The National Deer Association (NDA) is pleased to announce that Cole Gander has joined the organization as a Deer Outreach Specialist in northern Missouri. A Missouri native and lifelong deer hunter, Gander comes to NDA from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). There, he served as the Natural Resources Technician for the Ted Shanks Conservation Area.
“I am delighted to be a part of the team here at the National Deer Association,” said Gander. “I look forward to working with others who share my passion to improve whitetail deer management in northern Missouri.”
As a Deer Outreach Specialist, Gander will assist MDC staff with facilitation of the state’s Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), provide guidance to landowners and deer hunters conducting deer population surveys or other data collection efforts, organize local habitat management trainings, work with private landowners to establish and support Wildlife Management Cooperatives, coordinate and assist with chronic debilitating disease (CWD) sampling trainings, and organize hunter mentoring and recruiting, such as NDA’s Field to Fork program in northern Missouri.
Cole’s duties will include helping to raise awareness of the NDA by recruiting new members, contributing to the organization’s national education and outreach efforts, as well as publicizing NDA conservation programs and initiatives.
“I am excited to have Cole join the NDA staff,” said Matt Ross, NDA Director of Conservation. “His previous experience of him working as a public land manager and educator for the state of Missouri, his enthusiasm for wildlife and hunting, and his general knowledge and passion for the outdoors make Cole a perfect fit for this role. ”.
Cole received his Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Science and Management from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where his study emphasis was in Fish and Wildlife. In addition to his recent position as a Natural Resources Technician at MDC, Cole worked as a paraprofessional for the Hannibal Public School District. He is Missouri Department of Conservation Tier 1 Fire certified and has substantial experience in land conservation planning, including conducting wildlife and habitat management activities in wetland and upland ecosystems.
Landowners and deer hunters in northern Missouri who would like more information on DMAP, CWD, deer management, or those who are interested in establishing a Wildlife Cooperative can contact Cole at [email protected] or (573 ) 469-1515.
About the National Deer Association
Formally launched on November 10, 2020, the National Deer Association is a nonprofit deer conservation group that leads efforts to ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat, and game. Formed by combining the strengths of two long-standing and successful organizations, the National Deer Association has a combined 38-year effort that has changed deer management to improve hunting and protect the most vital and admired game species. of North America for future generations. Visit DeerAssociation.com or follow @deerassociation on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.