Hunting has always been about more than the taking of an animal, it's about community, stewardship, and sharing the bounty. In this episode of Conservation Cooperative, we explore how modern hunters are expanding that age-old tradition through venison donation programs, turning successful hunts into powerful tools for wildlife management and community support.

We'll learn about two initiatives: Venison for Vermonters, started by two game wardens who saw a need in their own communities, and Massachusetts' Hunters Share the Harvest, a state-run program that's reducing deer overpopulation while feeding families in need. You'll hear firsthand from the wardens, biologists, and food pantry organizers on the front lines, and discover how donated venison is becoming a sought-after resource in food-insecure households.

From the backroads of Vermont to the islands of Massachusetts, this episode reveals how hunters are not just managing landscapes, they're changing hearts, filling plates, and strengthening the bond between wild harvests and human need.

Guests Include

Warden Abigail Serra. Warden Service Division, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

Sgt. Jeffrey Whipple. Warden Service Division, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

Catherine Appling-Pooler. Director of Policy, National Deer Association

Alicia Blais. Programs Director & Founder, Daniel's Table

Martin Feehan, PhD. Deer & Moose Project Leader. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

Show Related Links

Venison for Vermonters - Vermont

Hunters For the Hungry - Massachusetts

National Deer Association Venison Donation Map

Daniel's Table

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website

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New England Chapter

New York Chapter

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Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website

Join us as we explore the history of moose in New Hampshire, the science behind their management, and the role of community-driven conservation. We'll hear from Henry Jones, the Moose Project Leader for NH Fish & Game, and learn how the University of New Hampshire's Wildlife Modeling & Management Lab is using trail cameras, drones, and other innovative tools to gather critical data on moose populations and a whole lot more across the state.

We'll also meet volunteers from the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) New England Chapter, who are lending their time and expertise to help with data collection in the White Mountains. Their passion for wildlife and wild places is a reminder that conservation is a team effort, and that the future of moose and the Northeast's wild heritage depends on all of us.

Guests Include

Henry Jones. New Hampshire Fish & Game, Moose Project Leader.

Mairi Poisson. UNH Wildlife Modeling & Management Lab.

Brian Bird. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Chapter Coordinator.

Jeff Swayze. Backcountry Hunters & Angler, Chapter Leader.

AJ Hunter. Owner, HuntLyte. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Member.

Show Related Links

New Hampshire Fish & Game

UNH Wildlife Modeling & Management Lab

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website

Follow us on social media!

New England Chapter

New York Chapter

HQ

Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website

We've got a special episode for you today. Believe it or not, we've been doing Conservation Cooperative for a year now! So, it's a great time to look back at some stories, do some updates, and hear some audio from some of our guests this year.

Guests Include

Krysten Schuler, PhD. Department of Public & Ecosystem Health. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Ben Gahagan, PhD. Recreational Fisheries Program Leader. Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries

Meredith Naughton. Recreation & Wildlife Researcher

Benjamin Letcher, Ph.D. Ecologist.

Show Related Links

Cornell Wildlife Health Lab

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website

Follow us on social media!

New England Chapter

New York Chapter

HQ

Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website