The Archery Trade Association's (ATA) has made a $100,000 donation to the newly formed National Deer Alliance (NDA).

“We are very grateful for the ATA's contribution,” said NDA Executive Director Craig Dougherty.  “Start-up funds are very important to a new organization like ours.”

The ATA's CEO/President Jay McAninch made the pledge at the Quality Deer Management Association's (QDMA) convention in Athens, Ga. During the convention's general session, McAninch sized up both the need for an alliance of this kind and its critical tie to the industry.

“The need for a national umbrella deer organization that binds us all together, provides strength in numbers, and gives us the clout to make sure the rest of the world listens, understands and protects the deer resource is long overdue,” said McAninch. “For us, this group is critical. If there was ever an industry that's built on deer, it's ours.”

While deer are the most commonly pursued and economically important big game animal in North America, less than one percent of deer hunters belong to a national conservation organization dedicated to the protection of deer and the deer hunting heritage.  

This lack of unity pre¬vents a strong, centralized voice to address current and emerging threats such as hunter access, disease, predators, and declining deer populations.

The NDA is dedicated to uniting deer hunters, managers and enthusiasts to achieve positive outcomes for deer and deer hunting. NDA's goal is to serve as the unified voice of the modern deer hunter and guardian of North America's wild deer, wildlife habitat and our hunting heritage.

“Decisions are being made about deer and deer hunting every day,” said Dougherty.  “Through NDA, we will make sure deer hunters have a seat at the table and are actively involved in the development of future policies, strategies and solutions.”