Regional Reports
May/June 2008
- Don Brown
Northern California Regional News - Fawna Gregory
Nevada, Arizona and Texas Regional News - Scott Hampel
Report from the Rockies - Ken Hand
Oregon Regional News - Ron Knapp
News from the Northwest - Brian Lake
Southern California Regional News - Mike Laughter
High Desert News - Brandon Mason
Northern Great Plains Region
News from the Field
May/June 2008
By Bob Meulengracht
WOW!!!! There is only one word that can describe the first quarter banquets and fundraisers for 2008: WOW!!! How else can I describe the enthusiasm, excitement, fun and fundraising I have seen in the banquets I have attended and heard about? Let’s take a closer look.
February 15
Feb. 15 found Regional Director Mike Laughter on the front end of back to back banquets. First, he was in Davis County, Utah for their second-ever event. With their passion and commitment to mule deer they announced that their chapter was adopting the Henefer Echo Wildlife Management Unit and commit the proceeds from their banquet to enhance critical winter range for mule deer by planting bitter brush seedlings this spring. It was also announce that Wayne Winsor had been named to serve as the State Chairman for Utah. MDF looks forward to working with Wayne. His passion for mule deer and his enthusiastic approach will make him a welcome addition to our organization. What a way to start things off!
February 16
The second half of Mike’s back to back was more of the same. Robert Hoth, Chapter Chairman for the Bear River Chapter in Logan, Utah, had his crew ready to put on another outstanding event. With attendance up over 50% from last year and double the income raised, they are already planning projects for this year. In fact on Saturday, April 5, they will be participating in planting bitter brush on critical winter range on the Millville Face east of Cache Valley, Utah. Great job guys!
The Northern Front Range Chapter of Greeley, Colo., hosted its eighth annual fundraising event in a new location with an attendance of 373 people and raising over $40,000. This was the highest attendance and net proceeds (at the time) ever achieved at a Colorado event. This eager committee, comprised of a high number of volunteers who make their living in the oil and gas industry, was highly motivated to increase its size and attendance as well as make a statement about “giving back.” They easily met their goal (and then some). Congratulations Northern Front Range!
February 23
Regional Director Scott Hampel was a “double-booked” weekend with events in Casper, Wyo., and Santa Fe, N.M. Bob Meulengracht resumed a “Regional Director” role in Casper while Scott Hampel attended the event in Santa Fe, N.M. The Central Wyoming Chapter of Casper, for a second consecutive year, reached an astonishing goal of over $100,000 in net proceeds with 527 people in attendance along with President/CEO, Miles Moretti and his wife Julie and MDF Chairman of the Board, Stan Lueck, and his wife Carolyn.
MDF returned in New Mexico by hosting an inaugural event for the Northern New Mexico Chapter in Santa Fe. This resulted in over $14,000 in net proceeds with 145 people in attendance. It’s good to be back in New Mexico. The Santa Fe Chapter will be looking to find a bigger location in 2009.
Also that same weekend, Regional Director Mike Laughter was in Cedar City, Utah, for their annual event and there were no signs of slowing down. These guys put on a first class event with 170 people in attendance, the support of the community definitely contributed to the success of their event.
The Ninth Annual Merced Mule Deer Foundation Banquet was held at the local Elks Lodge. Kim McDaniel and crew put in long hours to pull off a great event with 150 people and 25 youth in attendance. Also big thanks to Barnwood Arms for handling the firearms paperwork. Congratulations to each of these chapters.
The Northern Badlands Chapter in Bismarck, N.D., held their Seventh Annual Banquet. Last year they had raised more money than ever before, netting over $15,000 and earning just over $1,900 in chapter rewards. This year they raised over $26,000, reached the 60% net/gross mark, and will be getting over $5,000 in chapter rewards dollars in 2008!
March 1
The Muley Fanatic Chapter of Rock Springs, Wyo., hosted its second event at the Sweetwater County Events Complex. This chapter set a record of its own by going from a net of $23,570 to a preliminary net of $86,837 in 2008. This is an increase of 368.4%. Attendance increased from 178 in 2007 to 537. This is an increase in attendance of 301.7%. Annual memberships increased from 93 in 2007 to 260 in 2008. This is an increase of 279.6%. In addition, the chapter sold 13 life and 18 sponsor memberships. These are truly astonishing and outstanding statistics that may be unprecedented for a second year chapter in the history of MDF. Miles Moretti and Stan Lueck were present and were elated. Rock on Rock Springs!
It was a great night for the Motherlode Chapter of Mule Deer Foundation. This was their 16th annual Banquet. Not only was the Banquet a success, the Motherlode Chapter received their Bob Terry Sweat Equity Gold Award. A big “hats off” to Bill and Connie Youngman and all the hard working volunteers. The Chapter is looking forward to the snowmelt so they can get back into the woods and continue their work projects.
The First Annual Banquet of the West Dakota Chapter in Minot, N.D. During the early stages of planning for this banquet, the committee said that they’d hoped to sell a couple of corporate tables and get around 100 people in attendance. Regional Director Brandon Mason, was hopeful for the same thing, but couldn’t have predicted how well that it was going to go. They had just under 200 people in attendance, sold 16 corporate tables, netted over $16,000 and reached the 60% net/gross mark!!! This was due in part to the generous sponsors like WalMart in Minot and a great auctioneer like Kevin Beeter. Way to go to the committee for their hard work and foresight to make their first banquet a great one. Steve Zarr, Steve Fundingsland, Jake Hansen, Kim Fundingsland, and George Malaktaris did a fantastic job and are already planning on other events for 2008. A special thank you to Mark Hamilton of Wild Things Gallery for his hospitality in letting the West Dakota Chapter hold their meetings at his art gallery and store in Minot and for allowing the use of his cabin for a fun banquet planning meeting/trap shoot the week before the banquet.
March 8
The Mile High Chapter hosted their annual event and although attendance was down slightly from 301 in 2007 to 280 people 2008, preliminary net revenues increased to $42,120, which is up 22.9% from 2007 setting a new record for Denver. Miles Moretti and Stan Lueck were also in attendance. Miles Moretti presented Colorado Division of Wildlife Director, Tom Remington, with a check over $6,000 to assist with the deer feeding effort that is taking place in Colorado.
March 14
California’s Livermore-Pleasanton Chapter had their 16th annual banquet on March 14, and they did it again! They had an exciting evening that netted over $50,000 for the Mule Deer Foundation. The committee had a well- planned event that started with games, raffle and a prime rib dinner, which was followed by a jam-packed auction, which featured a Wyoming Governor’s Deer/Elk/Antelope license and a California Open Zone Deer Tag. The proceeds from these tags go to each state. Brian Scott, the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, had everyone involved in the final drawing of the evening. It was for a Honda quad runner. Brian kept everyone on pins and needles as he eliminated numbers until the winner was the only one left holding a ticket. Congratulations to all the committee members, volunteers, and donors who made this an outstanding event!
The next evening, March 15, found Regional Director Ron Knapp in St. Anthony, Idaho. A lot of effort went into this year’s banquet and fundraiser as both the net dollars raised and banquet efficiency was up from 2007. Congratulations to Trent Yancey and his crew for a job well done. It should also be noted that the chapter agreed to help fund a mule deer study in Idaho just west of Yellowstone. Their 2007 chapter rewards will help fund radio collars for this study.
March 29
Regional Director Mike Laughter was 40 miles from home for the Salt Lake Valley Chapters ninth annual banquet and fundraiser. Things started out a little stressful due to the fact the committee could not access the banquet hall until 3:00 pm (keep in mind that the banquet was scheduled to start at 5:00 pm). Knowing this in advance allowed new State Chairman Wayne Winsor and Mike to prepare the major portion of the paper work necessary for holding a banquet. Chapter Co-Chair Rodger Richards was also prepared by having all of the pre-purchased tickets in order. So with a little help from MDF’s Vice President of Marketing, Ray Crow, and an ambitious committee at their starting block at 2:30 p.m. we were prepared for the event in one hour and ten minutes. With the stress lifted and with 150 in attendance the night went off without a hitch. By the end of the night the chapter had raised over $19,000 for mule deer with a 57% net to gross. Special thanks to Peter Millburn, Ed Farr and there whole crew for a job well done.
That same night found Regional Director Fawna Gregory at the inaugural banquet for the Meadow Valley Chapter, located in Pioche, Nev. The Pioche Town Hall doubled as the banquet facility in this small town located about 180 miles north of Las Vegas and about 90 miles west of Cedar City, Utah. Although this fundraiser was small in attendance, it was huge in fun. At the end of the auction, there was a lot of food left over and everyone hated to see it go to waste. So what to do but auction it! One pie sold four times and raised over $108. The kind people who purchased the leftover food planned on donating it to the local Senior Center. MDF’s Chief Operating Officer Eric Tycksen and his family happened to be in attendance and his daughter won a .22 mag rifle. She donated it back to the banquet and a quickie raffle was done that netted $520 with those funds being placed into a Conservation Partnership to be put toward a local project. Another banquet attendee who won a .22 Cricket also donated it back and the Heads or Tails game was played. This game raised another $110 that was added to the Conservation Partnership. A lot of energy and excitement went through the room during the auction. Great fun was had by all. Thanks to all of the community, donors and the committee for all of their enthusiasm and support!
MDF’s Director of Field Operations again filled in as RD for the second annual banquet and fundraiser in St. Johns, Ariz.. Highlights for the evening were presentations by AZGF Regional Biologist, Rick Langley, Field Care of Your Trophy by Devin Beck and the presentation of two chainsaws, purchased with the chapters 2007 Chapter Rewards to the Navajo Department of Fish and Game. The enthusiastic crowd enjoyed a great meal and participated in a lively auction. They especially enjoyed the raffles and games. Surprised the most was committee Co-Chair Bill Beck when he was announced the winner of the surprise raffle which turned out to be a Christiansen Arms Rifle. Thanks to Bill, Carl Hamblin, Don Borg, Robert Wood, Jim Wood, Jan Buseman and Joe Frazier for a great evening!
Look for the upcoming banquet schedule in this magazine or you can find a complete listing on the Web site (www.muledeer.org) and we hope that you will attend one of these exciting events in your area.
Something New
Mark your calendar for June 21! Everyone in invited to the First Annual MDF Utah Statewide Trap Shoot. Utah State Chair Wayne Winsor (801-718-8981) along with Gary Dobyns (801-726-1019) and Jeremy Snitker (801-389-0125) are planning this fun-filled event. The shoot will occur at the Golden Spike Trap Club, 1330 West 330 South in Brigham City from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature prizes for shooting prowess, along with a number of games and silent auction items. Come join the fun and help support MDF in Utah.
Additionally, Mark July 14, 2008 on your calendar and join us for the first Mule Deer Foundation Golf Open at Crow Canyon Country Club in Danville, Calif. Join us for a fun filled day and evening. Registration and open driving range start at 10:30 a.m. The BBQ starts at 11:30 a.m. with a Scramble Start for the golf tournament at 12:30 p.m. The day will end with a Reception and Dinner Banquet at this beautiful golf and country club. Golf will be limited to the first 144 golfers with seating for 250 at the banquet and auction.
Welcome Back
California’s Vacaville Chapter banquet and auction date is June 14, 2008. The J&S Center for the Performing Arts is the location. It’s at 313 Parker, in Vacaville, Calif. For information on donations call Frank Moore at 707-448-5930. For ticket information please call Tom Bors at 707-448-0147. Join them for another great evening of good food, fun, and support the Mule Deer Foundation!
Projects
Oregon
Klamath Falls Chapter and Paulina Peak Chapter (La Pine) have chosen to put their Chapter Rewards dollars towards funding guzzlers in their respective areas. Installation for both guzzlers is being scheduled for this spring.
The Central Oregon High Desert (Bend/Redmond) is helping out game enforcement by funding two deer decoys, one with robotics to be used Bend area.
Chapter Rewards from the Ontario/Western Idaho chapter will be added to the rewards generated from this year’s event to provide seed for reseeding in fire areas.
The Dalles chapter has purchased fertilizer for the White River Wildlife Area with their 2007 Chapter Rewards.
Two additional projects are being considered: First is the purchasing of trail cameras to monitor road closures and wintering grounds. The second is to assist the ODFW in contracting with Idaho Fish and Game to do DNA analysis on a variety of fish and game enforcement issues. This effort is in conjunction with a number of other sportsman groups in Oregon.
Nevada
In 2007, Nevada chapters earned almost $35,000 in chapter rewards. Not a penny will be left over. The Women of the Wilderness chapter earned $500 in chapter rewards from their first annual Ladies Luncheon. Those chapter rewards are being used to help the Fraternity of Desert Bighorn Sheep reprint the “A-Z of Nevada Wildlife” coloring books. The coloring books will be distributed amongst Nevada Kindergarten classes with the help of the Nevada Division of Wildlife. These books will be valuable tools in helping the youngsters learn about wildlife that lives around the areas where they are growing up.
Five chapters pooled together their chapter rewards in order to be able to fund three large scale projects. Reno, Gardnerville, Austin, Las Vegas and Winnemucca contributed more than $16,000 to BLM and NDOW. BLM is doing an Aspen and Juniper rehab project in the Hays Canyon area. By thinning the invasive juniper from the aspen stands, mahogany stands, and bitterbrush, more desirable shrubs, grasses and forbs will be able to thrive. Existing roads will also be reinforced so that they will better serve as fuel breaks during the wildfire season.
The second project is the Roberts Mountain Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Project about 30 miles northwest of Eureka, Nev. This project includes thinning of Juniper and Pinion from the Willow Creek and Dry Creek drainages. The encroachment of the Juniper and Pinion has decreased the quantity and quality of the wildlife found in this area. Once the project is complete, it will present an attractive panorama with the varying elevations offering a colorful array of sage, grasses and forbs.
Project number three is the Shantytown Fire Rehab Project in the Ruby Valley. The area was planted with crested wheat grass after a fire in 1979. Since then the quality of mule deer has greatly declined. The area will be reseeded with native grasses, forbs and shrubs making the area more suitable for the mule deer that use this area in the summer and winter months and as a transitional area. Funding from the Nevada State Project Fund also contributed to these projects.
Ely is currently working on locating a guzzler in the White Pine County area to use their nearly $5,000 in chapter rewards. The Elko chapter will use their $13,776 along with $7,000 in Conservation Partnership funds to once again help with the reseeding efforts in the Elko area. The area around Elko, known to hunters as area 06, has been nearly destroyed by wildfires in 2006 and 2007.
Arizona
St. John’s, Ariz., earned $1,498 in chapter rewards and is working with the Navajo Nation on mule deer habitat projects. Chapter rewards were used to purchase chainsaws that the Navajo Nation will use to enhance mule deer habitat throughout the Reservation.
The chainsaws were presented to the Nation at the Second Annual Dinner on March 29.
Other Happenings
The last week of March found MDF President/CEO Miles Moretti and Regional Director Brandon Mason in attendance at the 73rd Annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference. This conference was held in Phoenix, Ariz., and focused on effective conservation through partnerships. It was great to see the partnerships in action and the planning that went on for future partnerships between different organizations. In fact, Miles Moretti signed a partnership MOU with the United States Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management that will help facilitate better communication between MDF and these two multiple use agencies. It is imperative that MDF has great working relationships with these and other entities so that mule deer and sportsmen can benefit.
Special Auction Items or Raffles at Banquets
Redding, Calif. – The Redding Chapter will auction a Wyoming Governor’s Deer/Elk/Antelope license and a Paunsaguant, Utah deer tag at their annual fundraiser. For information on bidding contact Steve Boero at sboero@sbcglobal.net. This event is scheduled for May 3. Additionally, the chapter is raffling a 4x4 ATV tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100. For more information on how to obtain tickets for the raffle or banquet please call Patrick Jones 530-222-3223 or Mark Malouf 530-222-4996.
Denver, Colo. – The Mile High Chapter is raffling a 2008 Colorado Statewide deer license. For information on obtaining tickets contact Boyd Anders at 303-841-7799. You can also download a ticket order form from our Web site. Sorry no credit cards can be used to purchase tickets for this raffle.
Rifle, Colo. – The Pass the Buck Chapter is again raffling the Colorado Statewide pronghorn license. For information on how to get tickets call Regional Director Scott Hampel at 303-659-2088 or 720-261-6232. Again the ticket order form can be downloaded from the Web site. Sorry no credit cards can be used to purchase tickets for this raffle.
Merced, Calif. – The Merced Chapter is raffling a Kimber 8400 Rifle topped with a Nikon scope, for tickets contact Kim McDaniel at 209-357-3797 or Danny Borges at 209-389-4822.
Ripon, Calif. – The Ripon chapter is having a raffle for a Christensen Arms rifle with a Swarovski scope. Tickets are $10/each. Get yours by calling Rob at 209-617-0911 for more information.
New Mexico – MDF in 2008 will again be holding a raffle for the New Mexico Lt. Governor’s Mule Deer Lottery license. For information or to obtain tickets contact Bob Meulengracht at 303-907-8702.