Following discussions at the 2026 Deer Rendezvous, Michigan National Deer Association (NDA) leaders Todd Johnson and Mike Ketelaar sat down with Anna Mitterling to provide a deeper look into the organization’s philosophy on policy and advocacy. Their conversation highlighted a key message: successful deer management is not driven by emotion, social media debates, or any single regulation. Instead, it is built on science, education, collaboration, and the actions of individual hunters.

Moving Beyond Regulatory Debates

One of the most discussed topics in recent months has been the legalization of recreational deer feeding in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. While NDA has expressed concerns about the biological risks associated with artificial feeding, including disease transmission and concentrating deer in unhealthy numbers, the organization also recognizes that feeding wildlife is a pastime many residents enjoy.

Rather than approaching the issue from an emotional or political standpoint, NDA’s position is grounded in science. The factors that originally led to restrictions on feeding remain relevant today, particularly in areas where deer populations already meet or exceed the land’s carrying capacity. At the same time, the organization acknowledges the cultural significance of feeding wildlife and focuses on educating the public about potential unintended consequences rather than condemning those who participate in the practice.

Why NDA Isn’t Always the Loudest Voice

A recurring question facing Michigan NDA leadership is why the organization is not more vocal on social media or at every Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting.

According to Johnson, the answer lies in the organization’s mission and strategy. Hunters are passionate people, and deer regulations often spark strong opinions. While NDA takes positions on important issues and actively participates in advisory groups, stakeholder committees, and policy discussions, it intentionally avoids turning every disagreement into a public battle.

The reason is simple: deer hunters share far more common ground than differences. Constantly amplifying divisive regulatory debates risks alienating individuals who support NDA’s broader mission but may disagree on specific regulations.

Likewise, NDA’s influence extends far beyond public testimony. Through ongoing collaboration with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), NRC commissioners, legislators, universities, and conservation partners, the organization has regular opportunities to advocate for science-based management behind the scenes. Rather than focusing solely on three-minute speeches at commission meetings, Michigan NDA prioritizes building relationships that create long-term results.

Hunters Are the Most Important Deer Managers

Perhaps the strongest theme throughout the discussion was the belief that Michigan hunters have more power over the future of the deer herd than they often realize.

Johnson argued that the greatest opportunity to improve deer health statewide is not a new regulation but increased participation in antlerless harvest. Michigan hunters currently have access to more antlerless harvest opportunities than ever before, yet many do not utilize those opportunities.

The conversation challenged hunters to view themselves as more than participants in a hunting season. Every hunter is also a deer manager. The choices made in the field directly influence herd health, habitat quality, reproductive success, and future hunting opportunities.

Rather than focusing on what regulations are missing, NDA encourages hunters to focus on the management tools already available to them.

The Benefits of Balanced Deer Populations

A major misconception addressed during the conversation is the belief that advocating for antlerless harvest simply means reducing deer numbers. The reality is much more complex.

When deer populations exceed carrying capacity, habitat quality suffers. Overbrowsing can eliminate desirable plant species and prevent forest regeneration. In many Michigan forests, deer preferentially consume highly nutritious vegetation, preventing the establishment of future habitat and reducing biodiversity.

Balanced deer populations provide ecological benefits that extend far beyond deer themselves. Healthier forests support more wildlife species, produce higher-quality forage, and create more resilient ecosystems.

The benefits also extend directly to the deer herd. When populations are balanced:

• Disease transmission risks can decline.
• Nutritional stress decreases.
• Buck-to-doe ratios become more balanced.
• Rutting activity becomes more concentrated.
• Fawn recruitment improves.
• Overall herd health increases.

In regions such as Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where winters can be particularly severe, these benefits become even more critical. A more synchronized breeding season leads to a narrower fawning window, giving young deer a better chance to develop before facing their first winter.

Science Drives the Position, Not the Regulation

Throughout the discussion, NDA leaders emphasized that they are not advocates for specific regulations simply for the sake of regulations.

Instead, the organization focuses on broader biological objectives:

• Deer populations at or below carrying capacity.
• Balanced sex ratios.
• Healthy habitat.
• Sustainable hunting opportunities.
• Long-term herd health.

As Johnson explained, multiple regulatory approaches can achieve these goals. What matters most is whether the strategy is biologically sound and contributes to healthier deer and habitat.

This science-first philosophy is strengthened by NDA’s connection to the national organization, which provides access to leading deer researchers, conservation professionals, wildlife agencies, and university experts. Michigan’s advocacy efforts are supported by a national framework built on research and scientific credibility rather than opinion.

The Value of Relationships

Another important takeaway from the discussion was the value of maintaining productive relationships with decision-makers.

Rather than taking an adversarial approach with agencies and policymakers, Michigan NDA has intentionally built trust with the DNR, NRC, and other conservation partners. This collaborative approach often leads to practical solutions that may not receive public attention but deliver meaningful outcomes.

One example discussed involved venison donation requirements when disease and lead testing protocols were introduced. Through direct conversations with DNR leadership, Michigan NDA was able to help develop a practical solution for processors, ensuring continued participation in venison donation programs while addressing public health concerns.

These types of solutions are often only possible when organizations maintain credibility and open lines of communication.

Playing the Long Game

Ultimately, the conversation reinforced that Michigan NDA’s mission is about much more than annual regulation changes.

The organization views policy and advocacy as one component of a broader conservation strategy that includes education, habitat improvement, hunter recruitment, collaboration, and stewardship. Regulations are important, but they are tools, not solutions.

Real change occurs when hunters become engaged, informed, and willing to prioritize the long-term health of the resource over short-term preferences.

As the discussion concluded, all three participants returned to the same central idea: healthy deer herds and healthy habitat will not be achieved through a single policy change. Success depends on science-based management, strong partnerships, and hunters embracing their role as active stewards of Michigan’s deer resource.

The future of Michigan’s deer herd ultimately rests not with a regulation book, but with the collective choices made by the people who care most about it. Let’s focus on being UNITED for deer, rather than DIVIDED by deer.

This article was generated via Copilot, edited by Anna, using the transcript from the interview, and reviewed by those interviewed.