Mule Deer Foundation names new executive director for southeast New Mexico and west Texas
Demetrio Rubio spent nearly 10 years as a volunteer with the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) in Pecos County, Texas. Now he is getting paid for his work as the new regional director for Western Texas and Eastern New Mexico, according to a news release from the foundation.
He replaced Charlie Stockstill on June 23 as he retired from the organization.
“To be chosen was one of the big honors,” Rubio said. “I’ve always been a volunteer.”
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Based in Fort Stockton, located 138 miles southeast of Carlsbad, Rubio worked in law enforcement for 30 years and volunteered on hunter education and conservation efforts in western Texas.
Marshall Johnson, MDF director of field operations, said Rubio represents a passion and energy that the organization looks for in volunteers.
“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,” he said.
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.
“Raise awareness and conservation of mule deer and blacktail species,” he said.
Rubio said he wants to work with MDF chapters in West Texas and Southeast New Mexico to promote work outside of Fort Stockton.
“Each chapter is unique in their own way with chairs that are very committed with the same passion,” he said.
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Rubio plans to visit mule deer hunting sites and chapters in southeast New Mexico and west Texas in the coming months.
Who is the MDF?
Based in Clearfield, Utah, MDF “is the only conservation group in North America dedicated to restoring, improving, and protecting mule deer and black-tailed deer and their habitat, with a focus on science and program efficiency” the organization’s website reads.
The MDF is committed to sustaining western deer populations ensuring quality habitats in areas that deer on a daily, seasonal and yearly basis, according to the website.
MDF has worked with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to increase water availability in mule deer country of west Texas.
MDF was instrumental with brush removal in Texas and also helped with migration research in New Mexico.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Pecos Texas native named new executive director for Mule Deer Foundation
