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.

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…

Best Trail-Camera Setups for the Rut

Oct 18, 2023 Matt Ross

Earlier this year we talked about summer and pre-rut trail-camera strategies and discussed the unique deer behavior and biology at those times of year to guide our camera placement. Now, it’s time to move into…

7 Ways To Dodge Deer Depression This Season

Sep 27, 2023 Matt Ross

For deer hunters, optimism abounds at the opening of deer season, and for good reason. We’ve waited months for the next opportunity to match wits with the wily whitetail. Our minds naturally envision the best…

Best Trail-Camera Setups for the Pre-Rut Based on Deer Biology

Sep 6, 2023 Matt Ross

Let’s continue a series aimed at helping you place your trail-cameras in the best locations to capture deer based on unique deer behavior and biology by time of year. Earlier this year we talked about…

Best Trail Camera Setups for Summer Based on Deer Biology

May 30, 2023 Matt Ross

Scouting for deer with a trail-camera leads to quality intel that can ultimately increase your hunting success. However, whitetails drastically change their behavior over the seasons based on fluctuations in habitat needs and resource availability,…

How Far Can a Deer Swim?

May 17, 2023 Matt Ross

We’ve all seen at least one of numerous amateur video clips floating around the Internet in which a boater or fisherman captures a deer doggy-paddling its four little hooves off so far from shore it…

NDA is Working to Improve Public Hunting Land

May 12, 2023 Matt Ross

The first year of a National Deer Association program has seen improvements on more than 300,000 acres of public hunting land in six states that will increase hunting access, improve wildlife habitat, and aid hunter…

Can Deer Freeze to Death?

Feb 15, 2023 Matt Ross

Can deer freeze to death when severe cold weather, such as dangerously low temperatures, deep snow and crushing winds, set in? Although this winter has been warmer than average for much of the country, many…

The Two Best Times to See Deer, Every Day of the Year

Sep 7, 2022 Matt Ross

It was inevitable. The mature buck stepped into my shooting lane, broadside, within easy bow range – and I just couldn’t bring myself to draw back and shoot. Up until the 2021 season, I routinely…