In addition to his work as a member of Michigan’s Child Protective Services, Ron Philburn belongs to the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA). A non-profit wildlife conservation organization with locations throughout the United States, the
QDMA sets out to create a sustainable future for white-tailed deer and white-tailed deer hunting. By partnering with groups such as wildlife agencies, product manufacturers, timber companies, and hunting groups, the
QDMA raises awareness of its mission and contributes to the preservation of white-tailed deer populations.
According to its mission statement, the Quality Deer Management Association seeks to unite all white-tailed deer hunters and focus on sustainable hunting practices. In addition to acting as a voice for white-tailed deer hunters, the QDMA works closely with the deer herds to improve herd quality and enhance the hunting experience. The QDMA also maintains a number of publications, designed to promote hunter education and participation in deer sustainability projects. To ensure continuing investigation into the field of deer management, the QDMA actively supports research efforts related to white-tailed deer management and hunting. Today, the QDMA has earned a reputation as one of the most respectable deer management groups in the United States.
The Quality Deer Management Association operates according to four guiding principles. The first principle, known as herd management, requires careful records of herd composition according to age and sex. In areas where herd size is at or above capacity, stabilization or reduction via hunting can take place. The second principle requires that deer habitats be maintained in an appropriate way. According to the QDMA, a herd of deer should enjoy access to a food supply with adequate levels of protein, calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients. Hunter management, the third principle, involves the education of hunters about the mission and vision of QDMA and ways in which the organization hopes to improve deer hunting for future generations. The final principle, referred to as herd monitoring, requires regular and diligent data collection on all types of deer taken from the wild.
To learn more about the QDMA, visit the website at www.qdma.com.