Western Hunting and Conservation Expo

Celebrating Conservation and Community

The Mule Deer Foundation proudly commemorates another triumphant year of the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo ( WHCE), a flagship gathering that unites the realms of hunting and wildlife preservation. This annual event, a joint venture with Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, has become a pivotal moment for enthusiasts, professionals, and conservationists alike, symbolizing a collective commitment to our natural heritage and the enduring traditions of hunting.

Community event showcasing youth engagement with horses.

The Western Hunting and Conservation Expo transforms Salt Lake City into a hub for hundreds of outdoor and conservation brands from around the world. The show floor highlights the latest in hunting gear, equipment, and wildlife conservation technology, creating a space where innovation and stewardship converge.

Each year, tens of thousands of applicants participate in the 200-permit drawing, and millions of dollars are raised through auctions, tags, and donations. These funds directly support habitat restoration, wildlife research, and long-term conservation efforts—demonstrating the vital role hunters and the broader outdoor community play in sustaining North America’s wildlife.

WHCE 2027 COUNTDOWN

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Learn More about WHCE

Hunting conservation exhibition featuring taxidermy and attendees

Attendee in star-spangled outfit at Mule Deer Foundation event

Large crowd at Mule Deer Foundation banquet event

Crowd at the Mule Deer Foundation banquet event

Latest News

First Mule Deer: What New Hunters Should Focus On

There’s a moment that sticks with you when you take someone on their first mule deer hunt. It usually isn’t the shot. It’s earlier than that, cold air, thin light, and a quiet ridge where everything still feels possible. I’ve taken kids and adult-onset hunters out for their first crack at mule deer, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: success isn’t measured the way people think it is. At least not at first. If you’re introducing someone to mule deer hunting, or stepping into it yourself, there are three things that matter more than anything else. Get these right, and the rest will come.

Sunlit hillside with oak trees in a dry landscape.

Behind Every Cast—A Little Healing

My youngest son’s face went pale as the treble hook from his lure buried itself into the meat of my forearm. He dropped his rod, eyes wide with panic, lips starting to quiver. I took a deep breath—not because it didn’t hurt, but because I could see the fear in his eyes. That fear hurt worse than the hook.

Mule Deer Foundation Commits More Than $270,000 to Local Conservation Efforts Through Chapter Rewards Program

Member Chapter Rewards continue to fuel local conservation projects across the West.

Using Trail Cams and E-Scouting to Pinpoint Mule Deer Buck Hotspots

But here’s the truth: if you’re hunting mule deer in today’s West and you’re ignoring tools like trail cameras and e-scouting platforms, you’re making it harder than it needs to be.