The National Deer Association (NDA) is pleased to announce that Karlin Dawson has joined the organization as a Deer Outreach Specialist in northern Missouri. A Missouri native and lifelong deer hunter, Karlin comes to NDA from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), where she served as the naturalist for the Runge Conservation Nature Center.

“I am honored and excited to be joining such a wonderful organization,” said Karlin. “I cannot wait to continue my work in conservation and supporting our natural resources.”

As a Deer Outreach Specialist, Karlin will assist MDC staff with facilitation of the state’s Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), provide guidance to landowners and deer hunters conducting deer population surveys or other data collection efforts, host local habitat management trainings, work with private landowners to establish and support Wildlife Management Cooperatives, coordinate and assist with chronic wasting disease (CWD) sampling trainings, and organize hunter recruitment and mentoring initiatives, like NDA’s Field to Fork program, in northern Missouri. She will also serve Missourians by helping promote numerous private land assistance programs alongside MDC staff.

Karlin’s duties will include helping increase awareness of NDA by recruiting new members and publicize NDA’s national programs and conservation partner programs.

“I am excited to have Karlin join the NDA staff,” said Matt Ross, NDA’s Director of Conservation. “Her past experience working as a public educator and naturalist for the state of Missouri, her enthusiasm for wildlife and the sustenance it provides, and her general knowledge and passion for the outdoors make her a perfect fit for this position.”

Karlin received her bachelor of science degree in biology from Westminster College where her study emphasis was in conservation, ecology and field research. In addition to her recent position as a naturalist with MDC, Karlin worked as an assistant manager and whitetail guide at Safari Unlimited LLC, a Missouri-based commercial outfitting business that specializes in worldwide hunting and fishing adventure travel and offers a free-range deer and turkey hunting service in the Show Me state. She is a certified Hunter Education instructor, a certified CWD sampling technician, and has substantial experience in both virtual and interpretive conservation programming, including a unique content series about wild edibles, game recipes and cooking.

Landowners and deer hunters in northern Missouri who want to learn more about DMAP, deer management or with an interest in establishing a Wildlife Cooperative can contact Karlin at karlin@deerassociation.com or 573-469-1515.

Media Contact: Matt Ross, NDA Director of Conservation, matt@deerassociation.com

About the National Deer Association

Formally launched on November 10, 2020, the National Deer Association is a non-profit deer conservation group that leads efforts to ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting. Formed by combining the strengths of two long-serving, successful organizations, the National Deer Association has a combined 38 years of action that has changed deer management for the betterment of hunting and protected North America’s most vital and admired game species for future generations.