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Western Hunting & Conservation Expo Crushes Previous Record Raising $9.7 Million for Wildlife Conservation
The 2022 Western Hunting & Conservation Expo (Hunt Expo) closed February 13 after four busy days with nearly 47,000 people walking the 460 booths on 680,000 square feet of the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Hosted by Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife (SFW) the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF), the Hunt Expo is a primary fundraiser and the record-shattering $9.7 million raised from show passes, auctions, tag sales, and other fundraisers will be a significant boon to conservation.
“This year’s Expo was an amazing showcase of how great things can happen when sportsmen and women come together for to the benefit of wildlife,” President of SFW Troy Justensen commented during the event. “It’s a great thing to witness this show and the gathering of such a diverse group of hunters and industry competitors who each support the same cause. There’s simply nothing like it.”
The 2022 Hunt Expo featured evening events that offered camaraderie, as well as opportunity to raise significant funds for Utah wildlife conservation. The evening events raised $585,000 through ticket sales with a new Thursday night Super Banquet engaging a crowd of 800 people in games and drawings, and the Friday and Saturday auctions attracting sold-out crowds of nearly 2,000 people each night. There was heated bidding for auction items with 12 tags being sold at record prices. The top sellers included the Arizona Statewide Mule Deer Tag that sold for $400,000, Utah’s Antelope Island Mule Deer tag that sold for $310,000, and the Utah Statewide Elk tag sold for $250,000. The Utah 9-Mile Gray Canyon Rocky Mtn. Bighorn Sheep sold for $220,000, the Utah Book Cliffs Rocky Mtn. Bighorn Sheep tag sold for $195,000, and the Utah Statewide Desert Bighorn Sheep tag sold for $125,000.
2022 Western Hunting and Conservation Expo – Final Banquet and Auction
2022 Western Hunting and Conservation Expo – Conservation Banquet and Auction
Some of the weekend’s major and unexpected highlights happened during the Friday Conservation Night event when Mr. Justensen presented two of SFW’s key conservationist volunteers with bronze SFW Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Awards. Steve Sorenson was recognized as SFW’s Conservationist of the Year and Paul Niemeyer given SFW’s Lifetime Volunteer Award. Both men were praised for immeasurable support of SFW’s wildlife conservation mission and contributing greatly to Utah wildlife.
2022 Western Hunting and Conservation Expo – SFW President Troy Justensen
Then during the Saturday night banquet, Justensen surprised everyone when he called to the stage MDF’s Director of Field Operations Mike Laughter and presented him with a bronze SFW Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Award for his efforts in helping protect the 8,100-acre Cinnamon Creek critical wildlife property in northern Utah’s Weber County.
“I wish we could recognize each of the many dozens of SFW and MDF volunteers who take leave from work and family to help pull off our biggest event of the year,” Justensen added. “Steve, Paul and Mike are among so many who give so much and do whatever it takes. We thank them.”
SFW’s Sheep Camp (formerly Full Curl Society) held its biggest event ever giving away 15 fully guided sheep hunts valued at over $500,000. The crowd of nearly 2,000 watched with excitement as names were drawn and called out in the Grand Ballroom. Exhibitors also noted the brisk sales on the exhibit show floor, suggesting significant pent-up demand after the two-year pandemic. Most outfitters booked hunting adventures or Expo attendees into 2024 and beyond. Outdoor manufacturers of rifles, optics, technical gear, and clothing also sold quickly.
“Congratulations to SFW and MDF for taking the Hunting Expo to the next level and making the 2022 show the most successful yet,” said Ryan Foutz, Managing Partner with King’s and an annual exhibitor at the Hunting Expo. “It’s noticeable that attendees and exhibitors are now coming from all over the Unites States and the world making this show one that we would never miss.”
The 2023 Western Hunting & Conservation Expo will be held February 2 – 5 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. Next year’s event will expand by 130,000 square feet offering even greater access to nearly 100 additional exhibitors. Stay tuned to the Hunt Expo website at www.huntexpo.com to plan your travel for next year’s event.
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Virtual Western Hunting & Conservation Expo Raises $8.1 Million for Conservation
Salt Lake City, UT: The 2021 Virtual Western Hunting & Conservation Expo (Hunt Expo) was a success raising $8.1 million with, on average, 94% of funds from state auction tags going back to wildlife agency conservation programs. The virtual Hunt Expo, hosted by Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife and the Mule Deer Foundation, was held mid-February and drew more bidders to the online auction and more applications for Utah’s 200 limited entry tags than ever before. In addition, the response to the virtual exhibit hall featuring many of Hunt Expo’s regular booths was very positive.
“Thank you to everyone across the country who tuned in to the virtual Western Hunting and Conservation Expo, and many thanks also go out to our sponsors and exhibitors who continue to support wildlife conservation,” said Troy Justensen, president of Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife. “While we can never replace the enjoyment and camaraderie of an in-person event, holding Hunt Expo online allowed people to participate who might not normally have been involved. I hope that this inspires them to take the time to come to Salt Lake and join us next year when we plan to once again have the Expo Hall open.”
“This past year has been a challenge for all of us and unfortunately Hunt Expo had to go fully online and looked a lot different from normal. We weren’t sure how it would go, however our members and supporters continued to support our organizations’ missions and the virtual Hunt Expo ended up working out very well,” noted Miles Moretti, outgoing president/CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation. “This certainly isn’t how I envisioned my last Expo would be, but I am proud of the innovation and hard work that went it to making it successful and I look forward to coming to next year’s Hunt Expo as an attendee!”
The ever-growing Hunting Expo is at the center of Utah’s enviable and successful wildlife conservation model. It brings together hunters and industry partners of all types from all over the world. The millions of dollars raised each year fund some of Utah’s most critical habitat improvement and wildlife management projects annually. The event continues to be one of the most important fundraising events of the year.
The 2022 Western Hunting & Conservation Expo is scheduled for February 10-13 in the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Information about this year’s Hunt Expo and details about next year’s show will be posted on the WHCE website at www.huntexpo.com.
Utah Conservation Turkey Tags Available in Two SFW Online Auctions
SFW has scheduled two online auctions for the sale of 22 Utah Conservation Turkey Permits. If you plan to hunt turkey in Utah this spring, then get registered to bid now.
| Session 1 – Live | Ends Friday, February 26 at 7pm MST |
| Species | Area |
| Bearded Turkey | Central Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Central Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Northeastern Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Northeastern Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Northern Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Northern Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Northern Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Southeastern Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Southeastern Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Southern Region |
| Session 2 – Live February 26 | Ends Friday, March 27 at 7pm MST |
| Bearded Turkey | Central Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Central Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Northeastern Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Northern Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Northern Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Northern Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Northern Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Southeastern Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Southern Region |
| Bearded Turkey | Southern Region |
| Bearded Turkey-UWSF | Southeastern Region |
| Bearded Turkey-UWSF | Southeastern Region |
Utah Fawn Study – An SFW Story
Ever wonder where all the funds raised at the Hunt Expo and other SFW events go? How it benefits you as a wildlife photographer, nature lover, hiker, biker and conservation minded hunter? We’re bringing the results directly to you here and now. We’re giving you an inside look at both the projects and the impact of your donations on the ground, for wildlife and for the benefit of all who hike, hunt and otherwise enjoy wildlife here in Utah. Watch this SFW video now.
SFW Giveaway Calendar Winner of the Browning BL-22 Micro Midas Rifle is:
AUSTIN FOUTZ is the SFW Giveaway Calendar Winner of the Browning BL-22 Micro Midas Rifle. Austin lives in North Salt Lake, Utah (calendar #2371). Enjoy your new toy, Austin!
Xtreme Giveaway Winners Announced
SFW held its Xtreme Giveaway drawing for 11 prizes today during a live Facebook event. The grand prize was a 2020 Polaris General 1000 Deluxe Side-by-side Customized by Z-Broz Racing. An R&K Mule Deer hunt, Mexico Coues Deer hunt with Wade lemon Hunting, Arcadia Canadian Lynx hunt, Hooville Texas Whitetail hunt, as well as a Browning firearm, Camp Chef smoker, Vortex optics package, and other items were all given away.
“This is not just a drawing for great hunts and products, it’s an important part of funding SFW’s wildlife conservation mission,” said Kevin Norman with SFW. “COVID-19 had the potential to severely diminish SFW’s fundraising efforts in 2020, but our members and sponsors really stepped up with the Xtreme Giveaway and helped make up the difference this year.”
SFW Names Matt Anderson Director of Operations
Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife (SFW) has named Matt Anderson Director of Operations. This position has been created to enhance existing conservation efforts as well as create new opportunities for growth at SFW.
Anderson will work with SFW Fundraising Director Kevin Norman in efforts to increase programs and funding sources to benefit Utah wildlife and the hunting public. Specifically, Anderson will support the 17 annual fundraising banquets held throughout the state of Utah as well as develop new initiatives. Working under the direction of SFW President Troy Justensen, he will work to increase conservation communications through all social channels, media coverage, and messages in Sportsmen’s Voice, SFW’s quarterly membership publication.
“Working for the last 15 years on the marketing and outdoor gear side of this business, I was able to work side by side with most conservation organizations across the country through advertising campaigns, banquet programs and donations of time and product. I’ve always wanted to do more to support conservation efforts and make an important difference in this critical cause,” Anderson said. “Through the years I’ve watched closely the strategy and root beliefs of each wildlife conservation group. Based on those observations, I’ve made a personal choice on where I believe I can use both my experience and skill set to make the biggest difference. That led me to throw my hat in the ring with SFW as I believe passionately in their mission statement and the way they are currently going about living that set of beliefs.”
Anderson continued, “To quote Bryan Mills from the movie Taken, ‘I don’t know who you are, I don’t know what you want. If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I don’t have money…. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long career.’ And I would change the rest to say, ‘If you choose to support conservation in a meaningful way, that will be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you… but if you don’t, I will look for you, I will find you… ‘ This is a critical mission that we can’t leave to someone else so please join the ranks and leave our herds, flocks, schools, rafters and landscape better than you were given them.”
Anderson brings with him 25 years of experience to the position. Most recently National Sales Manager at Camp Chef in Logan, Utah, his skills and passion for everything in the outdoors will complement SFW’s management and work to continue the ongoing and successful business of wildlife conservation in the state of Utah.
When he’s not in the office, Anderson can be found planning his next outdoor adventure with family and friends or driving the backroads of the country looking for his next classic vehicle to put back on the road. He and his wife Jana are being raised by six children, two off on their own adventures, leaving them with four, two of which are foster children who have been with them nearly two years.
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2020 Western Hunting & Conservation Expo Raises $8.7 Million for Conservation
Salt Lake City, Utah- The 2020 Western Hunting & Conservation Expo (Hunt Expo) closed Sunday, February 16 after over 60,000 people passed through the Salt Palace Convention Center to enjoy the show. The show raised a whopping $8.7 million for wildlife conservation through three auctions and applications for the Utah 200 limited entry tags, as well as through show passes. The majority of those funds will be directed to Utah wildlife conservation efforts. Attendance once again broke records with a 10 percent increase above last year’s already record-setting numbers.
Hunt Expo, hosted by Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife and the Mule Deer Foundation, boasts over 500 exhibiting companies on more than 600,000 square feet of exhibit space, a dramatic increase over the show’s 14-year history. This year’s event also featured a “fireside chat” and keynote address by Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt as well as remarks by novelist and former Navy SEAL, Jack Carr.
“We’re proud of the success that Hunt Expo has become in its 14 years,” commented Troy Justensen, president of Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife. “This event provides a great place for people who are passionate about hunting and the outdoors to gather together, find the best new products, and book future hunts. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this event!”
2020 Hunting and Conservation Expo
2020 Hunting and Conservation Expo
2020 Hunting and Conservation Expo
On Friday, the ladies celebrated and raised money for conservation at the Fabulous 50’s themed Ladies Luncheon, and on Saturday 1,100 of Utah’s top youth archers competed in the state championships of the National Archery in the Schools Program. In addition, the Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience kept kids who attended the show busy with an indoor pellet gun range, sensory trailers, the Armscor rock climbing wall, and many other interactive experiences. At the event’s auctions, almost $4.6 million was raised for conservation including the Utah statewide mule deer tag selling for $250,000 and the Arizona Governor’s mule deer tag selling for $260,000; 100 percent of funds from the Arizona tag goes back to the state’s mule deer conservation efforts. After the evening events, the crowd was entertained by country music star Chris Janson and the iconic band Little Texas.
“The Western Hunting & Conservation Expo provides the Mule Deer Foundation with the chance to showcase the incredible work that our staff is doing for mule deer and black-tailed deer – but more importantly it’s a good time for anyone who is passionate about hunting,” said Mule Deer Foundation president/CEO, Miles Moretti. “It’s bittersweet that this will be my last show at the helm of MDF, but I’m proud that in the 14 years I’ve been involved with Hunt Expo it has grown to become one of the biggest consumer hunting shows in the West.”
SFW recognized Miles Moretti during the Hunt Expo’s Friday evening banquet with a Teddy Roosevelt bronze symbolizing Mr. Moretti’s lifetime of contributions to wildlife conservation. Of the unique partnership SFW and MDF have forged through jointly hosting the Hunt Expo, Troy Justensen commented, “The great success of the Hunting Expo and the phenomenal strength of Utah’s wildlife conservation and management model simply would not be what they are today without Miles Moretti. We all have benefitted from and will truly miss our daily association with him.”
The 2021 Western Hunting & Conservation Expo will be held February 11-14 in the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Information about this year’s Hunt Expo and details about next year’s show will be posted on the WHCE website at www.huntexpo.com.
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SFW Commits $882,000 for Wildlife Conservation Projects in 2020
Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife (SFW) has committed $882,056 in 2020 big game captures and transplants, research studies, habitat and watershed improvement projects, and other projects that will benefit big game species throughout Utah. SFW’s funding of these projects comes from two sources:
1. Utah Conservation Permit funds raised through SFW’s live auctions at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo and its 17 fundraising events held throughout Utah in 2018 and 2019.
2. $5 Application Revenue from the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo during the 2018 and 2019 Expo events.
Read the entire report here >>
Benji Eames’ Book Bear
May 22, 2018 was the day Benji Eames took this giant chocolate boar in Southern Utah. But his success came only after applying for 12 years, hunting hard for 19 days, chasing and passing on several smaller bears, and passing up different bears. Benji said, “I especially want to thank my wife for putting up with all my hunting obsessions every year, my brother for all his hard work from him and his dogs. Also a special thanks to Doyle, Russ and Alan with Mossback Outfitters with their exceptional dogs.” After the 60-day drying period, Rusty Hall officially scored this bear at 20 1/8.
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