The National Deer Association (NDA) recently welcomed two new interns for the second half of 2021. Benton Whitaker and Nicholas Belles will work closely with the NDA staff in a variety of areas to support and continue NDA’s mission. Both bring a unique skillset and diverse backgrounds that align directly with the NDA as an organization.

“We are really excited to introduce these two as our fall interns,” said NDA Chief Conservation Officer Kip Adams. “Both of these individuals are highly qualified and driven to not only do great work, but to promote the overall values associated with the NDA. We look forward to the rest of their time here and have a lot of confidence in the positive impact they will have.”

Benton Whitaker graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2013 with a degree in History and then went on to graduate from Elon University School of Law in 2018. He has recent experience working with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, as a City Council Campaign Volunteer and with the Rowan County Department of Social Services in North Carolina. Benton will serve as the NDA’s Conservation Intern.

Nicholas Belles is a student at Missouri State University where he is pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. Belles founded Buckin Struttin Outdoors in May of 2019 where he and his team educate, mentor and promote conservation to all hunters through social media and podcasts. Additionally, Belles served four years in the United States Marine Corps where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. Nicholas will fill the role of NDA Hunting Heritage Intern.

Whitaker and Belles will serve as NDA interns from July 1 through December 31, 2021. Future internship opportunities with NDA will be posted on the Employment Page, and are offered in 6-month rotations.

Join NDA and support their mission today, or sign up for their free e-newsletter to receive the latest on deer hunting and management at DeerAssociation.com

About the National Deer Association

Formally launched on November 10, 2020, the National Deer Association is a non-profit deer conservation group that leads efforts to ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting. Formed by combining the strengths of two long-serving, successful organizations, the National Deer Association has a combined 38 years of action that has changed deer management for the betterment of hunting and protected North America’s most vital and admired game species for future generations. Visit DeerAssociation.com or follow @deerassociation on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.