The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is excited to head into the 20th anniversary of the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo, held annually at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah. Organized and hosted by MDF in partnership with Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife (SFW), the Expo is designed to raise critical funding for wildlife conservation projects across the West. Over the past two decades, the Expo has become a cornerstone of MDF's fundraising efforts, generating tens of millions of dollars for mule deer conservation and habitat improvement.
The Expo reaches more than three million western hunters through a comprehensive multimedia, digital, and print advertising campaign geographically targeted across Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and West Coast states. The event offers a unique opportunity for hunters to apply for 200 of Utah's most sought-after limited-entry big game permits for just $5 per application. Applicants for these prized hunts must validate their entry by attending the Expo in person.
This year's Expo will feature 25 controlled bighorn sheep tags, with three different opportunities to obtain one. Participants may apply for a $5 tag, be selected through the Sheep Camp Drawing, or secure a tag by successfully bidding during the Expo auctions. In addition, there will be several prize raffles, auctions with prizes provided by corporate sponsors, and conservation-minded outdoor brands.
The 2026 Expo will host 589 vendors and feature several special events, including a celebration highlighting the one-year anniversary of MDF's newly established sister organization, the Blacktail Deer Foundation. The Western Hunting and Conservation Expo will take place February 12–15 and is a fun experience for families and people of all demographics with a passion for hunting. Those interested in attending can visit https://huntexpo.com to learn more, register, and purchase tickets.
About Mule Deer Foundation
The Mule Deer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the conservation of mule deer and their habitat. Through science-based management, partnerships, and community engagement, MDF works to enhance wildlife populations and maintain healthy, connected landscapes for future generations.
For more information about the Mule Deer Foundation or to become a member and support, visit www.muledeer.org.