The Bull Run Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will hold its 24th annual Big Game Banquet with silent and live auctions at the Middleburg Community Center on March 14. The event is more than a fun fund-raiser. It is also a celebration. Back Street Catering, featuring the magical cookery of the legendary Tutti Perricone, will supply the feast.

In 2012, Buchanan County in southwest Virginia became home to 16 elk. In 2013, 10 more followed the first contingent. Last spring, another group was introduced, plus the calves that have been born, bringing the total to about 75. The goal is at least 600 elk, which will encourage a stable, self-sustaining herd.

"It has been a big goal and for 20 years, we worked hard for funding for feasibility studies, which proved critical to gain support for the project," said Bradley Clarke, one of the founding members of the Bull Run Chapter (1991). "We've had very good success this year both locally and nationally with our focus being on the preservation and enhancement of habitat. All the species thrive and survive because good habitats that are in balance promote everything else."

Until the mid-19th century, more than 10 million elk roamed the entire U.S. and parts of Canada, their numbers decimated by settlers needing food. The Eastern elk, so-called for being indigenous east of the Mississippi, has been extinct since 1855 when the last one was killed. It was bigger than its Western cousins: Eastern cows weighed about 500 pounds, bulls around 700. One attempt in 1917 to transplant 125 Western elk from Yellowstone National Park into 11 Virginia counties ended with the last one dying in 1970.

Enter the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, which worked cooperatively with the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources and the Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Commission to re-introduce elk to Kentucky. Since then, six other states, including Virginia, have followed Kentucky's example.

Reintroducing elk to Virginia has been a labor of love and intense effort by the conservation hunters involved in RMEF. Virginia has eight chapters with about 2,265 members. RMEF is a nationwide organization with more than 500 chapters and a membership of 205,250, which shows steady growth. Conservationists and hunters, they have pursued their mission goals with dedication and determination.

Since its inception in 1984, RMEF has worked consistently to fulfill its mission of ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitats and the American heritage of hunting. To date, RMEF has protected or enhanced 6.6 million acres and opened more than 769,000 acres for hunting and other public outdoor activities. Best of all, the elk population has grown to about one million in the U.S.

RMEF's 30th anniversary in 2014 proved stellar. Among other achievements, the 501(c)(3) earned four stars, the highest rating possible, from Charity Navigator, for the sixth consecutive year. RMEF also finalized its efforts to augment elk herds in Virginia.

"Without conservationists, we would have few of the natural wonders left in the U.S.," said Clarke. "This history of conservation began in earnest with Teddy Roosevelt. Be sure to bring your children to our Big Banquet. Teaching the next generation what true conservation means is imperative. In the long run, the animals will thank you."

About Bull Run's Big Banquet on March 14 in Middleburg: the word is out that it's going to be a total sell-out again this year, so make elk tracks to secure your tickets online. Not a member of RMEF yet: no worries – banquet ticket includes supporting membership for new elk enthusiasts.

For information: www.rmef.org
For tickets to Bull Run Big Banquet: www.events.rmef.org or call Rich Vigue at 703-217-4988