Mule Deer Foundation’s Annual Convention Is a Gathering Place for Youth Outdoor Introduction
Mule Deer Foundation 02.10.14
The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is again hosting their annual National Convention in conjunction with the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo (WHCE). WHCE takes place this February 13st – 16th at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT and has expanded its show floor by 20 percent! WHCE, a joint venture, hosted by the Mule Deer Foundation and Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife (SFW) expect to have over 30,000 outdoor enthusiasts visit over 500 guides, outfitters and manufacturers on the show floor over the four day event. Visit www.huntexpo.com for more information.
On Thursday, Feb 13st the Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience (YWCE) will bring nearly 500 middle school aged youth from 3 Utah schools to the Salt Palace Convention Center for wildlife conservation activities including indoor shooting experiences with a Crosman air rifle range hosted by MDF, Hoyt youth archery hosted by SFW and much more. Larry and Brenda Potterfield of MidwayUSA assist Key Conservation Groups across the country to host these YWCE inspiring the next generation of outdoorsmen and women to become active in the shooting sports and wildlife conservation. This program would not be possible without dedicated partners such as Crosman Corporation, Cabelas, Tread Lightly, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah State Parks and special presentations from United States Olympians and Team USA Shooting members.
On Saturday, Feb 15th the Utah State National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) will be holding their annual state tournament at WHCE. Last year’s UT State Tournament drew nearly 700 archers from across the state of Utah! With the increase in archery participation due to some very popular movies showcasing archery hitting the big screen this last year the program has skyrocketed. The UT Division of Wildlife that is coordinating the tournament has already registered 900 archers for the 2014 shoot and is looking to expand the tournament in 2015.
For more information on the Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience please contact Jon Zinnel, MDF’s Youth Programs Coordinator, at (801) 973-3940 or email jonz@muledeer.org.
The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) and its corps of volunteers work hard to ensure the conservation of mule deer and black-tailed deer and their habitat. MDF is a non-profit 501(c) 3 wildlife conservation organization headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Formed in July 1988, MDF now has over 14,000 members and almost 100 chapters nationwide who support its grassroots efforts. Through chapter fundraising events, MDF volunteers raise thousands of dollars to help fund habitat and conservation projects throughout the West.
