Elk and Grassland Conservation: Supporting Healthy Wildlife Populations on World Wildlife Day

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As World Wildlife Day is celebrated across the globe, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation continues to play an active role in supporting environmental conservation through healthy wildlife populations. In 2020, the AMB West Elk Hunting Program launched as a partnership between the foundation and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The program utilizes AMB West properties in Montana including Paradise Valley Ranch, Mountain Sky Guest Ranch and West Creek Ranch and provides community members with free hosted elk hunts.

Elk Management and Grassland Conservation Efforts in Montana

Controlled hunting of overpopulated species serves as a powerful conservation tool for preserving grasslands and supporting wildlife management. In Montana, a collaborative effort is underway to manage the elk population by permitting public access hunting on private AMB West properties. The Elk Hunting Program aims to restore balance to the ecosystem, benefiting not just elk but other species like antelope, deer, wolves and bears, while also improving conditions for livestock grazing. This program is structured to ensure responsible and ethical harvesting of  elk and aligns with broader grassland conservation goals.

Elk tend to congregate on private lands with abundant resources, causing stress on native grasses and rangelands. The program’s approach of controlled hunts helps manage elk distribution, reducing pressure on overutilized areas and promoting healthier ecosystems. The free hunts are awarded to Montana residents only through a lottery system and hosted by highly skilled AMB West associates to ensure that the experience is safe and the land is respected and honored. In addition, the hunts are conducted with lead-free ammunition to minimize environmental impact, and to protect eagles and other raptors from lead poisoning when they scavenge harvested elk carcasses in the field.

Community Involvement and Impact

The Elk Hunting Program is part of the foundation’s broader, nontraditional philanthropic approach to supporting rural communities and land stewardship in Montana. Thoughtful, partnership-driven land and wildlife management, including the elk program, can honor wildlife, support rural communities and conserve grasslands for generations. The program has also inspired other landowners in the region to open their properties to public hunting, creating a conservation ripple effect across the community. Responsible and respectful harvesting of elk also provides local residents with nutrient-rich meat for their family meals at home.

“Controlled elk hunting is a vital component of the AMB West conservation and land stewardship strategy,” said Terance Eichhorn, Director of Land, Livestock and Conservation, Paradise Valley Ranch. “Over the last six years, the Elk Hunting Program has had such a positive effect on our local communities, and thanks to Arthur Blank’s vision, our Montana grasslands will continue to be a place where wildlife thrives for years to come.”

World Wildlife Day is an important time to highlight conservation efforts that are taking place year-round. By understanding and embracing the multifaceted role of hunting in wildlife management, Montana residents continue to enjoy the benefits of their rich natural heritage while ensuring its preservation for future generations. Through the AMB West  Hunting Program, the foundation is proud to support healthy wildlife populations, resilient ecosystems and strong rural communities.