Montcalm Quality Deer Cooperative

Community Wildlife Conservation: Montcalm County Quality Deer Cooperative

Effective wildlife management goes far beyond hunting season; it requires year-round education, habitat stewardship, and strong community communication. On a recent episode of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, guest host Kara Stevens (from M106.3 WGLM) sat down with Jeff Antes (President) and Devin Antes (Secretary) of the Montcalm County Quality Deer Cooperative to discuss how their 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supports local land and wildlife.  Discover Montcalm Podcast is produced by Duane Weed at DW Video.

From Small Townships to Countywide Impact

The cooperative began around 2014 during a statewide movement toward local township co-ops. As several smaller groups formed across Montcalm County, they eventually united under a single umbrella organization, growing into a formal 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Today, the cooperative represents over 200 paid members spanning approximately 16,000 to 18,000 acres, while connecting with over 5,000 local community members across their social media platforms.

Beyond Trophy Hunting: Whole-Herd Health

Devin Antes highlighted a common misconception about deer cooperatives: “A lot of people feel that it’s all about big bucks and the racks… Deer management is about everything: your does, your age structure, your habitat, and your community.”

The group works to balance herd size with the natural carrying capacity of the land. Key focus areas include:

• Doe Harvesting: Encouraging proper doe management to maintain healthy buck-to-doe ratios and prevent habitat destruction.

• Habitat Diversity: Teaching landowners how simple tools like hand saws, rakes, and shovels can improve land cover without expensive machinery.

• Youth & Hunter Safety: Sponsoring free hunter safety courses every July that educate roughly 70 local youth annually.

• Farmer Partnerships: Working alongside local agricultural producers to address crop damage and promote balanced wildlife coexistence.

Feeding Local Families: Venison Donation Program

One of the cooperative’s standout community initiatives takes place every December. Rather than sending donated venison statewide, the Montcalm County Quality Deer Cooperative (click here to follow on Facebook) pays for the processing fees out of pocket. The ground venison—totaling around 400 pounds annually—is donated directly to local food pantries and churches to feed families right in Montcalm County.

Getting Involved & Annual Big Buck Night

The cooperative hosts open monthly meetings from January through July, welcoming all community members, landowners, and outdoor enthusiasts regardless of property size.

Their main annual fundraiser, Big Buck Night, takes place every March at the Montcalm County Fairgrounds in Greenville, featuring raffles, door prizes, and local business sponsors.

To learn more, become a member, or get involved, visit montcomdeercoop.org or call 616-232-6427.

To feature your business, community initiative, or local event on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com or chattinglocal.com.

To feature your nonprofit, community initiative, or local business on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com or chattinglocal.com.

To feature your business, non-profit, or local story on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com or chattinglocal.com.

Discover Montcalm County: Greenville  Carson City  Stanton  Howard City  Lakeview  Edmore  Sheridan  Pierson  McBride  Trufant  Six Lakes  Vestaburg  Crystal  Gowen  Coral

Watch or Listen to the Full Episode

Check out all the episodes Click Here.

Find Discover Montcalm Podcast on:

• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Apple Podcasts
• Pandora
• iHeart