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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

Scott Connell
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Secretary

Maddie Sides
Gaylord, Michigan is located in Otsego County in Northern Michigan. This community is loca

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 approximately $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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TRISTON COLE

Board Member

Gaylord, Michigan is located in Otsego County in Northern Michigan. This community is loca
ALAN PROCTOR

Board Member

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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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Trophy Whitetail Hunt Raffle

Want to win the hunt of a lifetime at Hunters' Haven Whitetail ranch? Enter now for a chance to win a 1 day Hunt with accommodations for you and a guest. Raffle Tickets are $20 each and will be drawn on April 12, 2025 at 8pm.

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