In one of the most consequential conservation years in its history, the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) mobilized a total of $48.3 million for mule deer and black-tailed deer in 2025. Across 153 projects in 17 states, MDF restored over 537,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat, benefitted 129 deer herds, and eliminated or converted 149 miles of hazardous fence to restore safe movement corridors for deer. MDF turned every $1 of its own $13.4 million investment into $3.60 of on-the-ground conservation impact.
MDF's conservation model is engineered for maximum return. 2025 marked MDF's second-best year on record, driven by deepening federal partnerships with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management alongside record fundraising by MDF staff, chapters, and volunteers. Every dollar raised through federal stewardship agreements, competitive grants, chapter fundraisers, and philanthropic giving is strategically matched alongside partner investment and volunteer effort. The results reflect a growing coalition of partners who recognize MDF as the premier organization for translating investment into measurable conservation outcomes for deer across the West.
"Mule deer are the vanishing icon of the West as the only big game species with overall declining numbers, but they don't have to be," said Greg Sheehan, President and CEO of MDF. "With the science guiding our work, the partnerships we are strengthening, and the momentum we have earned, MDF will not stop until abundant mule deer populations are restored to the landscapes where they belong. Every supporter, sportsman, conservationist, and public lands steward who stands with us is part of making that happen."
Habitat quality is the single greatest driver of mule deer population health. Working alongside state and federal wildlife agencies, MDF identifies landscapes where targeted intervention will produce the highest biological return for deer. MDF's expertise includes active forest management, restoring native vegetation, combating invasive species, improving water sources, and upgrading wildlife crossing infrastructure.
"Every acre we restore is a direct investment in the future of mule deer," said MDF Chief Conservation Officer Steve Belinda. "The science is clear. For every acre of habitat improved, the landscape can sustain 10% more deer. Add up six years of MDF's work, and we have created the ecological capacity for 180,000 additional mule deer on western landscapes. This is the kind of conservation math that changes the trajectory of a species."
In 2025, MDF also built rapid-response capacity to protect conservation gains when disaster strikes. Following devastating wildfires in central Utah, MDF mobilized emergency funding to repair damaged fencing, prevent invasive annual grasses from overtaking burned ground, and jumpstart native sagebrush recovery. This safeguards both existing habitat investments and critical winter range for mule deer.
About the Mule Deer Foundation: The Mule Deer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed 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.