Mule Deer Foundation History

During his many filming and hunting excursions, wildlife filmmaker and hunter Emmett Burroughs discovered diminishing mule deer populations due to habitat loss and degradation. Concerned that not enough attention was given to mule deer, he set the groundwork for what is now the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF). As MDF's founder, Burroughs selected the organization's first board of directors and set up its initial headquarters in Redding, California. He served for two years as MDF's first Board Chair and Executive Director. His vision and sacrifices, along with many individuals, nurtured a fledgling wildlife conservation organization that now serves as a voice for mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitats.

For more background information about MDF Founder Emmett Burroughs and the evolution of the Mule Deer Foundation, download and read Rich Fletcher's article "The Mule Deer Foundation" from the 2006 Convention issue of MDF Magazine.

Follow MDF's history through this timeline.

1988

• MDF incorporated.
• First board of directors established.
• Headquarters set up in Redding, California.
• Emmett Burroughs begins tenure as Board Chair and Executive Director.

1989

• First fundraising banquet held in Redding, California. Nearly 400 mule deer enthusiasts attended, raising $55,000 for MDF's conservation efforts.

1990

• George Bettas takes over as Board Chair and Executive Director after Burroughs steps downs.
• Mule Deer magazine introduced.
• Convention held in San Jose, California, which spawned the Central Coast Chapter-one of MDF's most successful chapters.

1991

• David Stevens (current Board Member) becomes Board Chair.
• Three fundraising banquets held.

1992

• Insights newsletter introduced (eventually becomes Chronicle).
• Convention held in Reno, Nevada.
• Headquarters moved to Reno, Nevada.
• Seven fundraising banquets held.

1994

• Board expanded from six to 15 members.
• Seventeen MDF chapters are established in five western states.

1995

• Mule Deer magazine returns after four-year hiatus.
• Twenty fundraising banquets held.

1996

• MDF boasts 43 chapters.

Today

• MDF has approximately 10,000 members and approximately 80 chapters…and growing