Deep in the Black Hills National Forest the Mule Deer foundation is hard at work building strategic habitat for mule deer and a litany of other species.
The USDA Forest Service manages nearly 200 million acres of public land all over the country. That’s a lot of ground to cover, especially when you consider the agency’s mandate to make decisions on how best to utilize and maintain the land for “the greatest good of the greatest number in the long run.”
The Blacktail Deer Foundation field team kicked 2025 off right with a conservation project on Kodiak Island Alaska capturing, collaring, and tracking black-tailed deer.
Over the last 25 years, a common assertion you often hear is that muledeer populations are in decline. But is this true? This question is frequently posed to us at the Mule Deer Foun- dation (MDF), and it represents a significant issue that our leadership actively addresses. So, what’s the reality? The answer is nuanced. Innshort, it depends.
It’s the little stuff like this that’s going to keep you in the field longer. Foot care is Paramount, especially if you’re heading into the foothills of the Rockies to chase after a Muley. You’ll need to put some miles on, and if your boots aren’t in tip-top shape, you’re setting yourself up for failure. So take the time now to clean your boots and do what maintenance is necessary. The reward? A comfortable, pain-free adventure when you head out to the mountain this fall.
The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) benefitted 122 deer herds in 18 states through their mission delivery in 2024. These conservation actions improved over 700,000 acres and 151 miles of fence removed or modified to wildlife-friendly standards
When the Mule Deer Foundation asked me to write a Valentine’s Day recipe, I knew just the one. This is a Goñi Gonzalez family recipe—one my abuela often prepared for me, traditionally using corzo (roe deer), toro (bull), or beef. Over the years as I’ve started hunting the western United States, I’ve adapted it to include blacktail, elk, and of course, mule deer.
The Mule Deer Foundation is hosting a lottery drawing for the Treasure State’s most coveted big game tag. Contrary to the past where this exclusive tag has been all but unattainable behind a pay to play auction system; in 2025, we are hosting an open raffle with a price tag available to all who are interested.
