Salt Lake City, Utah: During National Volunteer Recognition Week, the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is tipping their hat to the thousands of volunteers that make the organization what it is today.

"In the 25 years since the Mule Deer Foundation was established, there is one undeniable fact - we would not be where we are today if it wasn't for our volunteers," said MDF President Miles Moretti.

Volunteer leaders help organize MDF chapter banquets and on-the-ground conservation efforts spending thousands of hours every year restoring mule deer and black-tailed deer habitat. Just this year, MDF volunteers have built water guzzlers in Arizona and Texas, removed fence or made it "wildlife friendly", funded research projects looking at impacts of energy development on mule deer in Montana and North Dakota, transplanted mule deer in Utah, replanted burn areas in California and much more. In addition, through MDF's flagship youth program, M.U.L.E.Y's (Mindful, Understanding, Legal & Ethical Youth), volunteers teach children about wildlife conservation and our outdoor heritage.

"National Volunteer Recognition Week is just one week out of the year, but our volunteers work day in and day out to help our nation's mule deer," Moretti continued. "We make sure they know how much their hard work is appreciated by our organization every single day."

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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.