Featuring Efforts to Restore Hawaiian Ecosystems and Support Fire-Impacted Communities
Portland, Ore. – Maui is home to more endangered species than anywhere else on earth, and hunters are keeping the balance. That’s exactly what LaCrosse Footwear’s latest film, Balance, featuring Maui Nui Venison, aims to highlight. The short film showcases the vital work the organization is doing to combat environmental challenges posed by invasive Axis deer and humanitarian efforts following the devastating Maui wildfires.
At its core, Maui Nui Venison functions as a responsible conservation program, harvesting Axis deer to balance their numbers and impact. It’s not uncommon to encounter thousands of deer in a single herd and harvest an average of 52 deer a night or 15,000 deer each year. Today, there are an average of 170,000 Axis deer across Maui, Moloka’i and Lānaʻi, with 70,000 on Maui alone.
“On Maui you have very unique landscapes and an entirely unique invasive species,” says Jake Muise, Maui Nui Venison Co-Founder. “Ultimately it calls for a unique solution—that’s why Maui Nui Venison came to be.”
Maui Nui Venison has taken on the mission of mitigating these environmental impacts through sustainable harvesting practices. By managing the population of Axis deer, they help restore balance to the ecosystem, reduce soil erosion, and protect the island’s reefs and marine life. Their efforts turn this environmental challenge into a source of high-quality, ethically sourced venison, contributing to both ecological restoration and the local community.
Weeks before the Maui fires hit, LaCrosse Footwear’s team visited the island and spent six nights in the field harvesting with Maui Nui. The experience so profoundly impacted LaCrosse’s employees that they decided to document Maui Nui in their latest film project, one of many conservation stories LaCrosse aims to share in coming years.
About LaCrosse
Do one thing and do it right. Since 1897, that’s what we’ve been doing – making the best rubber boots. Period. Boots that won’t let you down. Boots that know a thing or two about toughness, durability, and comfort. Whether for hunting, working, or tending the land upon which they tread, LaCrosse boots give you the freedom to focus on what matters most to you. Because that’s what matters most to us. For more information please visit www.lacrossefootwear.com.
About Maui Nui Venison
Maui Nui Venison is dedicated to restoring balance to Hawaii’s ecosystems by addressing the overpopulation of invasive axis deer. Through sustainable harvesting practices, Maui Nui Venison produces premium quality, wild-harvested venison while contributing to the preservation of Hawaii’s natural heritage. For more information visit MauiNuiVenison.com
