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In this episode, George Blitch interviewed Jim Heffelfinger, who is a Certified Wildlife Biologist with degrees in Wildlife Management from the University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point and Texas A&M University—Kingsville. 

It is not an exaggeration to say that Jim is most likely, The leading expert on deer in the United States

Jim Heffelfinger is a Full Research Scientist at the University of Arizona's School of Natural Resources and the Environment, a Professional Member of the Boone & Crockett Club, and has worked for the Arizona Game and Fish Department for 31 years, currently as the Wildlife Science Coordinator.

He has worked as a biologist for the federal government, state wildlife agencies, universities, and in the private sector in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. 

For the last 17 years he has been the Chairman of the Western Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies' “Mule Deer Working Group” comprised of a mule deer expert from each of 24 western states, provinces, and territories. 

His book, “Deer of the Southwest” serves as a “Complete Guide to the Natural History, Biology, and Management of the Southwestern Mule Deer and White-Tailed Deer.” 

Jim is also the lead-editor of the forthcoming book, “Ecology and Management of Black-Tailed and Mule Deer of North America”.

 Aside from these two books, Jim has published dozens of scientific papers, produced over 300 magazine articles in National and regional publications and has written TV scripts for award winning outdoor TV shows. He is sought-after for podcasts, radio shows, interviews, news reports, and video appearances.

I highly encourage you to visit his own website - www.deernut.com to learn more about Jim and his incredible contributions in the outdoor and scientific communities. He can be found on Instagram: @Cervidnut

Jim has been honored with many awards for his outstanding work. Most recently, the Dallas Safari Club selected Jim Heffelfinger as the winner of the “2023 Conservation Trailblazer Award”. This award celebrates the monumental contribution of wildlife professionals to the field of game and non-game wildlife conservation, including wildlife and habitat management, applied research and policy.

This award comes on the heels of being named as the National Deer Association’s “Professional Deer Manager of the year” for 2022.

These are just two of the many distinguished honors and awards that Jim has received over his storied career, and certainly not the last.  

To learn more about Jim Heffelfinger, please visit his website:
www.DeerNut.com

To learn more about George Blitch, please visit:
www.SonofaBlitch.com

To view this podcast in video form, visit George's YouTube page:
www.youtube.com/@sonofablitch