MDF Works With Coalition to Allocate Funds
OutdoorHub 06.20.11
CASPER, Wyo. – The Wyoming Governor’s Big Game License Coalition recently held its annual meeting to review project proposals and allocate current-year funds.
This Coalition is made up of representatives from the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming (WHFW), Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the Mule Deer Foundation and other conservation organizations.
Formed in 2003, the Coalition raises money through the auction or raffle of “governor” licenses. Funds raised are used for conservation projects to benefit big game species, as well as education of the public and youth on the importance of hunting, fishing and conservation to Wyoming and its culture.
Basically, these licenses are valid in any open hunt area in the state, both general license and limited quota license areas. The buyer or winner must select the species and can hunt any open hunt area in the state, subject to season dates and limitations.
MDF chapters in California and Wyoming and the MDF National Convention helped raise funds for the Coalition by hosting events where Wyoming Governor’s Licenses were auctioned or raffled. At this year’s Coalition meeting, nearly $50,000 was allocated to deer projects in Wyoming. These projects include: 67 Ranch Conservation Easement, Black Mountain Cheatgrass Control, Clark Ranch Conservation Easement, Fish Creek/Green River Conservation Easement, HF Bar Conservation Easement, North Laramie Range Watershed Restoration, South Laramie Range Habitat Enhancement II, Upper Dunoir Conservation Easement, V Cross Conservation Easement, Wyoming Front Aspen Restoration, and Wyoming Hunting & Fishing Heritage Expo.
To date, a total of $2,674,006 has been directly allocated to 382 projects. Of this, $341,056 has been allocated to 81 projects which benefit mule deer.
About MDF:
The Mule Deer Foundation is one of the key conservation groups in North America working to restore, improve and protect mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat. With a focus on science and program efficiency, MDF has raised millions of dollars and put countless man-hours on the ground for mission-critical projects. 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-DEER.
Contact:
Scott Hampel, Mule Deer Foundation 720-261-6232 or shampel@muledeer.org
