CLEARFIELD, Utah, April 13, 2026 — The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) applauds the passage of Utah House Bill (H.B) 431, landmark legislation that will expand investment in wildlife crossing infrastructure and improve habitat connectivity across the state. This is especially critical for Utah’s mule deer, which have struggled to recover after years of severe drought and harsh winters reduced populations in recent decades.
H.B. 431, the Wildlife Crossing Amendments, establishes the Utah Wildlife Crossing Account, a dedicated, ongoing funding source, to support projects that reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and enhance migration corridors for big game species like mule deer, elk, and pronghorn. The legislation also provides opportunities for Utahns to voluntarily contribute to these efforts through license and registration processes, creating a sustainable funding stream for future conservation work.
“Healthy mule deer populations depend on their ability to move across the landscape,” said Greg Sheehan, President and CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation. “We at the Mule Deer Foundation have seen firsthand how impactful these connectivity projects are. When we reconnect seasonal ranges, mule deer herds are healthier, survival improves, and entire ecosystems benefit.”
Since co-authoring Salt Lake Tribune op-ed earlier this year, Sheehan has emphasized that protecting migration corridors is central to MDF’s mission. In Utah, thousands of wildlife-vehicle collisions occur each year as growing infrastructure intersects with historic mule deer routes. Proven solutions like overpasses, underpasses, and fencing can cut collisions by up to 90% while preserving habitat connectivity.
MDF looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah Department of Transportation, and other stakeholders to advance projects supported by this legislation. In 2025 alone, MDF’s mission improved 537,195 acres across 129 mule deer herds, and this legislation will help expand that momentum for years to come.
About the Mule Deer Foundation
The Mule Deer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer, and their habitat. Through science-based management, partnerships, and community engagement, MDF works to enhance wildlife populations and maintain healthy, connected landscapes for future generations.
Media Contact: Karina Puikkonen, 385-449-7060, karinap@muledeer.org
