ATHENS, GA– The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) is pleased to announce that Jake Grages has joined the organization as a Wildlife Management Cooperative Specialist in southern Missouri. Grages comes to QDMA from the Daybreak Ranch, where he served as the hunting operations manager.

“I'm excited about the opportunity to join the QDMA team,” said Grages. “I am also looking forward to working with landowners and deer hunters in southern Missouri, as well as collaborating with the Missouri Department of Conservation Private Lands Division to help secure a sustainable future for wildlife and to protect our hunting heritage.”

Jake will work with private landowners to establish and support Wildlife Management Cooperatives in the southern half of Missouri. He will also conduct habitat management trainings for private landowners and help coordinate private land assistance programs alongside Missouri Department of Conservation staff. Jake’s duties will also include participating in projects to promote wildlife conservation, education and Missouri’s hunting heritage. He will help increase awareness of QDMA by recruiting new members, and he will promote QDMA’s national programs and conservation partner programs.

“I am excited to have Jake join the QDMA staff,” said Matt Ross, QDMA’s assistant director of conservation. “His experience working with the public and hunters, and his knowledge and passion for land and Quality Deer Management, make him a perfect fit for this position.”

Jake received his bachelor of science degree in biology from Bemidji State University in Minnesota where his study emphasis was wildlife management. In addition to his position as a hunting operations manager, Jake has worked as a water resources technician for the Jackson County Soil & Water Conservation District, and as an intern and resource biologist for the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks where he assisted with trapping, radio-collaring, and tracking sharp-tailed grouse and greater prairie chickens. Jake has been a QDMA member for the last 10 years and is a Level 1 Deer Steward.

Landowners in southern Missouri with an interest in establishing a Wildlife Cooperative can contact Jake at jgrages@qdma.com.

About QDMA

Founded in 1988, QDMA is a national nonprofit wildlife conservation organization with 60,000 members in all 50 states and Canada, and several foreign countries. QDMA is dedicated to ensuring the future of white-tailed deer, wildlife habitat and our hunting heritage. To learn more about QDMA and why it is the future of deer hunting, call 800-209-3337 or visit www.QDMA.com.