We know that habitat is the key to successful conservation of mule deer and black-tailed deer – other issues matter, but prioritizing habitat improvements will make the biggest impact for our deer populations. As a result, this has been a top priority for MDF for many years, however, we also need to be smart about targeting our limited resources to the most important areas. This allows us to avoid being diverted by “random acts of conservation kindness” that might not have the coordinated, landscape-level approach necessary to make a bigger difference on the ground.

Through overarching initiatives, MDF is using science to focus our efforts on the actions that will provide maximum conservation impact with the financial and volunteer resources and expertise we have. In addition to on the ground habitat work, MDF actively engages in the public policy process with our federal, state, and nonprofit partners to coordinate actions that benefit wildlife and their habitat.

By focusing on projects in areas that are important migration corridors or seasonal ranges, prioritizing pre- and post-fire restoration, and improving water availability, we are making a difference for mule deer, black-tailed deer, and hundreds of other species that share the western landscapes we love so much. We are grateful for the support of a variety of granting organizations, private donations, and of course the hard work of our volunteers to make these projects possible.

Priority projects include: fire prevention, conifer removal, habitat restoration, wildlife-friendly fencing, invasive vegetative species management, and water availability.