Salt Lake City, UT -(AmmoLand.com)- The Mule Deer Foundation took several hours out of the busy Western Hunting and Conservation Expo to recognize the incredible hard work and thousands of volunteer hours that its chapters do throughout the year.
The Volunteer Recognition Event allows MDF to thank the chapters that dedicate the most volunteer hours and raise the most funds to support the organization’s conservation mission. The room was filled with volunteers and other individuals who pledge so much of their time and money to make MDF effective.
“Our volunteers make the Mule Deer Foundation who we are – without them, there is no way we could do as much as we do for mule deer and black-tailed deer around the West,” commented MDF President/CEO Miles Moretti. “The people in our volunteer breakfast represent the best of our organization and we are so thankful for the thousands of hours that they dedicate for our conservation projects and to raise the funds so necessary for the work that we do.”
Those in attendance listened to the inspiring words of new board member Chad Schearer, host of the Pursuit Network’s Shoot Straight. Schearer, who had spent the day before the WHCE helping Utah volunteers translocate urban deer, said that MDF has one of the greatest groups of volunteers that he has ever been around. He told the audience that the primary components of being a good volunteer – energy, passion, flexibility, creativity, being team players, integrity, reliability and commitment – could define every volunteer in the room, and the hundreds more around the country.
“I am amazed at the dedication and the sacrifice of time and money that MDF volunteers give every single day. Not everyone can see the hours of hard work that goes on behind the scenes of a well organized banquet or conservation project,” said Schearer. “None of you are in this for the limelight or the glory, you’re just there to get the work done. But that’s what this event is about – it’s about giving you the recognition that you deserve.”
The top new MDF chapters for highest efficiency this year went to the Badland Bruiser Chapter in Glendive, Mont. followed by the the Prairie Ghost Chapter in Sidney, Mont. The Lonestar Chapter in Austin, Texas and the 300 Mile Chapter in Fargo, North Dakota were the highest netting new chapters. For existing chapters, the Treasure State Chapter in Butte, Montana took first place for highest efficiency with the Okanogan Trails Chapter in Omak, Wash. as runner-up. The Great Basin Chapter in Elko, Nev. won top honors for highest net and the North Bay Blacktail Chapter in Santa Rosa, Calif. came in as runner-up. The Northwest Colorado Chapter in Craig received the award for the Most Improved Chapter. Chapters that hosted a second fundraiser were also recognized with the Souris Valley Chapter in Minot, North Dakota achieving the highest net for their second event with the Prescott Chapter in Prescott, Ariz. coming in as runner-up.
Nineteen chapters donated more than 100 hours of volunteer work this year for more than 6,000 hours combined. These chapters earned Bob Terry “Sweat Equity” Awards for their hard work. At the top of the list once again this year was the North Valley Chapter in Cave Creek, Ariz. that volunteered for a total of 1,966 hours.
They were followed by the Utah County Chapter with 738 hours and the Plumas County Chapter from Quincy, Calif. and Weber Davis Chapter in Ogden, Utah each with 601 hours.
About MDF:
The Mule Deer Foundation is the only conservation group in North America dedicated to restoring, improving and protecting mule deer, 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 youth into the shooting sports and conservation.
Get involved at www.muledeer.org or call 1-888-375-3337.