendous gift, one that RMEF greatly respects and appreciates!
2026 fundraising is off to a very good start. While at the time of this writing less than a hundred banquets have been held, early results are already very promising. Level three of the event sponsor program is very popular and trending well ahead of the previous year’s sales. Attendance is trending upwards over last year, and more banquets are planned than in each of the last five years. 2026 is shaping up to be a great year!
Thank you for your continued dedication to RMEF. Congratulations to those who have already held a successful banquet, and best of luck to everyone preparing for your upcoming banquet.
(Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation)