B&C Fellow - David Mason

I'm a suburban kid from New Jersey who had little exposure to the wild world growing up. Once I discovered it, I fell in love and wanted to learn as much as possible. After spending time as an outdoor educator helping other kids connect with nature, I turned to research to get closer to the source of new information. Initially, I worked as a theoretical plant ecologist but realized I was missing crucial aspects by not considering wildlife. Now, I'm a wildlife ecologist specializing in interactions among wildlife, plants, and natural disturbances that generate habitats. I'm driven by the field's potential to simultaneously advance ecological theory and directly influence natural resources. After a journey that has taken me across the country, living in four other states and conducting research in seven, my mission is to strengthen society's connection with nature, making it better than what I experienced growing up.

I am collaborating with Mark Bell to produce a comprehensive report for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) that will inform management decisions regarding white-tailed deer overabundance in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The document will present the background and current state of white-tailed deer management, along with the negative ecological and economic effects of deer overabundance. It will then provide scientific literature reviews addressing challenges and projected outcomes of various population control methods, including expanded harvest, professional culls, fertility control, and trap-and-kill or trap-and-relocate approaches. To provide more focused insight, the report will also incorporate data from ongoing research in Michigan alongside these literature reviews. Additionally, I am analyzing wild-harvested game meat donation programs in Michigan and across North America, while Mark is assessing current deer damage levels which will direct removal efforts. Collectively, this comprehensive approach will impact policy not only in Michigan, but as a template confronting similar issues with white-tailed deer overabundance.