Mule Deer Foundation Habitat Priorities

The Mule Deer Foundation’s habitat work has increased dramatically over the past five years with millions of dollars hitting the ground for habitat projects. By focusing on projects in areas that are important migration corridors or seasonal ranges, prioritizing pre- and post-fire restoration, and improving water availability, we are making a difference for mule deer, black-tailed deer, and hundreds of other species that share the western landscapes we love so much. We are grateful for the support of a variety of granting organizations, private donations, and of course the hard work of our volunteers to make these projects possible. We hope you’re proud to be a member of an organization that is making a difference on the ground!

Habitat Priorities

Fire Prevention
Through our forest and rangeland stewardship work, MDF coordinates projects that can reduce the severity of forest fires while also providing the “homes and groceries” for deer and other wildlife. Not all…
Conifer Removal
MDF projects remove conifers that encroach into sagebrush rangelands, improving native grasses, forbs, and shrubs while retaining water on the landscape. Juniper and piñon pines are a natural part of western landscapes,…
Habitat Restoration
Through our chapters and grant funding, MDF is actively involved in restoration projects to increase the healthy habitat for deer and other wildlife while also stabilizing soils and reducing weed invasions. Forest,…
Wildlife-friendly Fencing
MDF is working on public and private lands to ensure that fencing doesn’t block the movement of deer and other wildlife on the landscape by modifying, removing, or replacing it with wildlife-friendly…
Invasive Vegetative Species Management
MDF is helping to coordinate projects that help federal, state, and private land managers to fight the invasion of non-native grasses like cheatgrass, medusahead, and ventanata. Many vegetative species that have been…
Water Availability
In the West, you can’t take water for granted, and improving water retention or providing water sources for wildlife is a priority for MDF. Many habitat projects benefit riparian areas by restoring…