Message from the CEO
January/February 2008
MDF CEO Miles Moretti with MDF Founder Emmett
Burroughs at the 2007 WHCE in Salt Lake City.
Mule Deer Foundation 20th Anniversary
In 1988, Emmett Burroughs gathered together his friends and acquaintances and preached a simple philosophy. He spoke regarding the need to give something back to mule deer and black-tailed deer and soon thereafter, the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) was born. Since that time, MDF’s mission statement has been a simple one, “to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat.” MDF has stayed true to this mission during the past 20 years, through good times and bad, and although much work still needs to be done to fulfill this promise, the future has never looked brighter.
In 2008, MDF will be 20 years old as an organization. We will celebrate throughout the year in many ways; both nationally and locally. We will celebrate our past, while at the same time, embrace our future. As I look forward to 2008 and beyond, I wonder where MDF will be in the next twenty years. We have laid the foundation to experience unprecedented growth as an organization. We will have a record number of fundraising events in 2008, and the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo will be bigger and better. We expect revenue to increase which will enable us to continue putting more dollars on the ground for mule deer.
Committed to the simple concept of giving something back to mule deer has resulted in MDF’s membership experiencing tremendous growth. People want to be associated with a wildlife conservation group they can relate to at their level. Members are willing to volunteer their time in fundraising activities and on the ground projects if they believe it is making a difference. We are and will continue to make a difference for mule deer and black-tailed deer.
I have said many times during this past year that MDF’s members are the most dedicated and passionate people I have ever had the pleasure of being associated with. It continues to amaze me to see the energy, passion and dedication at a local banquet event. Each chapter is unique, and therein lies MDF’s strength. We do not have a cookie cutter approach to raising money for mule deer. Every state is different, every community is different, and what works in one state or community may not work in another.
I do have a challenge to each MDF member, and that is to help us fulfill our mission in 2008 and beyond. I challenge each of you to sign up two new MDF members this year. Can you imagine what a difference that would make for mule deer? In addition, I challenge everyone to attend a local fundraising banquet and show your support for mule deer. Bring a friend or family member and become involved with a local committee.
For 20 years we have accomplished many great things for mule deer. We need to push harder to ensure we have mule deer and their habitat for the next 20 years. We need to look back on 2028 and say, “Yes we did give something back to mule deer and black-tailed deer, and we did make a difference.”
The 2008 Western Hunting and Conservation Expo will be held February 6-9 at the Salt Place in Salt Lake City, Utah. We will be having our 20th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, Feb. 7. We expect another record crowd and a record amount of money to be raised for not just mule deer, but other big game animals as well. Make sure to take time and apply for a chance to win one of 200 awesome hunts in Utah. I hope to see you in Salt Lake City!
Last winter I wrote about an ancient Chinese proverb that says, “May we live in exciting times.” The Mule Deer Foundation is going through some exciting times; please join us in making it happen. I hope you have a great time during the holidays and that you have time to be with family and friends making memories that last a lifetime.
Miles Moretti