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Deer Steward 1:
Herd Health
Online Module

Learn all about the major diseases that impact deer, different pests and parasites, unusual abnormalities and what these things mean for hunters by completing NDA’s Herd Health online module.

The official NDA Deer Steward online modules will teach you all about deer, how to hunt them, and how to manage habitat and herds.

Why Choose this Module?

Learn from the Nation’s Top Deer Experts and Researchers

This course was developed by the National Deer Association (NDA) and is powered by the leading provider of online hunter safety courses for state agencies and consumers in North America. In this course, you will receive the world’s foremost personal training on herd health.

Comprehensive Learning

Videos and corresponding photos and slides included throughout the course make information easy to learn and retain. The nation’s top deer experts provide you with a complete understanding of deer biology, ecology, and management.

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Developed and Approved by the NDA

The Deer Steward program was developed to meet the NDA’s standards for safe and ethical hunting practices. Since 1988, NDA has worked to promote sustainable, healthy, and balanced deer populations, wildlife habitat, and ethical hunting experiences through scientific research, hunter education programs, hunting advocacy, and active hunter recruitment. NDA is pleased to join Today’s Hunter in being your guide to becoming an advanced deer manager and hunter, and we know you’re going to find the experience enjoyable and rewarding.

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Personal Instruction

The NDA’s Deer Steward online modules were developed with the goal of increasing your knowledge and understanding of a specific topic. Whether you’re a brand-new or experienced hunter, landowner, or an aspiring natural resource professional, this is the place to be. Each course is entirely web based, and you will have access to the materials for 90 days after registering, allowing for the flexibility necessary to cover the materials as quickly or slowly as you desire.



Here's an idea of the topics covered in this module.

Diseases and Implications to Hunters – Kip Adams

There are a variety of diseases that affect deer, and they are among the biggest threats to the future of deer herds, deer hunting, and all wildlife management. In this module, you will learn all about the different major diseases of deer, their causes, symptoms, prevalence, and what you can do to help!

Parasites and Other Health Concerns – Dr. Gino D’Angelo

Just like all wild animals, deer are susceptible to a variety of health concerns, ranging from bacteria, to parasites, to extremely rare physical conditions. Here you will learn the various health concerns that deer come across, what causes them, symptoms, their impact on management, and if they ruin your venison!

Course Features

Videos

Filmed in front of a live audience, our Deer Steward course videos feature professional biologists and deer researchers, the latest and most relevant science, and engaging footage of deer in the wild that gives you a visual representation of their behavior and how they respond to management.

Watch this 2-minute video to learn more about the new and improved course.


Dr. Gino D’Angelo – Gino is an Assistant Professor of Deer Ecology and Management in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at University of Georgia. Gino earned his B.S. degree from Penn State and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from University of Georgia. Gino and his students conduct studies aimed at improving deer population management, guiding science-driven management by state and federal agencies, and enhancing knowledge of deer anatomy and physiology.

Kip Adams – Kip is NDA’s Chief Conservation Officer. Kip received his B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from the Pennsylvania State University and his M.S. in Wildlife from the University of New Hampshire. Kip is a Certified Wildlife Biologist, Life Member of NDA, and a member of the Brothers-Hamilton Legacy Society.


Continuing Education Credits

Just like NDA’s in-person Deer Steward courses, registrants must pass an exam to graduate, and continuing education credits from either the Society of American Foresters and/or The Wildlife Society are available. In addition, we’re proud to announce that this course is now compatible with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Graduates of this course will be eligible to take one of the NDA’s in-person Level 2 courses upon completion.


Learn Your Way on Any Device

Today's Hunter offers online courses that are fully mobile-friendly from start to finish. This safety course is designed to work on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

Saved Progress

You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Log in and out at any time, and we'll keep track of your progress. Most students finish the course in a few hours.