The National Deer Association (NDA) is pleased to announce 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 a Natural Resources Technician for the Ted Shanks Conservation Area.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the team here at the National Deer Association,,” said Gander. “I’m looking forward to working with others who share my passion to enhance the management of the white-tailed deer 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, host local habitat management trainings, work with private landowners to establish and support Wildlife Management Cooperatives, coordinate and assist with chronic wasting disease (CWD) sampling trainings, and organize hunter recruitment and mentoring initiatives, like NDA’s Field to Fork program, in northern Missouri.
Cole’s duties will include helping increase awareness of NDA by recruiting new members, contributing to the organization’s national education and outreach efforts, as well as publicizing NDA’s conservation programs and initiatives.
“I am excited to have Cole join the NDA staff,” said Matt Ross, NDA’s Director of Conservation. “His past experience working as public lands 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 position.”
Cole received his Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resource Science and management from the University of Missouri-Columbia where his study emphasis was in FIsheries and WIldlife. In addition to his recent position as a Natural Resource Technician with MDC, Cole worked as a teacher’s aide for Hannibal Public School District. He is Level 1 Fire certified by the Missouri Department of Conservation and has substantial experience in land conservation-planning, including conducting wildlife and habitat management activities on both wetland and upland ecosystems.
Landowners and deer hunters in northern Missouri who want to learn more about DMAP, CWD, deer management, or those who have an interest in establishing a Wildlife Cooperative can contact Cole at cole@deerassociation.com or (573) 469-1515.
About the National Deer Association
Formally launched on November 10, 2020, the National Deer Association is a non-profit deer conservation group that leads efforts to ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting. Formed by combining the strengths of two long-serving, successful organizations, the National Deer Association has a combined 38 years of action that has changed deer management for the betterment of hunting and protected North America’s most vital and admired game species for future generations. Visit DeerAssociation.com or follow @deerassociation on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
