Boone and Crockett Club: Pioneers of Conservation and Fair Chase Hunting

For over 130 years, the Boone and Crockett Club has stood at the forefront of wildlife conservation—and for good reason. Founded in 1887 by visionary hunters Theodore Roosevelt and George Bird Grinnell, this storied organization has not only championed the principles of fair chase hunting and ethical sportsmanship but also played a vital role in shaping modern wildlife conservation across North America. Let’s embark on a journey through its rich history, vibrant culture, wide-ranging membership benefits, exciting events, groundbreaking conservation efforts, and learn how you can join a movement that continues to protect our natural heritage.

---

Company Overview

The Boone and Crockett Club is North America’s oldest wildlife and habitat conservation organization. Established in 1887 in response to rampant overhunting and uncontrolled development, the club was created by leaders who foresaw the depletion of the continent’s great game. Today, headquartered in Missoula, Montana, the club remains a bastion for ethical hunting and science-based conservation.

At its core, the club’s mission is simple yet profound: to promote the conservation and management of wildlife, especially big game, as well as their habitat while maintaining the highest standards of sportsmanship under the “Fair Chase” ethos. Over the decades, the club has influenced landmark conservation legislation—from the expansion of national parks like Yellowstone to the establishment of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. This model, with its roots in the club’s pioneering efforts, underscores the belief that wildlife is a public trust managed for the benefit of all citizens.

With a modest yet dedicated team of around staff members, regular members, professional members, and club associates spanning across the United States and Canada, the Boone and Crockett Club is as much a family as it is a conservation powerhouse. The organization's impact is magnified by its grassroots approach and its unwavering dedication to the ethical use of natural resources.

---

Company Story & Leadership

The history of the Boone and Crockett Club reads like a chronicle of American conservation. In December 1887, amid growing concerns about the unsustainable hunting practices that were rapidly depleting wildlife populations, Theodore Roosevelt proposed the formation of a club that would not only preserve the great game but also promote hunting as a responsible, ethical sport. Joined by George Bird Grinnell—the editor of Forest and Stream magazine—and a small group of fellow enthusiasts, the club was born under the banner of “Fair Chase.” This philosophy set out clear ethical guidelines for hunting, emphasizing respect for nature and equitable participation.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Boone and Crockett Club became a catalyst for change. Its members, including influential figures like Aldo Leopold, Gifford Pinchot, and Madison Grant, used their collective voice to lobby for conservation laws and establish wildlife management practices that are still in effect today. The club’s efforts were instrumental in halting the commercial market hunting frenzy and laid the foundation for the modern National Park and National Wildlife Refuge systems.

Today, the club continues to be guided by a small leadership team deeply committed to its founding principles. While Theodore Roosevelt’s active role diminished as he entered national politics, his legacy lives on in the club's continuous advocacy for ecological stewardship and fair chase ethics. The club’s leadership now works in tandem with a network of experts, conservationists, and advocates to ensure that future generations inherit a thriving natural landscape.

---

Corporate Culture & Work Environment

Step inside the world of the Boone and Crockett Club, and you’ll discover an organization that is as much a community as it is a conservation advocate. The club’s culture is grounded in its rich legacy and an unyielding belief in the power of ethical hunting combined with proactive conservation. Every member—from the board of directors to the volunteers—shares a passion for the outdoors, a deep respect for wildlife, and an enduring commitment to preserving our wild landscapes.

In the Boone and Crockett Club’s work environment, collaboration and open dialogue are not just encouraged—they are essential. Staff members work alongside long-time club associates, local chapter leaders, and like-minded activists who come together to discuss innovations in wildlife management, share field stories, and plan new initiatives. The atmosphere is simultaneously reverent and forward-thinking: reverent of the club’s storied past and its historic role in shaping conservation policy; yet also embracing modern strategies and technologies to meet today’s challenges.

This collaborative culture has fostered a sense of belonging and commitment among members. Whether through targeted policy seminars, hands-on conservation projects, or engaging public events, the club nurtures an environment where everyone—from curious newcomers to seasoned hunters—can contribute to the collective mission of sustainability and ethical resource management.

---

Check out Boone and Crockett Club on YouTube!

Membership Benefits & Programs

Joining the Boone and Crockett Club means becoming part of a legacy—a community that not only reveres the spirit of the wild but actively works to protect it for future generations. The club offers a variety of membership options to suit different needs and levels of commitment, ensuring that conservation is accessible to a wide range of enthusiasts, hunters, and advocates.

Membership Types & Pricing

The club’s membership structure is designed to invite participation at every level:

• Basic Membership:
  • For as little as $35 per year, new members gain access to a full year’s subscription of Fair Chase magazine—a publication that covers in-depth stories on ethical hunting, conservation tactics, and wildlife management practices.
    
    
• Sportsman Associate Membership:
  • Priced starting around $60 and up to $250 annually (with slight variations for members in Canada/Mexico and other international regions), this membership includes additional benefits such as a custom club cap, exclusive content, and varying levels of subscription to Big Game Records LIVE—a digital platform for tracking and scoring North American big game records.
    
    
• Lifetime Membership:
  • For the truly committed, a Lifetime Membership package (priced near $1,500, with special rates available for those 65 and over) provides a lifelong subscription to Fair Chase magazine, exclusive club merchandise, special recognition awards, and other premium benefits that underscore your eternal commitment to wildlife conservation.
    

Exclusive Member Benefits & Programs

Membership in the Boone and Crockett Club is more than just a subscription—it’s an immersion into a world where every member plays a vital role in conservation:

• Publications:
  • Enjoy regular issues of Fair Chase magazine that offer vivid reportage on hunting traditions, conservation success stories, and the latest policy debates affecting wildlife today. In addition, members have access to coveted back issues and special yearbooks showcasing exceptional big game records.
    
    
• Record Keeping & Big Game Scoring:
  • The club maintains the revered “Records of North American Big Game,” a scientifically sound scoring system for evaluating trophy quality and wildlife health. This program not only sets standards for fair chase hunting but also provides important data for monitoring wildlife populations across North America.
    
    
• Discounts & Special Offers:
  • Members benefit from exclusive discounts on club merchandise, including caps, shirts, and specialized gear. Through partnerships with industry leaders, the club frequently offers deals that help keep the spirit of conservation thriving.
    
    
• Educational Programs:
  • The Boone and Crockett Club is committed to educating the next generation of conservationists. Members have opportunities to attend workshops, field seminars, and hunter education clinics—many of which are held at the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch in Montana.
    
    
• Digital Content & Online Resources:
  • Members can access an array of digital resources, including webinars, online articles, and interactive data on big game records, ensuring that even those who can’t travel to meetings or events remain fully engaged with the club’s mission.
    
    

Overall, the membership benefits are designed not only to enhance the experience of ethical hunting but also to empower members with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for stronger conservation policies.

---

Unique Events & Gatherings

The Boone and Crockett Club transforms from a quiet conservation think-tank into a vibrant community hub at its many events and gatherings. Celebrations of wildlife and ethical hunting are woven into the fabric of the club through both grand-scale events and intimate local meetings.

• Flagship Events:
  • Perhaps the most anticipated event on the club’s calendar is the prestigious Big Game Awards. Held every three years, the Big Game Awards celebrate the best trophies recorded in the club’s extensive scoring system. For instance, the 32nd Big Game Awards, hosted at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri, showcases an awe-inspiring display of North American big game specimens. This triennial event is not only a competition of skill and fair chase ethics—it’s a public testament to the positive impact of conservation efforts. Attendees can enjoy award banquets, special exhibitions, and even interactive sessions with official measurers who explain the science behind big game scoring.

• Local Chapter Meetings & Rallies:
  • Across North America, local chapters of the Boone and Crockett Club hold regular meetings and conservation rallies. These gatherings provide an invaluable forum for discussing region-specific issues, sharing local conservation success stories, and strategizing how best to protect public lands. Whether it’s a casual meetup after a day in the field or a formal public hearing with local government representatives, these events solidify the club’s grassroots connection and remind members that conservation starts at the community level.

• Educational Workshops & Clinics:
  • Education is at the heart of the club’s ethos, and its workshops and clinics are designed to be both informative and engaging. From hunter education seminars where seasoned professionals share insights on sustainable practices, to wildlife management workshops that explore the latest scientific research, these events empower members with up-to-date knowledge essential for both advocacy and personal growth. In addition, special programs like the club’s outdoor adventure camps create opportunities for younger generations to immerse themselves in nature and gain hands-on experience in wildlife conservation.

• Award Ceremonies & Recognition Programs:
  • In addition to the Big Game Awards, the club hosts various award ceremonies that honor members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to conservation. These recognition dinners not only celebrate personal achievements but also serve as a reminder of the club’s enduring legacy. With lively presentations, detailed awards, and speeches by esteemed members, these evenings of celebration foster camaraderie and inspire continued activism among the membership.

---

Conservation Efforts

At the core of the Boone and Crockett Club’s enduring legacy lies its unwavering commitment to conservation. For more than a century, the club has championed policies that balance the thrill of the hunt with the necessity of habitat preservation.

Shaping the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation

The club’s pioneering efforts in the late 1800s laid the foundation for what is known as the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. This model—built on principles such as fair chase, ethical hunting, and public trust—remains a cornerstone of wildlife management today. Through relentless advocacy and scientific inquiry, the club helped spur the passage of critical conservation laws like the Lacey Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Wildlife Restoration Act. These policies, together with initiatives like the Federal Duck Stamp Program, have not only curbed overhunting but have also ensured that wildlife populations remain robust enough to support both recreational hunting and broader ecological stability.

Active Initiatives and Programs

The Boone and Crockett Club now spearheads several innovative conservation initiatives:

• Open Lands Initiative:
  • Recognizing that public land access is crucial for sustainable hunting and wildlife observation, the club is working to secure access to millions of acres currently difficult or legally restricted. Through targeted acquisitions, easements, and partnerships with federal agencies, the club aims to bridge the gap between recreational opportunity and wildlife conservation.
    
    
• Wildlife Health Programs:
  • In light of emerging challenges such as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), the club is actively involved in research and advocacy aimed at controlling the spread of wildlife diseases. By collaborating with state and national agencies, the club supports measures to monitor, manage, and mitigate disease outbreaks, ensuring the continued health of native wildlife populations.
    
    
• Poach and Pay Campaign:
  • With an eye toward curbing illegal hunting practices, the club has conducted nationwide assessments and is advocating for stronger penalties against poachers. Through education initiatives directed at prosecutors and judges, the club is working to transform poaching from a victimless crime into an offense recognized for its real impact on wildlife populations and ecosystems.
    
    
• Habitat Restoration and Sustainable Management:
  • By promoting science-based forest and grassland management practices, the club contributes to restoring habitats that have been degraded by overuse. Their commitment to fostering healthy ecosystems directly supports the long-term sustainability of big game and other wildlife.
    

Advocacy & Public Education

Conservation is as much about changing minds as it is about protecting lands. The club’s robust public education programs—ranging from informative publications like Fair Chase magazine to interactive workshops and digital content—play a pivotal role in raising awareness about ethical hunting and habitat preservation. By engaging the public and inspiring a new generation of sportsmen and conservationists, the club ensures that its mission is carried forward for decades to come.

---

Contact Information

The Boone and Crockett Club welcomes inquiries, membership sign-ups, and collaborations from anyone passionate about conservation and ethical hunting. Connecting with the club is easy—whether you’re looking for more information about their initiatives or ready to join the ranks of devoted members, here’s how you can get in touch:

• Website
  • www.boone-crockett.org
    
    
• Headquarters Address
  • 250 Station Drive, Missoula, MT 59801, USA
    
    
• Phone
  • 406-542-1888
    
    
• Email
  • Reach out via their contact form on the website
    
    
• Social Media
  • Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram for the latest conservation updates, event announcements, and inspiring stories.
    
    
• Local Chapters
  • The club’s network extends across the United States and Canada. Visit the website to find a chapter near you and get involved in local conservation efforts.

---

Call to Action

Imagine a world where the wild places you love—teeming with robust wildlife, majestic landscapes, and the spirit of fair chase hunting—is preserved for future generations. This is not just a dream; it’s a mission that the Boone and Crockett Club has been devoted to since 1887. Now, more than ever, your passion and involvement can make a difference.

By joining the Boone and Crockett Club, you aren’t simply buying an annual membership—you’re stepping into a legacy of conservation, ethical hunting, and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, an avid outdoors enthusiast, or someone who believes in protecting our natural resources, there is a place for you in this vibrant community.

Become a Member Today!

• Protect Our Heritage:
  • Help secure the future of North America’s wild public lands and rich wildlife populations by supporting initiatives that balance ethical hunting with sustainable habitat management.
    
    
• Join a Community:
  • Connect with thousands of like-minded individuals who are passionate about preserving the outdoors while enjoying the thrill of the hunt and ethical sportsmanship.
    
    
• Influence Change:
  • Contribute to pioneering conservation efforts, from securing access to public lands to advocating for stronger wildlife protection laws.
    
    
• Celebrate Tradition & Innovation:
  • Participate in flagship events like the Big Game Awards, educational workshops, and local chapter outreach programs that showcase both our storied past and promising future.
    
    

Your membership is more than a contribution—it’s a commitment to ensuring that the freedoms of hunting and wildlife conservation remain intact for generations to come. Join the Boone and Crockett Club and help shape a legacy rooted in respect for nature, dedicated activism, and the timeless principles of Fair Chase.

---

---

Last updated November 2025