NDA President & CEO Nick Pinizzotto joined Michigan Branch volunteers for their annual Deer Rendezous, an all-day gathering of NDA volunteers and Deer Cooperative leaders at Jay’s Sporting Goods in Clare, Michigan. Hosted by NDA’s Michigan State Council, the meeting brings leaders together to discuss statewide matters impacting deer and hunting.

Nick spoke about NDA’s past, present and future. He covered 2025 achievements and strategic objectives, and he answered many questions from Branch leaders about national goals, deer issues, and grassroots efforts nationwide and in Michigan.

Brent Rudolph, Deer, Elk, and Moose Management Specialist with Michigan DNR, gave an update on Michigan deer and hunting regulations and took questions. Other speakers included Mike Ketelaar, President of NDA’s Michigan State Council; Harold Wolf with Southern Mecosta Whitetail Management Association; Jason Lewis with Three Echos Cooperative; Jake Glass with the Shiawassee Branch; and Todd Johnson, Director of Advocacy and Policy for the Michigan State Council. Past speakers from NDA included Chief Conservation Officer Kip Adams and Director of Grassroots Support Matt Wilkins.

“Our goal is to cultivate camaraderie, generate fresh enthusiasm for leadership, providing insider information and updates, and cultivating brainstorming sessions within our leadership cohort here in Michigan,” said Anna Mitterling, Cooperative Consultant with Michigan In-Sights Consulting LLC and an NDA member. “We like to facilitate discussion and showcase what some of our Branches and Cooperatives are accomplishing around the state.”