Wildlife conservation has never tasted so good.

WYOld West’s Mule Deer Beer is a flavor-packed, German-style pilsner brewed in Powell and on the way to shelves in stores across the state and on tap in Powell and Cody. The brew is a collaboration between the brewery and the Mule Deer Foundation, whose mission is to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat.

Just before Christmas, head brewer Steve Samuelson and his crew canned 200 cases of the pilsner for distribution in Wyoming. It’s a limited edition brew, but they are ready to make a second batch if sales go well. The kegs at the brewery are being consumed quickly, Samuelson said.

“Steve was more than excited to do it and made an awesome tasting beer,” said Wyoming Regional Director for the Mule Deer Foundation, Shawn Blajszczak, adding “We're gonna see how it goes. Hopefully, it'll sell really well around the state.”

The charitable proceeds will be used “on the ground,” he said, adding it will mostly be used on fencing issues and habitat work.

The Foundation has two wire-winders in the state that are used to remove old fences before replacing them with new wildlife friendly fencing. The organization is also a member of the Absaroka and Bighorn fence initiatives.

“Our conservation programs, combined with our grassroots support, are the foundation of who we are as an organization,” the Foundation reports. “We are committed to sustaining our western deer populations by ensuring quality habitat in the areas deer need on a daily, seasonal and yearly basis. Our conservation efforts are delivered through efforts by staff and in partnership with state and federal agencies as well as other non-profit organizations.”

The Foundation is also a strong voice for public access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. The group supports regulated hunting as a viable component to wildlife management and is committed to mentoring the next generation of sportsmen and women into the traditions of hunting, shooting sports and conservation.

“We can make the most difference by making sure mule deer are in the best shape they can be for winters, ensuring they have good rates of reproduction,” Blajszczak said.

The work they do in habitats can help mitigate terrible winter storms like the 2022 storm in Wyoming that killed a significant number of ungulates, he said.

“If they go into a harsh winter in really good condition and good fat reserves, it will help get them through it,” he said.

WYld Showdown

WYOld West Brewing Company is also participating in the WYldlife Fund’s WYld Showdown (a charity program where consumers in breweries across the state can participate in a bracket-style competition via a QR code found on beer coasters in the breweries to raise awareness and funds that support wildlife conservation).

Beer aficionados will vote on their favorite area critters by making small donations to participate.

The WYld Showdown is a partnership among The WYldlife Fund’s signature initiative WYldlife for Tomorrow, the Wyoming Craft Brewers Guild, and the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming. Through this initiative, The WYldlife Fund aims to create new ways to help all people take an active part in conservation funding.

“As a home for all people, The WYldlife Fund is proud to partner with The Craft Brewers Guild and the Haub School to showcase the commitment that Wyoming breweries have to the state’s wildlife resources,” said Nate Brown, operations manager of the Fund. “Great beer, made by great people, in great places across our state.”

Through the support of the Wyoming Craft Brewers Guild, these coasters will be available at breweries across Wyoming, giving those who enjoy beer the opportunity to support wildlife conservation while enjoying their favorite adult beverages and supporting local businesses.

“Engaging in this program is a great chance for Wyoming breweries to showcase their commitment to their communities and wildlife conservation,” said Wyoming Craft Brewers Guild Executive Director Michelle Forster. “We’re excited to see Wyomingites show their love for craft beer and wildlife all at once.”

The idea for the WYld Showdown came from Haub School graduate student Tyler Shreve’s thesis project that examines strategies to promote charitable giving in support of Wyoming conservation projects.

The WYld Showdown coasters are now out at breweries across the state and the competition will last for several months — giving beer lovers the chance to vote multiple times.