News from the Field

Christmas trees and Conservation

We work across 18 states with multiple federal and state agencies looking at forests of all shapes and sizes trying to work out and implement a sustainable forestry plan.

Saving Idaho Winter Range

By: Jessie Shallow (MDF Idaho Partner Biologist) The importance of Sagebrush for Idaho Mule Deer…

MDF Employee Highlight Eric Sharpe

Eric Sharpe (Regional Director for Nebraska and South Dakota) Eric – “My primary role at…

Mule Deer Foundation Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  December 4th, 2024  CONTACT: Trevor Hubbs ([email protected]) The Mule Deer Foundation Launches…

The North American Grasslands Conservation Act: A Lifeline for Our Grasslands and Wildlife

A deep dive into the North American Grasslands Conservation Act, a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at preserving and restoring one of the continent’s most vital ecosystems.

The Late Season Doldrums

December has come again. The season started with such promise, full of aspirations for massive antlers fitting perfectly in the empty space on the wall.  A winter of deer steaks and chili enjoyed while retelling the story of conquest, of trials and tribulations that lead to the meal before you. A summer spent practicing with your rifle and optics, buying the newest “must have” gear, and watching every Mule Deer hunting video on the internet lead to a September full of deliberate scouting and combing the fields and sage flats for your target buck in anticipation of opening day.

North Dakota PLOTS

If you’re interested in hunting in North Dakota but have never lived there, don’t know any landowners, or lack direct access to hunting grounds, the PLOTS program is designed for you. It serves as a starting point, providing access to private land for walk-in hunting.

OP ED on Proposition 127

The Mule Deer Foundation thanks Colorado voters for rejecting Proposition 127, which would have banned the hunting of mountain lions and bobcats throughout the state. Colorado voters affirmed a strong belief in the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and asserted their desire for Colorado’s wildlife to be managed by wildlife professionals, rather than through citizens initiatives. 

Forest Service and MDF Join Forces on Habitat Projects and Wildfire Crisis work!

Following a keystone agreement on September 2023, the Tonto National Forest and the Mule Deer Foundation committed to restoring 1000 acres of landscape through lop and scatter-type projects

Best Boots in Mule Deer Country

During hunting season at the Mule Deer Foundation, the staff becomes obsessed with gear. The office is bubbling with debates over any type of gear, from brands of water filters to wall tents. When applicable, we try to publish these debates for the reader to consider when making purchasing decisions during hunting season. 

Today, we are discussing which boot is best. This debate has multiple facets, from cost to break-in period to overall comfort and, finally, regionality. We recognize that there is probably no one boot that’s best for all scenarios, but we’ve done our best to decipher which is the closest.

Bass Pro Grant Update for Great Plains

In 2024 MDF launched its Private Lands Conservation Program in the Great Plains. The Mule Deer Foundations mission focuses on sharing the conservation of these deer species through innovative land and wildlife management practices, partnerships with various stakeholders, and public education

“Mule Deer Pupusa & Smoked Tomato salsa”

Pupusas are El Salvadorian stuffed corn cakes served with curtido and salsa roja, traditionally stuffed with beens, cheese and pork. We have taking this incredible south/central American favoirite and given it a Mule Deer Foundation spin using some of the roast cuts from our favorite critter.  These are a great item to make ahead, wrap in foil and have waiting for you back at camp to warm up after a long day in the field. Pupusas also freeze incredibly well if your looking for a quick dinner to pull out when time seems to slip away.  The curtido is a El Salvadorian version of slaw that cuts through the richness of the cakes and is definitely a must with these.  And the smoked tomato salsa is my favorite way to use up those sweet summertime tomatoes. We keep this on hand during the summer for all sorts of uses, its sure to become one of your go to faves.