The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) and MTNTOUGH Fitness Labs teamed up to launch the 2026 TOUGH BUCK Workout, a one-of-a-kind fitness challenge combining grit and conservation. The event took place February 14, during MDF's Western Hunting & Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Every participant who completed the TOUGH BUCK Workout earned a chance to win a fully outfitted Sonora, Mexico mule deer hunt with MX Hunting. All participants received a year of MTNTOUGH+ training, an OnX Premium membership, and an annual Mule Deer Foundation membership. Limited to just 510 spots, with all proceeds benefiting mule deer conservation efforts, the turnout to TOUGH BUCK was significant.
"While we knew people would show up, we weren't exactly anticipating packed halls of people waiting to go through such a mentally and physically challenging event," said MTNTOUGH President, Lyle Hebel. "I think it's a testament to how committed and passionate hunters are to not only the lifestyle, but conservation. This includes the outdoor and hunting brands that were happy to sponsor the challenge and donate to the prize."
MDF Chief Development Officer, Eric Sharpe added, "This was our first time doing something of this capacity with MTNTOUGH, and as I've seen before in our volunteer events and my time as a Regional Director for MDF, the hunting and conservation community came together in a ways that produce real impact."
In addition to a four-month heavily promoted media campaign, bringing awareness to conservation and MDF efforts, the TOUGH BUCK challenge also provided money for the conservation organization. Key figures in the hunting and fitness space, like Remi Warren, Pedro Ampuero, and Adam Foss, added to the campaign by participating and promoting the challenge on their own channels.
The workout generated $120,000 in donations, which Hebel presented to MDF President and CEO, Greg Sheehan at the Expo's Saturday night Super Banquet. The funds raised will go back into MDF's on-the-ground conservation efforts. "This event represents the heart of the MTNTOUGH and MDF partnership, testing your limits as an outdoors enthusiast while giving back to wildlife and habitat," Sheehan stated. "When fitness and conservation come together, as they often do in hunting, trekking, hiking and other outdoor recreation circles, everyone wins including the herds we work to protect," he continued.
The effort served to unite the backcountry and fitness communities around a shared mission: personal health and the health of mule deer and the wild places they call home. All parties agreed; this mission was accomplished. Considering the success of TOUGH BUCK, the two entities are already looking at 2027 to organize a similar opportunity.
About the Mule Deer Foundation and Blacktail Deer Foundation: The Mule Deer Foundation is the only national conservation group in North America dedicated to the conservation of mule deer and black-tailed deer and their habitat, MDF is the leading voice for mule deer through scientifically based wildlife management and strong public conservation policy. The Blacktail Deer Foundation is a division of the MDF focusing efforts on the two species of black-tailed deer. Get involved in your state or become a member at www.muledeer.org or www.blacktaildeer.org, or call (801) 973-3940.