Decide you have the grit and tenacity to begin, initiate, and lead a deer cooperative.  Some characteristics that seem to make cooperative leaders most successful are:  good communicator, friendly, open-minded, active listener, from the area, patient, team player, honest, authentic, able to navigate conflict resolution, etc. 

 These are not all required, but the process of starting a cooperative will be easier. It is also a good idea to build a diverse leadership team with the latter characteristics.  

If you want to start a cooperative, but you are “concerned” because you are not from the area or formally reside there, finding a neighbor who grew up in the area is a must to have on your leadership team to help navigate the “culture and mindset” of that respective community/area. 

1. When starting a deer cooperative, it is crucial to begin with asking some basic questions which will help focus your efforts. Brainstorming questions like the following, will help align hunters and focus your efforts: What is your mission? What is your vision? What culture do you want to cultivate? Cooperatives are larger than just wanting to see and grow bigger bucks. An effective deer cooperative must prioritize their future of deer hunting, deer management, and a sense of community and belonging above all else. Bigger bucks and increases in hunter satisfaction will follow, as illustrated in tons of successful cooperatives in Michigan.  If at any point, your desire and commitment are there to start a local deer cooperative, but you need guidance and direction on organization elements and narrowing down a mission/vision, Anna Mitterling (Anna@miinsightsconsultingllc.com) and other cooperative leaders are at your disposal for guidance.  

2. It is very important to start small with a solid core of neighboring landowners/ hunters. It is wise to start with neighbors that touch your property and ask them to talk to their neighbors to see if they are interested in joining a possible cooperative or at least learn more. Once you build a strong group, people will be attracted to the camaraderie and rapport that is present when they come to an event or see interactions on social media. A good step is to start by going door to door, have a letter in hand with the cooperative’s mission, your contact information, and the date and details of your first meeting. You should bring extras for neighbors to give to share to their neighbors as well.  

3. Most new cooperatives begin by hosting an event. These events are typically casual, simple, and follow a “meet and greet” vibe. It is good to begin with the following introductions:  

• Have everyone introduce themselves. 

• Share which property you hunt. 

• Share what current management goals/philosophies are being practiced on the land you hunt. 

• Share why you chose to attend this initial deer cooperative event. 

• Share what you hope to gain in this deer cooperative and collective, future management goals. 

It is also extremely helpful to have a plot map printed off, so those in attendance can have a visual representation of which hunters are where. In addition, as the cooperative grows, properties/landowners not included or highlighted on the map as participants in the cooperative can be re-invited or pursued to learn more about your goals/mission and possible join.  

*Once your deer cooperative is named and launched, please fill out the contact information below. Tell us you want to be added to the Cooperative Map and we will send you a form to fill out to start the process! *