Western Hunting and Conservation Expo

Celebrating Conservation and Community

The Mule Deer Foundation proudly commemorates another triumphant year of the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo ( WHCE), a flagship gathering that unites the realms of hunting and wildlife preservation. This annual event, a joint venture with Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, has become a pivotal moment for enthusiasts, professionals, and conservationists alike, symbolizing a collective commitment to our natural heritage and the enduring traditions of hunting.

Community event showcasing youth engagement with horses.

The Western Hunting and Conservation Expo transforms Salt Lake City into a hub for hundreds of outdoor and conservation brands from around the world. The show floor highlights the latest in hunting gear, equipment, and wildlife conservation technology, creating a space where innovation and stewardship converge.

Each year, tens of thousands of applicants participate in the 200-permit drawing, and millions of dollars are raised through auctions, tags, and donations. These funds directly support habitat restoration, wildlife research, and long-term conservation efforts—demonstrating the vital role hunters and the broader outdoor community play in sustaining North America’s wildlife.

WHCE 2026 COUNTDOWN

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Learn More about WHCE

Hunting conservation exhibition featuring taxidermy and attendees

Attendee in star-spangled outfit at Mule Deer Foundation event

Large crowd at Mule Deer Foundation banquet event

Crowd at the Mule Deer Foundation banquet event

Latest in Public Policy

Image of a mule deer drawing that is being erased

The Vanishing Icon of the West

Across the West, a growing tension has emerged between what many hunters see on the landscape and what state wildlife agencies report through their population estimation models. Are mule deer truly in decline, and can we turn the trend around?

Mule Deer Foundation Delivers Second-Best Conservation Year on Record:

Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) mobilized a total of $48.3 million for mule deer and black-tailed deer in 2025. MDF turned every $1 of its own $13.4 million investment into $3.60 of on-the-ground conservation impact.

Group of hunters gathering in a tent during a hunting camp.

Long-Term Multi State Draw Plan (5–10 Years) for Mule Deer

ur goals, because your draw plan should reflect: Do you want a trophy-class buck, or are you hunting more for opportunity or “any mule deer”? Are you building preference points (or equivalent) in states with point systems, or aiming for lottery-style draws? What’s your budget for draw applications, point purchases, and potential outfitter work? How flexible are you with units, weapon types (rifle vs. archery), and timing? Once those are clear, you can map out a tailored 5–10 year plan.

DIY Euro Mounts: A Clean, Classic Way to Celebrate Your Mule Deer

There’s something timeless about a euro mount. It’s clean, it’s elegant, and it honors the mule deer without taking up half your living room wall. And for hunters who want a hands-on connection to their harvest, doing your own euro mount is one of the most rewarding DIY projects you can take on in the off-season.