March 8, 2009
Hunter’s Specialties’ Forbes are Conservationists of the Year
MISSOULA, Mont.—Dave and Carman Forbes of Hunter’s Specialties have received Conservationist of the Year honors from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
The Forbes were honored during the Elk Foundation’s 25th annual convention, which concluded March 8 in Fort Worth, Texas.
“The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Conservationist of the Year Award recognizes individuals who we believe have made a difference for wildlife on a national scale— people who are making the world a better place for future generations,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.
A summary of the Forbes’ contributions to conservation and other causes:
• In 2008, Hunter’s Specialties reached the $250,000 plateau in contributions to RMEF, and the Platinum Medallion level in the RMEF Partners In Conservation program. Donates $5,000 per year in product to RMEF fundraising events. Licenses 37 different products and accessories to RMEF. Contributed $10,000 to the RMEF capital campaign. Hunter’s Specialties has been a major player in helping the Elk Foundation reach 5.5 million acres of habitat enhanced or protected for elk and other wildlife.
• Heavily involved with International Hunter Education Association. Passionate about youth, hunter education, hunter recruitment and retention.
• Co-sponsors an annual youth turkey hunt with Cabela’s, and are avid supporters of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Jakes program, donating thousands to help get and keep kids involved in the outdoors.
• Member and sponsor of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.
• Supporters of Aiming for a Cure Celebrity Shoot & Auction to help fund youth cancer research. Also support breast cancer awareness by promoting the sale of special caps on their website and at trade shows (100 percent of profit goes to Susan G. Komen Foundation).
• Company aggressively works to reduce paper usage, recycle and conduct more business electronically to conserve natural resources.
The Forbes’ company started with just one product, the highly successful Camo-Compac® concept, in 1984. The product put multi-color camouflage make-up in a pocketsize compact design with a built-in mirror. It became a must have for hunters as well as all branches of the military and was used in Operation Desert Storm.
Today, Hunter’s Specialties has evolved into a 700-product hunting accessory business and a leader in the shooting sports industry.