MISSOULA, Mont. — Meaningful partnerships and teamwork that help RMEF ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage reach far beyond the hunting and outdoor industries. Take the decades of support from Les Schwab Tire Centers that continues today, for example. 

In 2025, Les Schwab donated $1,500 tire certificates to more than 120 RMEF chapter banquets in 11 states. These certificates, redeemable for Back Country A/T2 tires or an equivalent set of all-terrain tires, became premium raffle or auction items, helping drive participation and revenue at RMEF events. 

“Les Schwab has a consistent record of high-impact donations that boost fundraising at local banquets for conservation,” said RMEF Managing Director of Field Operations Kirk Murphy. “The company’s dedication to supporting RMEF contributes in a very real way to our continued mission successes.”  

With a vision of bringing together service, value and convenience for customers, Les Schwab grew from a single tire shop in 1952 to one of the largest independent tire businesses in the United States with hundreds of locations across the West. Recognizing the importance of RMEF’s mission and the opportunity to help RMEF further its work, Les Schwab aligned its support for conservation with its corporate values of hard work and serving the community. In 2019, Les Schwab officially become the exclusive “Ready Your Elk Rig” tire supplier and each year since has donated sets of tires for raffles at select RMEF events.  

“We have a profound commitment to service, which includes giving customers more for their money and serving our communities,” said Greg L’Hommedieu, Les Schwab vice president, store sales and operations. “Our small-town roots and deep experience supporting farmers, ranchers and families runs in our DNA. It’s important to us to also support the wildlife and habitats our communities depend on.” 

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:     

Now in its fifth decade of conservation accomplishment and fueled by hunters, RMEF has conserved more than 9.1 million acres for elk and other wildlife. RMEF also works to open and improve public access, fund and advocate for science-based resource management, and ensure the future of America’s hunting heritage. Discover why “Hunting Is Conservation” ® at rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.