Muley banquet deemed successful

Despite a depressed local economy, the fourth annual Southwest Wyoming Chapter of the Muley Fanatic fundraising banquet was a success.

The March 7 banquet at the the Sweetwater Events Complex generated nearly $107,000 in net revenue.

“The economic situation in southwest Wyoming is far different from a year ago. To yield similar results to that of 2014 is a success by all accounts,” Muley Fanatic Co-Founder Joshua Coursey, said. “There is no doubt that a steep decline in oil and natural gas prices has had a direct impact to the local economy. The success of this event is a direct reflection of the regard that sportsmen and sportswomen hold for their wild things and wild places.”

This year’s event was led by Chapter Chair Aaron Logan and a team of 38 local volunteers and seven Boy Scouts of America from Troop 4 in Rock Springs.

Highlights of the event included the recognition of all the veteran’s in attendance as well as special recognition to two veterans from Rock Springs, 88-year-old Gene Cox who served in World War II and 78-year-old Ralph Lamb who served in the Korea War.

Also individually recognized was George Chacon who was presented an AR-15 from All State insurance agent and veteran raffle sponsor Penny Kramer.

Chacon held the lucky number on a drawing that all veterans were eligible to win simply by their active or prior military service.

“Without the sacrifices made by our men and women in the military, we would not be getting together to talk about mule deer. The opportunity to recognize our veteran’s is something that has become a staple at all of our events,” Coursey said. “We are on borrowed time with some of these gents so it is beyond my words to express the gratitude that we hold for their service. Also recognized Saturday night were the induction of two individuals and one organization into the Muley Fanatic Foundation 30-Inch Club. Those inducted were Neil E. Aitken, 85, who has harvested a mule deer for 71 consecutive years and Kevin Spence, whose commitment and volunteer time with MFF has been instrumental in furthering the MFF mission. Organizationally, Rock Springs Grazing Association was inducted.

“All of the inductees represent something different. Neil is a beacon of ambition for every mule deer enthusiast alive. Kevin’s regard for Wyoming’s landscape and its wildlife is second to none. RSGA and their tremendous stewardship to allow access to their 2 million acres of land in Southwest Wyoming is something that is truly of national significance,” Coursey said. “The recreational opportunities that have taken place on RSGA land is beyond what most are aware of. RSGA land is essentially 40 miles wide and 80 miles long along I-80. The opportunities that such access has afforded to residents of, and visitors to, southwest Wyoming are tremendous.”

Also featured Saturday night was the continuation of a tradition that started in 2014, a duel between Rock Springs and Green River mayors. This year’s winner was Mayor Carl Demshar and for his victory, Rock Springs City Hall will be the care taker of the “Rock Star” mule deer drawing drawn by Co-Founder Joey Faigl. Rock Star is a pencil drawing of a deer which has become synonymous with MFF’s logo.

“Seventy percent of the net revenue will be retained by the Southwest Wyoming Chapter Project Allocations Committee (SW-PAC) and allocated locally, “said Faigl. Nine local volunteers from Rock Springs and Green River make up the SW-PAC and are responsible for reviewing, allocating and following up with projects.

“What makes MFF work is that the bulk of the revenue generated is controlled and allocated locally. It is clear that our success is rooted in this model. There isn’t anything remotely close to it. It’s quite simply the right thing to do,” Faigl said.

The SW-PAC is currently accepting and reviewing project applications. Applications can be obtained at http://www.muleyfanatic.org or at the Muley Fanatic Foundation headquarters at 520 Wilkes Drive Suite #1, Green River.

 

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