MDF hires Sarah Meronk as a project manager in western Montana
Please join me in welcoming Sarah to the MDF Staff.
“My name is Sarah Meronk, and I was born and raised in Indiana, but my passion for wildlife and the outdoors began during visits to my grandparents’ ranch in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Exploring the mountains and watching elk herds move through the valleys, I developed a deep appreciation for rugged landscapes and the wildlife that depend on them. “
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Wildlife from Purdue University in 2016, then spent several years working seasonal field technician jobs, primarily capturing and collaring elk and mule deer, and conducting vegetation surveys to assess habitat conditions. In 2019, I moved to Salmon, Idaho, where I worked for Idaho Fish and Game, first as a big game population technician, monitoring collared big game, and later as a depredation technician, working with landowners to mitigate wildlife conflicts.
Experiencing life in the West deepened my appreciation for our vast public lands and strengthened my commitment to wildlife conservation. I knew I wanted to pursue a career focused on creating, restoring, and maintaining healthy ecosystems for our native wildlife species. In 2022, I pursued a master’s degree at the University of Idaho, where my research focused on elk habitat and foraging dynamics near Dworshak Dam in north-central Idaho. I graduated in December 2024.
Now I’m thrilled to be back in Salmon with my soon-to-be husband, Nick, and our one-year- old daughter, Elaine, and to be working as Project Manager for the Salmon-Challis and Bitterroot National Forest with the Mule Deer Foundation. In my new role, I’ll be leading habitat restoration projects that improve conditions for mule deer. I’m excited to contribute to MDF’s mission and to help steward the landscapes that mule deer depend on.
Good Luck Sarah!
Remember to send any success pictures or stories from the field to [email protected]. You could be featured on our website or in our magazine. If this article or any of our articles have helped you become a better hunter or conservation steward, become a member of the Mule Deer Foundation or Blacktail Deer Foundation for only $35 dollars a year. Click here to join: https://muledeer.org/product-category/membership/
