By: Ben Westfall

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, 2023 Ben 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…

read more

Easy Venison Philly Cheese Wonton Bites

Feb 8, 2023 Ben 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…

read more

Bucks Are More Visible When Deer Hunters Harvest Does

Nov 9, 2022 Ben 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….

read more

Smoked Venison Queso Dip Recipe

May 18, 2022 Ben 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…

read more

Don’t Move That Fawn

May 4, 2022 Ben 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…

read more

Venison Backstrap Inside and Out: A Muscular Look at America’s Best Cut of Meat

Apr 13, 2022 Ben 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…

read more

Roasted Mediterranean Venison Backstrap

Oct 27, 2021 Ben 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,…

read more

5 Pieces of Hunting Gear Every New Deer Hunter Needs

Oct 6, 2021 Ben 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…

read more

How to Prep for Deer Season in a Small Suburban Home

Sep 8, 2021 Ben 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!…

read more

Loaded Venison Scrambled Eggs Recipe

Jun 16, 2021 Ben 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…

read more