By: Matt Ross

Matt Ross of Saratoga Springs, New York, is a certified wildlife biologist and licensed forester and NDA's Director of Conservation. He received his bachelor's in wildlife conservation from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and his master's in wildlife management from the University of New Hampshire. Before joining the NDA staff, Matt worked for a natural resource consulting firm in southern New Hampshire, and he was an NDA volunteer and Branch officer. He and his wife Sadie have two daughters, Josephine and Sabrina.

How to Stop Deer From Eating Your Plants: What Actually Works (and What Doesn’t)

Apr 22, 2026 Matt Ross

Are you constantly frustrated with deer eating the plants in your garden, flowerbeds or the landscaping around the yard? Welcome to the club. You’re part of a group that counts its membership in the millions of…

NDA Soars Past Goal of 1 Million Acres of Public Land Improved

Dec 9, 2025 Matt Ross

The National Deer Association met and surpassed an ambitious five-year goal to improve 1 million acres of public hunting land – in four years. Launched in response to declining deer harvests, habitat quality and hunter…

Why Do Deer Raise Their Tails When They Run?

Oct 22, 2025 Matt Ross

Have you ever witnessed a deer raising its tail at you while it speedily ran away? Some believe it’s the deer version of flipping the bird, and to be honest it kind of feels that…

Which Venison Tastes Better, Bucks or Does?

Sep 17, 2025 Matt Ross

Most hunters stand firm that a primary motivator why they hunt is the ability to acquire a natural, sustainable source of delicious meat for their families. It certainly is for me! But it’s often said…

The Most Important Building Blocks of Big Whitetail Bucks

Aug 20, 2025 Matt Ross

Despite the fact today’s hunters pursue some of the highest densities of mature bucks in history, big whitetail bucks are still an uncommon sight. Specimens of male deer with above-average antlers are not the norm, which is just…

Top 5 Map Layers for Habitat Management You’ve Probably Overlooked

Apr 23, 2025 Matt Ross

Two of the biggest limitations in managing deer habitat are a lack of knowledge and time. Not everyone has formal land management training or experience, and we all do our best to balance life’s other…

Can You Tell Bucks From Does by Their Tracks?

Sep 11, 2024 Matt Ross

A lot can be learned from investigating deer tracks where you hunt. I’ll even go as far as saying that deer tracks could be the number one type of deer sign to look for when…

3 Reasons Deer Attack People

Jun 26, 2024 Matt Ross

No matter your age, race or upbringing, the cast of beastly characters that headline our nightmares typically involves sharp teeth, claws or an overall slimy, creepy-crawly “ick factor.” Cute and cuddly are never traits conjured…

Where You Going With That Deer? States Are Enforcing Deer Carcass Transport Bans.

Nov 8, 2023 Matt Ross

Deer hunting is supposed to be fun, and for most of us successfully killing a deer and bringing it home to turn it into proudly sourced table fare is the pinnacle of that enjoyment. That…

10 Tips for Rattling More Bucks Using Science

Nov 1, 2023 Matt Ross

It’s November, and over the next few weeks millions of deer hunters will be hitting the woods in hopes of taking home a giant. Many will attempt rattling but will fail to see any response…