SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) Game Specialist Jim Heffelfinger received the inaugural Professional of the Year award from Miles Moretti, resident and chief executive officer of the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF), recognizing a working wildlife professional from a state or federal agency who has made important contributions to mule deer conservation.
The award was presented at the MDF Annual Convention on Feb. 12, 2010. Heffelfinger serves as chair of the Mule Deer Working Group sponsored by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. In addition, he has led the publication of the North American Mule Deer Conservation Plan, Mule Deer Habitat Guidelines for seven North American eco-regions, as well as guidelines for mule deer population monitoring and also energy development throughout the West.
Heffelfinger is the author of the books Deer of the Southwest, and the recently revised and reprinted Age Criteria for Southwestern Game Animals. Heffelfinger earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point in 1986, and a master’s degree in range and wildlife from Texas A&M University in 1989.
About MDF
The Mule Deer Foundation is a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization, with over 12,000 members. MDF’s mission is to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitats. MDF is dedicated to restoring, improving and protecting mule deer habitat (including land and easement acquisitions) resulting in self-sustaining, healthy, free ranging and hunt-able deer populations; encouraging and supporting responsible wildlife management with government agencies, private organizations and landowners; promoting public education and scientific research related to mule deer and wildlife management; supporting and encouraging responsible and ethical behavior and awareness of issues among those whose actions affect mule deer; and acknowledging regulated hunting as a viable component of mule deer and black-tailed deer conservation.For information about the Mule Deer Foundation please call 888-375-DEER (3337).
About Arizona Game and Fish Department
AGFD’s mission is to conserve, enhance, and restore Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources and habitats through aggressive protection and management programs, and to provide wildlife resources and safe watercraft and off-highway vehicle recreation for the enjoyment, appreciation, and use by present and future generations.
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| Jim Heffelfinger |
