Ben Westfall is NDA's Conservation Coordinator. Ben received both his bachelor of science and master of science degrees from Southeast Missouri State University with an emphasis on wildlife conservation.
3 Easy Options for Summer Deer Nutrition and Food Plots
Mar 15, 2023Ben Westfall
“What should I plant in my food plot?” This is the most common question I receive from deer hunters. Fortunately, my experience as a land manager has prepared me to answer this question. I also…
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Easy Venison Philly Cheese Wonton Bites
Feb 8, 2023Ben Westfall
Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, cheering on your favorite college football team, or tailgating for a baseball game, these venison Philly cheese wonton bites are one of our favorites. I sure do love…
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Bucks Are More Visible When Deer Hunters Harvest Does
Nov 9, 2022Ben Westfall
“If you shoot a bunch of does, you won’t see any bucks!” I have heard this phrase and its variations time and time again over my years as a deer hunter, land manager and biologist….
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Smoked Venison Queso Dip Recipe
May 18, 2022Ben Westfall
Most of my non-hunting friends and family are extremely supportive of hunting but have been hesitant to try venison for a variety of reasons. Whether it is due to their misconceptions from popular culture or social…
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Don’t Move That Fawn
May 4, 2022Ben Westfall
It seems like every spring I see a post on social media by someone with a fawn they “rescued” because they found it lying alone in the grass, seemingly frightened. I politely inform them that…
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Venison Backstrap Inside and Out: A Muscular Look at America’s Best Cut of Meat
Apr 13, 2022Ben Westfall
Venison backstrap. What more do I need to say? Most experienced deer hunters know where it is, what it looks like, and that we undoubtedly love to eat it. In fact, we’ll venture to say…
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Roasted Mediterranean Venison Backstrap
Oct 27, 2021Ben Westfall
We’ve all heard it before. You know the phrase. The one that nearly all hunters have heard when they bring up how excited they are to fill the freezer with venison. “I can’t eat deer,…
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5 Pieces of Hunting Gear Every New Deer Hunter Needs
Oct 6, 2021Ben Westfall
Like many of us, I started hunting at a young age wearing mismatched, hand-me-down camo and worn-out gear that was older than I was. My hunting journey has evolved over the years, but when I…
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How to Prep for Deer Season in a Small Suburban Home
Sep 8, 2021Ben Westfall
Many of us, myself included, do not own hunting land or even live outside of city limits. In fact, 52% of American households are classified as suburban, while only 21% of households are considered rural!…
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Loaded Venison Scrambled Eggs Recipe
Jun 16, 2021Ben Westfall
As hunters, we all know the importance of a hot, home-cooked breakfast after a long, cold morning in the woods. For many, this is another integral part of the deer hunting experience and camaraderie that…
