Settings do not get any more historic than this to dole out kudos and generate funding to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s Vigilante Chapter recently held its 28th annual big game banquet at the historic Round Barn in Twin Bridges, Montana.
The circular structure, built in 1882 in the same valley visited by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 1800s, originally featured three floors and a windmill-driven water system. Cattlemen visited it from around the world to buy purebred Hereford cattle and steers. The barn also housed horses – fast, famous horses! In 1883, Lord Ragland took third place in the Kentucky Derby. Six years later, Spokane won the 1889 derby by a nose with a record-setting time of 2:34.50 that still stands today because race officials shortened the course from 1.5 miles to 1.25 miles seven years later.
On this night, 220 folks flocked to that historic 143-year-old venue to take part in the sold-out gathering that included auctions, dinner, games and other activities to celebrate elk and RMEF’s conservation accomplishments.
The program included recognition of Paul Hunt, a conservation-minded landowner who worked with RMEF, which acquired and conveyed his 396-acres Point of Rocks property to the U.S. Forest Service in late 2024. The acreage is prime wildlife habitat and part of a migration corridor for pronghorn antelope as well as winter range for elk, moose and mule deer. The transaction not only opened access to the new public land but improved public access to 2,700 acres of nearby Bureau of Land Management and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest land.
“For generations, this land has been part of our family’s story, and we’ve always believed it deserved to be cared for, not just for us, but for the wildlife and future generations. Letting it go wasn’t easy but knowing it will remain protected as part of the national forest, thanks to the Forest Service and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, makes all the difference,” said Hunt. “This wasn’t just a transaction—it was a commitment to conservation and ensuring that the beauty and value of this land will never be lost.”
Left to right: Paul Hunt, Forest Service Realty Specialist Gina Fleming, RMEF Regional Director Chris Doyle, RMEF Board of Directors member Donna McDonald
“It’s truly an honor to work with landowners like Paul Hunt, whose deep-rooted conservation ethic ensures that these landscapes remain protected for generations to come. His willingness to prioritize the long-term health of the land, wildlife and public access is a testament to the values that make conservation possible,” said Scott Boettger, RMEF director of land conservation. “Working alongside individuals like Paul, who see their land as a legacy rather than just property, is what makes this work so meaningful.”
Steeped in history, the Round Barn hosts weddings and other events throughout the year. But on this night, RMEF took over the circular stage and rocked the Jefferson River Valley.
“It’s one of the most unique venues that we have for an RMEF banquet. The inside is amazing and creates an atmosphere that others cannot because it is round and our longtime auctioneer Mark Anderson runs the show from the center. His crew stands all around the circle to help spot bids and yells out to the crowd. It makes for a pretty unique and high-energy auction,” said Chris Doyle, RMEF regional director.
Like it has been for nearly a century and a half, the Round Barn is a destination.
“People love this banquet and venue and wait all year to come,” added Doyle.
(Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation)