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Welcome to the Michigan Elk Country Association

We are a Michigan based 501(c)(3) non-profit wildlife conservation organization that operates in Gaylord, Michigan to benefit the future of the Michigan Elk herd. MECA’s resources have been focused on improving hundreds of acres surrounding Michigan's Elk Country along with many projects on both public and private land. 

Chairman

Chad Sides

Co-Chairman

Kevin Johnson

Secretary

Makenzie Sides
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Treasurer

Scott Connell

Our Mission

Our mission is to safeguard Michigan's wildlife for generations to come by preserving the state's natural heritage and protecting its wildlife, especially the elk! We plan to do this by accomplishing the three main goals listed below.

3 More Elk Viewing Areas

We plan to build 3 more elk viewing areas with food plots. Each viewing area costs appropriately $12k-$15k.

Teach Younger Generations 

We'd love to purchase an enclosed trailer and educational resources to help teach younger generations about Michigan's Elk Herd & Habitat.

Expand Herd Size

Raise funds to hopefully expand our herd size.

Joe Ferguson

Board Member

Jim Ormsbee

Board Member

Jake Ormsbee

Board Member

Ashton Burns 

Board Member

Michael Pedigo

Board Member

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TONY FOX

Board Member

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  • 2025 Michigan Elk Country Association Banquet
    2025 Michigan Elk Country Association Banquet
    Sat, Apr 12
    Knights of Columbus
    Apr 12, 2025, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Knights of Columbus, 2573 Wilkinson Rd, Gaylord, MI 49735, USA
    Apr 12, 2025, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Knights of Columbus, 2573 Wilkinson Rd, Gaylord, MI 49735, USA
    The annual fundraiser for the Michigan Elk Country Association (MECA) is our most exciting event of the year. Please become a part of this annual tradition in order to support the expansion of our Michigan elk herd.

2024 Michigan Elk Country Association Banquet

THANK YOU!

We had an amazing time at the 2024 Michigan Elk Country Association Banquet. We want to thank everyone that participated, donated, and attended. We could not do any of this without you and we are proud to continue raising funds for elk conservation in Northern Michigan. We look forward to seeing you again in 2025!

Visit Our Wild Elk Viewing Center

We're excited to let everyone know that the signage is now up for our Elk Viewing Center! Follow the signs 6.5 miles east of Vienna on M-32 to Camp 8 Rd, then 3/4 mile north—just look for the two-track road on the right, and you're there!

 

Even more exciting news: our food plot has been quite active with elk! They've been making regular appearances, so now is the perfect time to visit and witness these magnificent creatures in action.

Merchandise Available

Our online store features a great selection of merchandise that is sure to please not only outdoor enthusiasts but also the general public. Most importantly, all proceeds from the store go directly towards the upkeep and conservation efforts of the elk herds. Every item purchased from our store directly supports the work we do.

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