Program Overview
The NDA’s Deer Steward in-person modules were developed with the goal of increasing your knowledge and understanding of one specific topic from our Levels 1 and 2 courses. The modules take a more detailed look into a particular area of interest that requires an expanded focus to fully cover the principles and objectives of the subject.
Each course was designed with our members and supporters in mind to provide exciting and unique educational opportunities that build upon the current foundation of the Deer Steward program.
2026 Habitat Enhancement Module
July 10-12
in Waverly, Tennessee
Join us in The Volunteer State at the Buffalo Ridge Wildlife Refuge just southwest of Nashville!
Back again in 2026, our popular Habitat Enhancement module will focus on a variety of mechanical and chemical treatment methods in forests, fields, and food plots to maximize the habitat quality for deer and other wildlife. Led by Kip Adams and Dr. Craig Harper, this course will provide you with a strong foundation of skills involving the enhancement of vegetation to meet wildlife management goals. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of habitat management strategies including forest stand improvement, early successional vegetation, food plot mixtures, prescribed fire, chainsaw safety and much more!
Program Instructors
- Kip Adams, Wildlife Biologist, NDA’s Chief Conservation Officer
- Dr. Craig Harper, Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist, University of Tennessee
- Ben Westfall, Wildlife Biologist, NDA’s Senior Conservation Coordinator
Note: Not all instructors will be at each course and others may be added.
Program Costs
In-person Module Course:
$1,000 Non-NDA and Basic Members (includes a Premium NDA membership)
$950 Premium NDA Members
$900 NDA Life Members, Sponsor Members and Corporate Sponsors, Partners, and Supporters.
NOTE: Early Bird discount ($100 off per level) will be applied if paying on/before March 2, 2026. Special group savings are also available for NDA Branch officers/directors (up to 25% off). Discounts cannot be combined. Contact Ben Westfall for more info.
What’s Included: instruction, most meals, a course notebook, and a course certificate. Travel and lodging are not included. Once your course registration has been received and processed, you will be provided with instructions regarding lodging, directions to course venues, course agenda and other information specific to the course.
CFE Credit:Â Society of American Foresters (SAF) and/or The Wildlife Society (TWS).
What’s Not Included: some meals, travel, and lodging (lodging option will be reserved, information provided after registration).
If you are a government or Tribal wildlife agency employee, please reach out to Ben Westfall directly at ben@deerassociation.com to register.
How to Register
Registration opens Monday, February 2 either using the online form below, or by phoning the NDA customer service at: 800-209-3337
Once all openings for the courses are filled, applicants will be placed on a waiting list for the next available course in the order their applications were received.
Scholarship Opportunity
For each in-person Module, the NDA will also award a high school junior or senior, or college student interested in a career in wildlife management a scholarship to attend free of charge. Applicants for the scholarships should have a strong interest in wildlife conservation and the Quality Deer Management (QDM) philosophy. Applications are due by March 2, 2026.
Download the In-Person Module Scholarship Application
Cancellation Policy
Applicants of Deer Steward Modules shall be entitled to a full refund of course fees if NDA customer service is notified within fourteen (14) business days of the course date. Cancellations made less than fourteen (14) business days from the course date shall entitle the applicant to a fifty percent (50%) refund of course fees. No refunds shall be made for cancellations less than two (2) business days before the course date.
If you have questions regarding course availability or registration, please contact NDA customer service at 800-209-3337.
If you have any questions regarding course content please contact:
Ben Westfall
Senior Conservation Coordinator
Ben Westfall is NDA’s Conservation Coordinator and previously held positions as Deer Outreach Specialist and QDM Cooperative…
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