Wyoming Range

Mule Deer Project

Photo – MFF presents the University of Wyoming Co-op Unit, led by Kevin Monteith (left), with a check in the amount of $170,000 for the Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project on December 14, 2013. This allocation allowed this project to be initiated and NOT canceled

In recent decades, mule deer abundance throughout the West has struggled to reach historic numbers, and Wyoming is no exception to the nearly ubiquitous trend of population declines. In response to concerns of mule deer populations in Wyoming, in 2007, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission adopted the Wyoming Mule Deer Initiative (MDI) with the intent to develop individual management plans for key populations. Of particular concern was the Wyoming Range mule deer population in western Wyoming—one of the largest mule deer herds in the state and a premier destination for mule deer hunting in the country. The Wyoming Range mule deer population has undergone dynamic changes in recent decades from a population high of >50,000 in the late 1980s, to a sustained population of ~30,000 during much of the last decade. Consequently, the Wyoming Range mule deer population was identified as a top priority for the development of a management plan according to the MDI. The first of the population specific management plans, the Wyoming Range Mule Deer Initiative (WRMDI), was finalized in 2011 following a collaborative public input process. To direct development of an effective management plan, it was recognized by the Mule Deer Working Group (2007) that the “Success and implementation of these plans will depend upon our ability to identify limiting factors to mule deer populations and their habitats”. Accordingly, the Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project was initiated 2013 to address the need for research in identifying the factors that regulate the Wyoming Range mule deer population.

In 2012, the Wyoming Game & Fish Department’s budget was cut tremendously and would NOT be able to be a funding partner for the project. This would have resulted in the canceling of the project, except the Muley Fanatic Foundation with only one fundraising event in 2012 under their belt, stepped up and committed the $170,000 to help the project be initiated. 

This project continues today and has discovered great information of many generations of mule deer, discovered what the impact of a record breaking winter of 2016/2017 can do, and added many components, such as, collaring male mule deer to find the differences in their migration and winter habits compared to females.

The Muley Fanatic Foundation RAFFLES are the main fundraising mechanism. It isn’t just to giveaway a great prize, it’s the importance that the funding continues for these project. These efforts help learn more about the mule deer and figuring out the solutions behind the loss of their populations.

If you are willing to help support these efforts please participate in any of the MFF Raffles.

Wyoming's Wildlife

Wyoming Governor's Big Game License Coalition

WGBGLC allocates dollars to benefit Wyoming’s wildlife

On May 6, 2020 the Wyoming Governor’s Big Game License Coalition (Coalition) convened to allocate more than $475,000 to benefit Wyoming’s wildlife and their habitats. The Coalition consists of representatives from the Muley Fanatic Foundation, Wild Sheep Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wyoming Wildlife Federation, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Established in January of 2003 under the direction of Governor Dave Freudenthal, the Coalition was assembled to further conservation efforts in Wyoming through the auction or raffle of complimentary Governor’s big game licenses. The Coalition has since continued through Governor Mead’s administration and now with Governor Gordon. Thanks to the generosity of these Wyoming Governors, the Coalition has funded conservation projects totaling over $7.6 million in Wyoming since its inception, and has typically been able to leverage matching funds at rates of four or even eight to one!

Each year, Wyoming Governor’s complimentary big game licenses are made available as authorized by state statute. These include five bighorn sheep, five moose, ten deer/elk/pronghorn, and five wild bison licenses. Licenses are sold via the conservation-based organizations that are members of the Coalition. Proceeds from the sale of these licenses are then earmarked for funding various wildlife/conservation projects such as habitat improvements, conservation easements, wildlife research (e.g., defining big game migration corridors), and projects to facilitate wildlife movements across roadways. The Coalition is also able to fund an array of non-game and sensitive species projects. Project applicants apply for Coalition funding in January of each year, with funds being awarded each spring. In a typical year, the Coalition provides funding for over 50 different projects addressing a wide range of conservation needs. Funding from the Coalition not only helps projects get completed, but also facilitates partnerships across conservation organizations, state agencies, the agricultural community, and the University of Wyoming.

“Governor Gordon has done a terrific thing for Wyoming and its wildlife by continuing the legacy of the Wyoming Governor’s Big Game License Coalition. Allocating these dollars to fund a broad diversity of research and conservation projects continues to be extremely valuable in furthering the efforts to preserve our wildlife heritage and treasured landscapes,” said Justin Binfet, the current Coalition Chairman. “In addition, the sincere dedication of the Coalition’s membership to Wyoming’s wildlife has enabled this group to function very efficiently and effectively, and all of their hard work to promote conservation efforts across this great State is genuinely appreciated!”

The story of the challenge coin

MFF LIFE MEMBER

Do you accept the challenge? Buy your Life Membership by CLICKING HERE!

Thank you Tyrel Bramwell for creating this great video.

Greater Little Mountain Area

The Hidden Gem of Southwest Wyoming

Muley Fanatic Foundation Awards

Inaugural Conservation Scholarship

Pictured left to right, Joey Faigl and Josh Coursey (MFF Founders), Kolbi Hester (Scholarship recipient),

Christine Thomas (Kolbi’s proud Mother), Brian Taylor (Scholarship Chair).

For others who may be interested in applying for the scholarship, there are up to five additional
scholarships available. Qualification requirements are noted in this press release, or contact the Muley
Fanatic Foundation in Green River at (307) 875-3133 or e-mail scholarshipshoot@yahoo.com or
josh@muleyfanatic.org for more details

COVID-19

Due to the Covid-19 circumstances, the Muley Fanatic Foundation has cancelled or postponed all upcoming events until further notice. If you would still like to support the efforts of MFF, please become a member or make any kind donation.

Thank you all for understanding and please be safe and healthy.

The list is too long to display all projects

Featured Projects

Dominion Energy partnered with the Muley Fanatic Foundation allocated $14,000 to the video project and the MFF Southeast Wyoming Chapter allocated $5,000 to the camera trap footage in this film. Those same cameras will be utilized at the Platte Valley, Woodslanding, and Sybille Canyon areas.

The Muley Fanatic Foundation Colorado Chapters have contributed over $26,000 to the Highway 9 Project. Funds benefited a portion of construction and the monitoring in different phases each year.

Since 2013, the MFF Colorado Chapters have allocated $466,049 and of that $370,424.43 is completely paid for due to project completions.

Thank you to everyone that supported and attended the Greeley and Denver Chapter Fundraising Banquets.

A check was presented to Wyoming Game Commissioner Mike Schmid (center) and the WYldlife Fund from the Muley Fanatic Foundation Upper Green Chapter (left to right) Zach Key, Ray Alexander, and Mitch Kannier. The check was for the amount of $24,000 and will be allocated to the Dry Piney Highway Underpasses Project. These funds were remains from their 2019 Fundraising Banquet.

2019 “Putting the ‘U’ in Hunt”

Hunts for youths with life-threatening illnesses.

The Smiles Say It All!!

The Muley Fanatic Foundation (MFF) has organized a program “Putting the ‘U’ in Hunt” for the last 8 years. This program is a partnership with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department to receive Commissioner Licenses for youths with life-threatening illnesses. The youths are found by word of mouth and MFF has averaged 4 to 6 youths each year. With the help of the Holy Pursuit’s Dream Foundation and the Hunt for Hope organization, this year we have received 17 youths to hunt in Wyoming.

With the assistance of the MFF Southeast Wyoming Chapter in Cheyenne, Pathfinder Ranches, MFF 10 Country Chapter in Riverton WY, Will Dolinar & JT Price with Crossfire Tactical LLC, MFF Southwest Wyoming Chapter in Rock Springs, Jason Faigl with Red Desert Outfitters, Mountainland Supply in Rock Springs WY, Carrico Ranches, and 3 individuals (Josh, Joey, Chris) from MFF HQ, these kids have successful hunts every year!

Thank you to all that have been supportive of this effort! Words can not be expressed for how much MFF appreciates everyone involved. The experiences of these hunts brings many emotions and unforgettable memories for us and these kids.

Click image to watch 2019 videos.

131 gun giveaways!

2020 MFF Gun Calendar

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The calendar helps further the mission and continues the existence of MFF. With the model of 70/30 (70% of net funds is obtained by that local chapter for their local area) that has existed since day one of the foundation, the Headquarters organizes other fundraising mechanisms to continue the organization and it’s future. View some Muley Fanatic Foundation YouTube videos.