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Mule Deer Foundation Offering Thanks This Season
11.25.14

NEWS RELEASE

 

For Immediate Release: November 25, 2014

 

Contact: Miles Moretti, miles@muledeer.org or (801) 973-3940

             

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Mule Deer Foundation Offering Thanks This Season

 

Salt Lake City, Utah: During this Thanksgiving holiday season, the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is giving thanks for the many blessings that MDF, mule deer and our great western landscapes have enjoyed this year. As hunting season is winding down across mule deer country, this holiday provides the opportunity to reflect on what we all are thankful for. While there are so many things to be thankful for, MDF listed their top five reasons that they are giving thanks this season.

 

5. Conservation programs. Mule deer, black-tailed deer and hundreds of other species depend on local, state and federal conservation programs that maintain their habitat. From stewardship contracting opportunities on federal lands (reauthorized in 2014 under the Farm Bill), to the Sage Grouse Initiative that funds range management programs, to the many water tank installations and habitat restoration projects led by MDF chapters, conservation efforts are essential to the future of mule deer and black-tails.

 

4. Wide open spaces. Mule deer and black-tailed deer need big spaces and good habitat – and these landscapes are the backdrop for all of our memorable hunts. Without quality winter range and migration corridors, these deer simply cannot thrive and MDF is working hard to make sure there will always be quality mule deer habitat.

 

3. Our Sponsors and Donors. Simply put, MDF could not be successful without the thousands of individuals and businesses that support our programs year in and year out. From small mom and pop businesses that donate to their local chapter banquets to some of the biggest names in the outdoor industry, we are so thankful to those who donate products and funds to help MDF accomplish its mission.

 

2. Our volunteers. MDF depends on the thousands of volunteer hours that our members give to help us be successful. Our volunteers are the life blood of the organization and lead the way on coordinating chapter banquets and work days as well as M.U.L.E.Y. events to make sure that the next generation appreciates our conservation legacy and has the opportunity and knowledge to hunt. Our volunteers are our most important resource and we are so thankful for all that they do.

 

1. Muleys and Black-tails! These are our reason for being. These icons of the western range are so precious to our organization and the thousands of hunters who venture out each hunting season. We are thankful that there are mule deer and black-tailed deer and we promise to work hard to ensure that we always have these majestic animals on our landscapes and their meat in our freezers.

 

“Every day our organization recognizes the hard work that our volunteers give to mule deer and black-tailed deer,” said Miles Moretti, president and CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation. “We are truly thankful for their tireless dedication to conserve our great western landscapes and this species that we all love.”

 

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About MDF 
The Mule Deer Foundation is the only conservation group in North America dedicated to restoring, improving and protecting mule deer and black-tailed deer and their habitat, with a focus on science and program efficiency. MDF is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved at www.muledeer.org or call 1-888-375-3337.

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Cindy Mosteller Hired as New Wyoming Regional Director
11.12.14

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: November 12, 2014

Contact: Miles Moretti, miles@muledeer.org or (801) 973-3940
Cindy Mosteller, cindy@muledeer.org or (307) 756-3462

Cindy Mosteller Hired as New Wyoming Regional Director

Salt Lake City, Utah: The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) announced today that they have hired Cindy Mosteller of Carlile to be the new regional director for the state of Wyoming. Mosteller has years of volunteer leadership experience with MDF serving as the Wyoming state chair in 2013 and the Utah state chair in 2012 and has been a chapter volunteer since 2007. Her primary goals will be to help build new chapters in the state and to support the many conservation needs of mule deer in Wyoming.

“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to help mule deer in Wyoming where we are facing some steep declines in our mule deer populations,” Mosteller said. “I have a passion for helping and serving as regional director for MDF will let me make a difference for something that I care deeply about.”

Mule deer numbers have been declining in Wyoming – the state Game and Fish Department reports a 33 percent reduction in the herds compared to 20 years ago with fawn numbers extremely low. Habitat decline has been a consistent factor in the herd declines and the state is embarking on a new 10-year mule deer habitat project in the Wyoming Range. MDF has been an active participant in that project and Mosteller will serve as the MDF lead on this and other conservation initiatives. In addition, she will be working to establish new chapters, particularly in the western part of the state. She says that Cody, Jackson and the Buffalo/Sheridan areas are top priorities to increase MDFs visibility.

Mosteller was raised in Utah and has been around mule deer hunting her whole life. She has been married to her husband, Jim for 22 years, who is a life member of MDF. Together with their three children ages, 16, 15 and 12 have worked many volunteer hours restoring mule deer habitat, including the planting of 3,500 bitterbrush plants and the installation of two guzzlers.

“It is important that we teach our kids that they have to get out and do something if they want to make a difference in this world, and this job with MDF is my chance to do something” she concluded.

If you’re interested in helping with mule deer conservation or chapter development in Wyoming, contact Cindy at cindy@muledeer.org or (307) 756-3462.

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About MDF
The Mule Deer Foundation is the only conservation group in North America dedicated to restoring, improving and protecting mule deer and black-tailed deer and their habitat, with a focus on science and program efficiency. MDF is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved at www.muledeer.org or call 1-888-375-3337.

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Two New Mule Deer Foundation Chapters Formed in Colorado
10.28.14

For Immediate Release: October 28, 2014

 

Contact: Miles Moretti, miles@muledeer.org or (801) 973-3940

                Marty Holmes, marty@muledeer.org or (719) 221-0732

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Two New Mule Deer Foundation Chapters Formed in Colorado

 

Salt Lake City, Utah: The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) now has an even greater presence in Colorado thanks to the formation of new chapters in Loveland/Fort Collins and Woodland Park. The new chapters will help MDF work with the state to strengthen mule deer populations and improve habitat.

 

“I’m pleased to see two new chapters form at a time when we need more support for our declining mule deer populations in Colorado,” commented Marty Holmes, MDF’s regional director in Colorado. “I hope others will follow their lead and get involved or start new chapters so that we can help reverse this alarming trend in the state.”

 

The new chapter formed in the Loveland and Fort Collins area is being called the “Buck Stops Here” chapter and they are planning to have their first banquet early in 2015. The first banquet of the Woodland Park Chapter will be held March 14th, 2014 at the Shining Mountain Golf Course in Woodland Park. Both committees continue to grow and looking to recruit hunters that want to take an active role in supporting mule deer conservation.

 

“My husband and I have hunted in Teller, Douglas and Park counties for years. As a Colorado native, I am seeing the state’s mule deer population decline and mule deer habitat decline and something needs to change,” notes Rose Long, chair of the Woodland Park Chapter. “The communities of Woodland Park, Teller, Park and Douglas counties are very conversation-minded and I feel that we will make a positive impact on mule deer conservation and habitat preservation.”

 

MDF is actively involved in Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s efforts to develop the West Slope Mule Deer Strategy. A final draft of the plan to improve mule deer populations in Colorado was completed and CPW will now develop management strategies to be approved by the Wildlife Commission for implementation.

 

“The two new chapters will help expand our base and visibility in the state so we can fund some of the important project proposals that will result from this multi-partnership effort,” concluded Holmes.

 

For more information about the new chapters or to volunteer, contact Marty Holmes at marty@muledeer.org or (719) 221-0732.

 

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About MDF 
The Mule Deer Foundation is the only conservation group in North America dedicated to restoring, improving and protecting mule deer and black-tailed deer and their habitat, with a focus on science and program efficiency. MDF is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved at www.muledeer.org or call 1-888-375-3337.

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Mule Deer Foundation Hires New Regional Director for Western Montana
10.23.14

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

 

 

 

For Immediate Release: October 21, 2014

 

Contact: Miles Moretti, miles@muledeer.org or (801) 973-3940

                Marshall Johnson, marshall@muledeer.org or (406) 850-8785

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Mule Deer Foundation Hires New Regional Director

for Western Montana

 

Salt Lake City, Utah: The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) has added a second regional director in Montana to accommodate the growth of Mule Deer Foundation chapters in the Big Sky State. With the state’s mule deer population being affected by loss of habitat and predation, and hunters facing sportsmen’s access issues, MDF has been fielding more calls to start additional chapters in Montana. Michael Kuiper of Great Falls started earlier this month as regional director in western Montana to help accommodate the growth in the state.

 

“Having two RD’s will benefit Montana so we can focus on the two distinct topographies in the state - the mountains and valleys of western Montana and the plains and badlands of eastern Montana,” said Marshall Johnson, MDF’s regional director for eastern Montana and North Dakota. “These two regions have different issues that require more specific attention. Hiring Michael allows us to serve the diverse needs of the great state of Montana.” 

 

The Mule Deer Foundation has accomplished a lot in Montana in the past four years with 12 chapters now active in the state. MDF has been making a mark on habitat through funds raised at banquets, but MDF and its members want to do more. With the addition of Michael, MDF plans to start chapters in Dillon, Havre and Polson in the west and Lewistown, Glasgow and Sidney/Glendive in the east within the next six to eight months. Michael’s territory will cover the western region of Montana from the Idaho state line to Livingston and up to the Canadian border. 

 

Michael, a native of Great Falls, has been a passionate volunteer of MDF for several years most recently as the chapter chair for the High, Wide & Heavy Chapter in Great Falls.  “I look forward to taking the next step in mule deer conservation by working with our chapters and volunteers as well as with the state and federal agencies to ensure that mule deer get back to sustainable levels.”

 

If you have interest in helping the Mule Deer Foundation help the mule deer of Montana, contact Michael Kuiper at (406) 788-4616 for western Montana and/or Marshall Johnson at (406) 850-8785 for eastern Montana. 

 

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About MDF 
The Mule Deer Foundation is the only conservation group in North America dedicated to restoring, improving and protecting mule deer and black-tailed deer and their habitat, with a focus on science and program efficiency. MDF is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved at www.muledeer.org or call 1-888-375-3337.

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Mule Deer Foundation Donates $150,000 to Shooting Team Endowments at MidwayUSA Foundation
10.17.14

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

 

 

 

For Immediate Release: October 16, 2014

 

Contact: Miles Moretti, miles@muledeer.org or (801) 973-3940

                Jon Zinnel, jonz@muledeer.org

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Mule Deer Foundation Donates $150,000 to Shooting Team Endowments at MidwayUSA Foundation

 

Salt Lake City, Utah: The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) announced today that it is donating $150,000 to the MidwayUSA Foundation to support youth shooting sports programs across the country. This year’s funding will support 70 shooting teams in 13 different states where MDF is active. Funds are raised by Mule Deer Foundation chapters through special “M.U.L.E.Y.” rifle raffles and matched by MDF headquarters. This is the fourth year that MDF has dedicated funding for youth shooting programs in an effort to ensure the future of our hunting and shooting traditions.

 

“We are proud of the support that MDF members give to these critical youth shooting programs. It’s our duty to ensure that kids who want to learn to shoot have the resources that they need to enjoy our shooting sports in a safe learning environment,” commented Miles Moretti, President and CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation. “With the growth of our M.U.L.E.Y. program we’ve been able to create more excitement for the M.U.L.E.Y. rifle sales and also to develop high quality youth conservation and education efforts in our chapters. Donating to the Team Endowments at MidwayUSA Foundation is the best way we know to make a difference for our young competitive shooters.”

 

The MidwayUSA Foundation was started in 2007 by Larry and Brenda Potterfield with the mission of providing sustainment funding for youth shooting teams. Working together, MDF and MidwayUSA Foundation have now donated close to $1 million to these programs. In addition to the fundraising efforts, MDF chapters often participate in “Adopt-a-Team” programs where the chapters take the youth shooters under their wing and help them gain visibility in the local area by inviting them to MDF activities and banquets. The team members are able to see the passion that mule deer hunters have for the shooting sports and conservation and build connections with MDF’s great volunteer network.

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About MDF 
The Mule Deer Foundation is the only conservation group in North America dedicated to restoring, improving and protecting mule deer and black-tailed deer and their habitat, with a focus on science and program efficiency. MDF is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved at www.muledeer.org or call 1-888-375-3337.

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