February 26, 2013
Avid Bowhunter, Outdoorswoman and Teacher Joins RMEF Board of Directors
MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is pleased to welcome Vicki Peltonen to its board of directors.
“Even though I’ve always had a great love of the outdoors and an interest in the preservation of wildlife and their habitat, being on the volunteer committees over the past few years really opened my eyes to the value of RMEF’s conservation efforts,” said Peltonen.
Born and raised into a hunting and fishing family, Peltonen learned the value early on of harvesting game sustainably and living off the land. Daughter of a two-time Wisconsin state bow champion, Vicki also bowhunts. Her interest in the outdoors spurred an enthusiasm for science which translated into a 20-plus year teaching career including recognition as the 1993 Wisconsin Science Teacher of the Year Award.
“Vicki’s passion for the outdoors, elk and elk country is more than evident,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Her vast experience will provide the RMEF the leadership its needs to succeed in the immediate future and beyond.”
Vicki and husband Bob own The World Class Manufacturing Group headquartered in Weyauwega, and other precision manufacturing and industrial companies throughout Wisconsin. They also founded the Northstar Manufacturing Alliance. The successful ventures allowed the Peltonens to pursue their passion for hunting and travel. Bob is also a world-class hunter, having taken 23 elk with a bow. The Peltonens are both Habitat Partners and RMEF Life Members.
Vicki served as a volunteer, sponsor and contributor to Wisconsin’s Fox Valley chapter the last eight years. She is also the chapter’s first female Life Member. Her example of becoming an outdoorswoman and a hunter empowers other women to gain the skills they need to both feed their families and help pass on a culture of conservation to her children and grandchildren.
“I would like to see more women and young adults involved in all aspects of the RMEF,” added Peltonen. “I believe we should promote new ways to make our proud hunting and conservation heritage a family treasure to enjoy together now, as well as ensure these wonderful resources will be available to future generations.”
A mother of three, with two stepdaughters, two grandchildren, and seven step-grandchildren, she and her husband enjoy many wonderful days of hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities.