Salt Lake City, Utah: The Mule Deer Foundation honored its network of chapters and tireless volunteers at the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City last month. During the Saturday morning Volunteer Recognition breakfast, the MDF chapters were recognized for their successful fundraising efforts and for getting their hands dirty on volunteer conservation projects.

“Once again, our chapters and volunteers have worked hard to support the MDF mission of conserving mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat,” commented Miles Moretti, MDF President/CEO. “Our organization could not be successful without the commitment and dedication of these incredible volunteers and I am glad we have the opportunity at this annual event to show them how much they are appreciated.”

Both new and existing chapters were recognized for their ability to host exceptional events that raised revenues for MDF’s conservation mission and related conservation projects. The new chapter that had the highest efficiency and highest net in its fundraising efforts was the Four Corners Chapter in Farmington, New Mexico. The runners-up for the new chapter awards were the Rim Country Chapter in Payson, Arizona for highest efficiency and the Black Gold Chapter in Baker, Montana for highest net. The highest efficiency for an existing chapter went to the Magic Valley Chapter in Twin Falls, Idaho, followed by the Okanogan Trails Chapter in Omak, Washington. The existing chapter that had the highest net receipts was the Ft. Bend County Chapter in Houston, Texas and the runner-up was the North Bay Blacktail Chapter in Santa Rosa, California. Notably, the Kimble County Chapter in Roosevelt, Texas, the Lubbock Texas Chapter, the Tucson Arizona Chapter, the Teddy Roosevelt Chapter in Dickinson, North Dakota, and the High, Wide & Heavy Chapter from Great Falls, Montana and the Bridger Bucks Chapter from Bozeman, Montana all received recognition as the chapters with the most improved fundraising events.

Once again this year, the MDF Chapters put their boots on the ground to achieve conservation-driven goals. When combined, there were more than 8,200 hours of volunteer conservation time put in by chapters across the West. The top two chapters – the North Valley Chapter in Cave Creek, Arizona and the Utah County Chapter in Provo, Utah – combined for a total of more than 3,300 of those hours! Regional Directors also honored their hardest working volunteers with their Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizing Rosie Holland (TX), The Castillo Family (NM), Sarah Wright (UT), Dale Johnson (SD), Tracey Manning (MT), Ron Bishop (ID), Mike Moline (CO), Frank Smith (CA), Dave Smith (OR), Kevin Hall (AZ), and Rachel Voss (WA). In addition, Tracey Manning was recognized with the Ally of Youth Award for his tireless work driving the M.U.L.E.Y. truck and trailer to conduct youth events around the state.

“It’s great to see chapters in so many different states working hard to raise money, support our youth, and put conservation on the ground for our mule deer and black-tailed deer,” said Mike Laughter, MDF’s director of field operations. “We are well into our 2018 banquet season and engaging in a number of important habitat conservation projects, so I know that our volunteers will once again blow us away with their dedication to our mission.”