Salt Lake City, Utah: The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) announced today that Carl Zeiss Sports Optics (ZEISS), a leading manufacturer in high performance sports optics, has signed on as a supporter of MDF. The move underscores the conservation commitment of ZEISS and their endorsement of MDF’s mission to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat.

“ZEISS continues to elevate their presence across the western hunting landscape and MDF is thankful for their increased support of MDF and our conservation efforts,” commented MDF Chief Operating Officer Brian Fienhold. He added “MDF enjoys an increasingly productive relationship with ZEISS and recognizes the precision nature of their sport optics, and their importance to time in the field. We look forward to continuing to work with ZEISS and greatly appreciate their trust and confidence in MDF and our commitment to the future of shooting, hunting and outdoor pursuits.”

As the leader in mule deer habitat conservation, MDF has put millions of dollars toward on-the-ground habitat improvement and restoration to improve the health of western forests and rangelands. These projects support not only mule deer and black-tailed deer herds, but also vast numbers of associated wildlife species while improving water quality, reducing wildfire risk, and enhancing hunting and other recreational access. MDF also believes that promoting the hunting heritage is a key ingredient to furthering our conservation objectives. Outreach initiatives, such as our M.U.L.E.Y. Youth Program, are aimed at educating the public on hunting, wildlife management and overall respect and enjoyment of our natural resources.

“We at ZEISS are very excited to advance our relationship with, and support of, the Mule Deer Foundation”, Barton Dobbs, ZEISS Director of Sales, stated. He continued, noting that “MDF is one of the most active and effective groups at enhancing and respecting a wide range of habitat for mule deer, black-tailed deer, and many other animal species. Additionally they are a fine group of people to work with so we couldn’t be happier to support their efforts.”

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. With over 31,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in almost 50 countries with around 60 sales and service companies, 30 production sites and 25 development sites. Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. ZEISS Consumer Products combines the company's business with camera and cine lenses, binoculars, spotting scopes and hunting optics. The unit is allocated to the Consumer Markets segment and is based in Oberkochen and represented across the globe.

About MDF

The Mule Deer Foundation is the only conservation group in North America dedicated to restoring, improving and conserving mule deer and black-tailed deer and their habitat, with a focus on science and program efficiency. MDF is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of men, women and youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved in your state or become a member at www.muledeer.org or call 801-973-3940.