ATHENS, GA – The National Deer Association (NDA) recently welcomed three new interns for the spring semester. Sam Hoag will work in the Conservation Department under Director Matt Ross, Xavier Austin will work in the Hunting Heritage Department under Director Hank Forester, and James Dutton will work in the Grassroots Department under Assistant Directors Josh Hillyard and Mike Edwards.

“We are excited to welcome our next round of interns at NDA,” said NDA Chief Conservation Officer Kip Adams. “We’ve selected three highly qualified individuals to work in our Conservation, Grassroots and Hunting Heritage Departments. We are looking forward to adding them to our team and meeting our lofty goals during the first half of 2021.”

Hoag is a college student at Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he is seeking a bachelor of art in political science and computer science. He currently works for the Michigan DNR as a maintenance worker, operating power equipment and vehicles to perform maintenance tasks and ensure visitor safety at the state park. Hoag is also a member of the school’s lacrosse team and serves on several school committees.

Austin attends college at Aquinas College in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he is seeking a degree in environmental studies. He currently works as a groundskeeper at the school, and has experience in geospatial analysis.

Dutton is a student at Eastern Washington University studying biology and environmental science with the goal of becoming a biologist for a government agency or non-profit conservation organization. He currently works part-time as a ramp agent for Southwest Airlines and is active in the Army ROTC program.

Hoag, Austin and Dutton will serve as NDA interns from January 1 through June 30, 2021. Future internship opportunities with NDA will be posted on the Employment Page.

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.