Union County RMEF Banquet Feb. 14 at EOU Supports Elk Conservation

The Union County Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will host its Big Game Banquet at Eastern Oregon University’s Gilbert Event Center in La Grande to support elk-conservation work. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, with an AllEvents listing showing a 5:00 pm (PST) start at Eastern Oregon University, 787 7th St, La Grande, OR 97850.

Organizers plan dinner, raffles and auctions as the night’s main activities. A local report states, "The banquet features dinner, raffles and auctions to support elk-conservation work and the local chapter’s prog", the source sentence is truncated and the precise wording of the chapter’s intended program was not available in the material reviewed. The AllEvents page for the listing displays the Oregon Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation logo and notes that "Tickets for Union County Chapter Big Game Banquet can be booked here."

For Union County residents, the banquet is both a community fundraiser and a social gathering that channels volunteer time and donor dollars into wildlife priorities. Local conservation fundraisers like this can support habitat projects,hunter education and community outreach in rural counties where outdoor recreation and working landscapes intersect. They also generate local economic activity for venues, caterers and nearby lodging when out-of-town guests attend.

Public health and equity intersect with conservation events in practical ways. Well-managed wildlife populations and preserved habitat contribute to safer recreational access for hunters, anglers and hikers. Community fundraising that includes youth outreach can expand access to outdoor skills and food sourcing for families who rely on hunting as part of their subsistence and cultural traditions. Those considerations matter in Union County where outdoor livelihoods and recreation are integral to local identity.

The AllEvents listing also cross-promotes other Oregon chapter banquets in February, including the Cascade Chapter in Salem on Feb. 7, a Klamath Falls banquet on Feb. 21 and the Elkhorn Chapter event in Baker City on Feb. 28, reflecting a broader regional schedule of chapter fundraisers this month.

Details that remain to be confirmed include ticket prices, ticket types and whether the dinner is plated or buffet style. Readers planning to attend should check with the Oregon Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation or the AllEvents listing for the booking link, accessibility information and any health or safety policies the venue may require. Attending offers a direct way to support local conservation work and to connect with neighbors who share an interest in managing and protecting elk and public lands.