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  • Who We Are
    • Our Story
    • People of MDF
    • Board of Directors
    • MDF News
    • MDF Magazine
    • Annual Reporting
    • MDF Careers
    • Contact Us
  • How We Conserve
    • Conservation Programs
    • Habitat Work
    • Project Highlights
    • Stewardship
    • Migration Initiative
    • Public Policy
    • Partner Agencies & NGOs
  • How We Educate
    • Outreach
    • Mule Deer and Black-tailed Deer Facts
    • Talking Mule Deer Podcast
    • Mule Deer Foundation Videos & Films
    • Chronic Wasting Disease
  • How You Can Help
    • Join/Renew Membership
    • Shop
    • Donate
    • Miles Moretti Memorial Fund
    • Member Success
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    • MDF Endowment
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Conservation takes many forms and MDF Magazine is critical to sharing the work that we do.

 

 

MDF Magazine is a quarterly publication, and exclusive to Mule Deer Foundation members. Packed full of high quality stories and striking photography of the work that we are doing on the ground, in a perfect bound, glossy top-scale paper perfect for reading in the wall tent, or the waiting room. We are excited to celebrate the content between the covers, with an aesthetically pleasing and easily readable layout.

 

MDF Magazine continues to deliver stories from the hunt, as well as in the field highlighting conservation challenges and projects. Cuisine, state-by-state updates on the work happening across the range, mule deer and black-tailed deer biology and more!


 

 

The magazine features some of the best hunting stories, tips, and tactics from our friends Jana Waller of Skullbound Chronicles, Mark Kayser, Jason Matzinger, Identical Draw and more!

Celebration of the success of our members, is a fan favorites section, and is featured in each and every issue! This is our favorite section to put together, as we get to share in your stories.


With an increased page count and reduction in ads, MDF Members can enjoy a magazine that delivers the MDF mission, facilitates our mission, and showcases those supporters committed to what we do.

 

Why Black Bears Could Be Your New Favorite Hunting Pastime 

“The only thing that could improve it would be seeing a big ol’ boar,” I said after the elk had disappeared into the spruce forest. Billy and I stepped back onto the road in high spirits. As we slowly still hunted our way along, I suddenly felt something. Apparently, Billy thought it, too. When I turned around to see what had the hair on my neck standing at attention, he was turning back towards me wide-eyed.

As many hunters and conservationists know, in certain states winter survival for mule deer is essential to keeping the population at its objectives. Therefore, it makes sense why states wildlife managers collect this vital information year after year. In fact, winter survival and post winter population counts are vital to MDF’s prioritization of where it can focus its conservation efforts in coordination with state agencies.
Are Idaho Mule Deer Primed to Recover After Last Winter?

As many hunters and conservationists know, in certain states winter survival for mule deer is essential to keeping the population at its objectives. Therefore, it makes sense why states wildlife managers collect this vital information year after year. In fact, winter survival and post winter population counts are vital to MDF’s prioritization of where it can focus its conservation efforts in coordination with state agencies.

Ella Hartshorn is a spatial ecologist who explores how wildlife navigate ever-changing landscapes and increasing human pressures using remote sensing and geospatial analyses. Raised in rural western Colorado, she grew up immersed in the daily intersections of human and wildlife activity—from waking to deer in the backyard to helping trap prairie dogs in agricultural fields. These formative experiences sparked her dedication to understanding and improving how humans and wildlife share space and resources.
Mule Deer Foundation hires GIS Coordinator

Ella Hartshorn is a spatial ecologist who explores how wildlife navigate ever-changing landscapes and increasing human pressures using remote sensing and geospatial analyses. Raised in rural western Colorado, she grew up immersed in the daily intersections of human and wildlife activity—from waking to deer in the backyard to helping trap prairie dogs in agricultural fields. These formative experiences sparked her dedication to understanding and improving how humans and wildlife share space and resources.

The Mule Deer Foundation’s (MDF) and Blacktail Deer Foundation (BDF) are seeking highly qualified candidates to fill the role of Conservation Content Specialist (Specialist). This position will play a fundamental role in ensuring both organizations’ conservation message is delivered to all audiences in a way to provide better understanding to numerous audiences on what both organizations accomplish.
Conservation Content Specialist – Remote within Western US

The Mule Deer Foundation’s (MDF) and Blacktail Deer Foundation (BDF) are seeking highly qualified candidates to fill the role of Conservation Content Specialist (Specialist). This position will play a fundamental role in ensuring both organizations’ conservation message is delivered to all audiences in a way to provide better understanding to numerous audiences on what both organizations accomplish.

Turkey hunting may not have the appeal of 100-plus pounds of meat in the freezer and a set of antlers on your wall that mule deer hunting does. Still, the spring season makes it an essential time of year to better prepare yourself for success in the fall. If you found success filing last year's mule deer tag in the early days of the season, It's been almost six months since you went on a hunting trip. I don't mean a day hunt or driving around forest roads to fill a B tag. I mean a real hunting camp out in the wilderness. Turkey season can be a great time to break out all the gear that I'm sure you put away in an organized fashion last fall and make sure everything is still in good working order.
How Turkey Hunting makes you a better Mule Deer hunter

Turkey hunting may not have the appeal of 100-plus pounds of meat in the freezer and a set of antlers on your wall that mule deer hunting does. Still, the spring season makes it an essential time of year to better prepare yourself for success in the fall. If you found success filing last year’s mule deer tag in the early days of the season, It’s been almost six months since you went on a hunting trip. I don’t mean a day hunt or driving around forest roads to fill a B tag. I mean a real hunting camp out in the wilderness. Turkey season can be a great time to break out all the gear that I’m sure you put away in an organized fashion last fall and make sure everything is still in good working order.

Mushrooms are at once familiar and mysterious. Anyone who spends time outdoors is sooner or later going to run into these fruiting bodies of fungi. For many, mushrooms need no introduction. Childhood storybooks with pictures of toadstools colored bright red with flecks of white are familiar to all. Perhaps equally common are the experiences of a hiker or hunter coming across a mushroom in the woods. Most folks, without any special training, can tell with a reasonably high degree of accuracy if they are looking at a mushroom rather than a plant, and yet I’d venture to guess that many would be hard-pressed to name more than a handful of species.
An Introduction to Mushroom Hunting

Mushrooms are at once familiar and mysterious. Anyone who spends time outdoors is sooner or later going to run into these fruiting bodies of fungi. For many, mushrooms need no introduction. Childhood storybooks with pictures of toadstools colored bright red with flecks of white are familiar to all. Perhaps equally common are the experiences of a hiker or hunter coming across a mushroom in the woods. Most folks, without any special training, can tell with a reasonably high degree of accuracy if they are looking at a mushroom rather than a plant, and yet I’d venture to guess that many would be hard-pressed to name more than a handful of species.

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These are just a few stories from previous issues, but you must be a member to receive the full contents of this powerful publication!

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Mule Deer Foundation

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The mission of the Mule Deer Foundation is to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat. #ConnectedByConservation

This #MuleDeerMonday we're proud to share the impa This #MuleDeerMonday we're proud to share the impact of our work across 17 states—restoring habitat, supporting herds, and making your membership dollars and donations count. From USFS and BLM grants to private support, every project reflects our commitment to putting boots on the ground and dollars to work.

Check out the graphics below to see how we're making a difference in your state. 
We can only share up to 10 images here on IG but check out the rest of the states and our impact on our website muledeer.org.

Thank you for helping us walk the walk. Let’s keep it going!
We’ve got a new recipe on the blog by @the.intre We’ve got a new recipe on the blog by @the.intrepid.eater! This is what Adam has to say: “Inspired by the Turkish dumpling dishes I encountered in Istanbul that feature dumplings served with garlic-spiked yogurt and chili oil, this venison steak salad will blow you away with its complex layered flavors. 

You’ll be happy to know that, despite the depth of flavor this dish boasts, it’s stupid-easy to make – quick too. 

Make this as an appetizer, a new and exciting potluck salad, or as your main dish!”

Find the full recipe and write up at the link in our bio!
Something sharp is coming… 🔪 We’ve teamed Something sharp is coming… 🔪

We’ve teamed up with @montanaknifecompany  for an exciting membership drive launching later this week —stay tuned!!

In the meantime, we just dropped a limited-edition MDF x MKC collab fundraiser tee — with 50% of proceeds going directly to the Mule Deer Foundation. Grab yourself a tee and support the mission at the link in our bio! And stay tuned for more exciting news coming soon.
In our most recent blog post, MDF’s very own @tr In our most recent blog post, MDF’s very own @trevorhubbs shares why turkey hunting makes you a better mule deer hunter. Spring turkey season is more than just a chance to tag a bird, it's also the perfect preseason for mule deer hunters. From dialing in your gear to rebuilding your hunting routine, turkey hunting gets your body and mind ready for fall. It’s a low-pressure, high-reward way to sharpen your skills without the stakes of a deer tag on the line.
Read the full story at the link in our bio.
@lapescadora shares another treasured family recip @lapescadora shares another treasured family recipe with MDF — this time, classic Spanish albondigas (meatballs) with a wild game twist.

"I’m excited to share another Goñi González family recipe, adapted to use ground venison instead of the traditional beef or pork. These albondigas were one of my favorite meals growing up, and now they’re one of my favorite ways to celebrate a shared harvest with friends. This batch was made with ground venison from my friend Hannah’s 2024 buck. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this little taste of Spain, and that it brings the same warmth and good memories to your table that it brought to mine. ¡Buen provecho!"

Link in bio for the full recipe and story.
MDF is proud of all the work our regional director MDF is proud of all the work our regional directors, chapter chairs and volunteers do. It's these efforts that make new chapters possible. We're excited to announce a new chapter in the Antelope Valley region of California. This chapter's first banquet is June 7, 2025 at the AV Fair and Event Center. Get your tickets at the link in our bio and thank you to everyone who supports our mission in mule deer conservation!
Eastern Oregon mule deer are facing serious challe Eastern Oregon mule deer are facing serious challenges—from habitat loss to climate change. ODFW’s updated Mule Deer Plan uses GPS-collar data to refine herd ranges and focus on where help is needed most. MDF is stepping up: we're targeting the most at-risk herds to make real, on-the-ground impact with habitat improvements and wildlife-friendly fencing. 

See Appendix 1 in the new plan for a visual of herd concern levels - Link in bio!
Excited to share another wild recipe from MDF’s Excited to share another wild recipe from MDF’s own Eric Sharpe: Morel, Bolete, and Cattail Rigatoni with Venison Sausage.
This hearty dish uses foraged mushrooms, spring cattails (from clean water!), and hunted game. Think tender cattail hearts similar to fresh palm hearts or baby artichokes — a perfect springtime treat.
Pair it with an earthy Pinot Noir to complement the rich, mushroomy flavors.
Full recipe and write-up at the link in bio!
In our most recent member story on the blog, James In our most recent member story on the blog, James McKew shares "The Promise"—a tale about a boyfriend’s big talk, a busted hunt, and one woman’s solo mission to take matters (and mule deer) into her own hands. A gritty last-minute plan leads Rachel to a hidden desert oasis and a buck worth the wait.

Read the full story at the link in our bio.
As spring approaches, mule deer are in their most As spring approaches, mule deer are in their most vulnerable state of the year. Disturbance during this critical winter survival period—especially from shed hunting, motorized travel, and dogs—can cost them the energy they need to make it through.

Please respect seasonal closures, limit travel in winter range areas, and avoid dawn and dusk activity. If you're recreating in these zones, keep group sizes small and leave dogs at home.

Every step we take to minimize stress makes a difference. Let’s all do our part to give mule deer the best chance to survive and thrive.

Learn more at the link in our bio.
You’re miles from the truck. Your GPS is busted. You’re miles from the truck. Your GPS is busted. The sun’s gone down. What now? 

In a recent MDF blog post, @fongeinthefield gives us the low down on the ‘We Got a Problem’ Bag. This is a pocket-sized survival kit designed for moments just like this. Made from a gallon ziplock and a few critical tools, it gives you the essentials to stay alive for 24–48 hours.

- Firestarter (lighter + Gorilla tape)
- Emergency blanket
- Paracord
- Water purification tablets
- Ziplock bag (doubles as a water vessel)

It’s not meant to solve everything—it’s meant to buy you time.
If you hunt, hike, or head deep into the backcountry, this is a kit you need in your pocket.

Read the full blog post at the link in our bio!
MDF's Ultimate Giveaway is back by popular demand MDF's Ultimate Giveaway is back by popular demand with 14 AMAZING prize packages! Get your entries today and contribute to the MDF's mission of Ensuring the Conservation of Mule Deer, Black-Tailed Deer and their Habitat.

Get entries today at the link in our bio!!
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Upcoming Events

May 21
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Rapid City, SD- Western Dakota Chapter Beers for Deer

May 23
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Mesa, AZ- Chandler Chapter Banquet

May 29
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Mount Vernon, WA- Skagit Valley Chapter Banquet

Jun 2
8:00 am - 8:00 pm

WY vs. SD Border Battle Golf Tournament & Banquet- Hulett, WY

Jun 5
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Shelton, WA- Capital City Blacktail Chapter Banquet

View Calendar

Mule Deer Foundation Mission

The mission of the Mule Deer Foundation is to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat.

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Contact Information

MDF National Headquarters
1785 East 1450 South
Suite 210
Clearfield UT 84015

Open weekdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m

Phone: 801-973-3940
Fax: 801-973-1177
Email: [email protected]

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Mule Deer Foundation
  • Who We Are
    • Our Story
    • People of MDF
    • Board of Directors
    • MDF News
    • MDF Magazine
    • Annual Reporting
    • MDF Careers
    • Contact Us
  • How We Conserve
    • Conservation Programs
    • Habitat Work
    • Project Highlights
    • Stewardship
    • Migration Initiative
    • Public Policy
    • Partner Agencies & NGOs
  • How We Educate
    • Outreach
    • Mule Deer and Black-tailed Deer Facts
    • Talking Mule Deer Podcast
    • Mule Deer Foundation Videos & Films
    • Chronic Wasting Disease
  • How You Can Help
    • Join/Renew Membership
    • Shop
    • Donate
    • Miles Moretti Memorial Fund
    • Member Success
    • Volunteer
    • MDF Endowment
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    • Ultimate Giveaway 2025
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