Sportsman Channel to Air Rock Mountain Elk Documentary

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation confirmed a one-hour television documentary aiming to help non-hunting Americans understand the role hunting plays in conservation will air on the Sportsman Channel August 15 and October 31.

Produced by Jason Matzinger and presented by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, #PROJECTELK will follow an epic journey alongside one of North America’s most majestic creatures, the Rocky Mountain elk.

“Jason is as skilled a cinematographer as he is a hunter-and that’s saying something,” said Steve Decker, RMEF vice president of marketing. “He created the final product by editing down more than 200 hours of footage taken over six hunting seasons. It is compelling and delivers an important message for all ages and lifestyles that examines the vital link between hunting and conservation.”

#PROJECTELK is the story of the origins, science and evolution behind conservation, and the question of whether hunters are the earth’s true conservationists. The film includes interviews with hunters, biologists, wildlife experts and others.

“The goal is to help educate the 80 percent of our population that does not hunt on exactly how hunting is conservation,” said Matzinger. “I understand that not everyone was brought up in a hunting household and can see why the killing of an animal to save a wildlife population may be confusing. I want people to understand how that works and why that's okay. I would also like those who do hunt to better understand our shared role as stewards of the land, as we share the conservation message with others.”

#PROJECTELK will air at 7 p.m. on August 15, 2015, and again at 7 p.m. on October 31, 2015, on the Sportsman Channel (all times ET).

“RMEF is proud to be the presenting sponsor. We believe Jason’s documentary will spark and improve the continuing discussions around the nation about the benefits of hunting and its positive benefits on our wildlife and wild places,” added Decker.

“Working with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation on this film has given me a sense of satisfaction like no other project I've worked on before. RMEF’s goals and mission are perfectly in line with the goals and mission of this film,” added Matzinger.

In addition to RMEF as presenting sponsor, other #PROJECTELK conservation partners include Sitka, Prime, Vortex Optics, OnXmaps, Siberian Cooler, Montana Canvas and the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.