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](discovermontcalmpodcast.com) is produced by Duane Weed at DW Video.[](discovermontcalmpodcast.com) ### 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](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 * * * ## Discover Montcalm is powered by the friends of the podcast It takes a community. Special thanks to: - West Michigan Technology and Design Solutions - WGLM 106.3 FM - DW Video - Business Growth Engine - BluBrry Podcast Platform Together, we are building something bigger than a podcast—we are building a **digital legacy**. * * * ## What’s New in 2026 We’re not slowing down—we’re expanding.  Follow Content Creator Duane Weed on TikTok ### On-Location Podcasting We now bring the podcast **to your business**, capturing your story in your environment. ### Chatting Local Segments Expanding beyond Montcalm County—while keeping our local roots strong. ### Tech Tuesdays Practical insights on: - SEO - Podcasting - AI tools - Digital growth strategies * * * ## Your Story is the Fuel When you sit down on the Discover Montcalm Podcast, you’re not just promoting your organization. You’re: - Strengthening the community - Expanding local reach - Creating lasting digital content - Helping Montcalm County grow * * * **Discover Montcalm Podcast** Produced by Duane Weed of DW Video & Multimedia LLC Celebrating over 40 years of storytelling and media production in Montcalm County. Contact [Call 231-250-9624](tel:+12312509624) **Duane Weed** at **231-250-9624** or [**duane@dwvideo.com**](). Together, let’s showcase the heart of Montcalm County, one story at a time. **Love stories that celebrate local people, places, and progress?** **Subscribe to the Discover Montcalm Podcast** and explore the voices that shape Montcalm County and beyond. Have a story to share? Contact host **Duane Weed** at **231-250-9624** or [**duane@dwvideo.com**]() to be featured in a future episode — whether at your location or in-studio. **Catch up on all episodes** and discover the soul of small-town Michigan: discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast Follow us and be part of a growing community of storytellers. Produced by: https://www.dwvideo.com  #DiscoverMontcalm #DiscoverMontcalmPodcast #MontcalmCounty #LocalVoices #MichiganPodcasts #CommunityMatters #SupportLocalStories ## Montcalm County Quality Deer Cooperative with Jeff and Devin episode 212 by **Discover Montcalm Podcast** https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Montcalm-County-Quality-Deer-Cooperative.mp3 #### Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan.    The post Montcalm Quality Deer Cooperative first appeared on Discover Montcalm Podcast.