SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) announced Thursday that it has hired Demetrio Rubio as the Regional Director for Western Texas and Eastern New Mexico.
Rubio brings over 10 years of experience as a Mule Deer Foundation chapter chair for the Pecos County Chapter in Fort Stockton. He is also well known in his community not only due to his more than 30 years in local law enforcement, but also for his volunteer work for hunter education and habitat conservation efforts in western Texas. Rubio replaces Charlie Stockstill who recently retired from the organization.
“Demetrio represents the passion and energy that we look for to serve our volunteers,” Marshall Johnson, MDF director of field operations, said in a news release. “Just visiting with him and learning of his vision of leaving a legacy for his grandchildren tells us that we have the right person to lead the mission of the Mule Deer Foundation in Texas and New Mexico.”
Over the last few years, MDF has implemented or funded 333 projects that benefited approximately 392,000 acres of habitat treatments and 171 miles of fence removal/modification. Funds raised through chapter events play a key role in many of those projects and in 2022 the organization allocated over a half million dollars in Chapter Rewards funding. In Texas, this included more than $38,000 that was matched for a total of $139,000 to complete eight projects. Working with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, MDF chapters helped with installing guzzlers and solar wells to increase water availability in mule deer country along with habitat improvements such as brush removal. The organization has also supported migration research in New Mexico.
In his role with the Mule Deer Foundation, Rubio will work with local volunteer chapters to hold fundraising events in support of the organization’s mission: ensuring the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer, and their habitat. Although primarily a fundraising position, regional directors also represent the organization with many state and federal agencies, along with other related conservation groups and events.
“It is a huge honor to have been chosen for this position with an organization and a species that I hold dear to my heart. I look forward to working with the chapters here in Western Texas/SE New Mexico to help our organization make a difference for mule deer. The same passion I gave to my law enforcement profession for 30 years is what I’m bringing to the position of Regional Director,” Rubio said in the release. “I’m excited to be able to work with all the chapters in different locations in my region and to help promote our work like we have in my town of Fort Stockton. Each chapter is unique in their own way with chairs that are very committed with the same passion. My whole family is ready and on board to assist in each banquet as they have volunteered since day one 10 years ago. I’m proud to introduce my two grandkids into the conservation of mule deer for their future enjoyment. My goal is to educate the public and help grow our membership so that together we can preserve our state’s mule deer.”
If you would like to help mule deer in western Texas and/or New Mexico, please contact Demetrio Rubio at [email protected] or 432-290-4563.
To get involved in your state or become a member visit www.muledeer.org, or call (801) 973-3940.
