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Ep. 148 w/ Jake Muise - Maui Nui Venison & The Science Of Balancing Hawaii’s Axis Deer
Episode Description
In this episode, we are joined by Jake Muise to discuss how Maui Nui Venison turns Maui’s axis deer overpopulation into delicious, nutrient and protein rich products, while supporting local families, protecting the landscape, and watersheds. We dig into the data, the regulations, the night-by-night harvest methods, and why “balance” is the only honest word for what this work requires.
• Maui Nui’s origin story and a 19-year obsession with axis deer
• Why axis deer explode in population on Hawaii and what that does to native plants
• The Big Island effort to find and remove illegally introduced deer
• Forward-looking infrared, camera traps, and what “successful” invasive species work looks like
• Why Maui Nui only harvests on private land and how commerce rules differ on public land
• Paying ranchers per pound and building trust through shared incentives
• Managing deer with surveys, movement data, and habitat targets
• How deer pressure reduces forest water capture and aquifer recharge
• The operational reality of USDA FSIS standards in the field
• The dark-moon schedule change and why rest periods improve harvest efficiency
• How we decide what gets sold versus shared locally
• Tiered community distribution, free general-store freezer program, and food bank support
• Product lineup from whole-animal use: aged cuts, sticks, organ capsules, velvet, bone broth, pet products
We highly encourage you to follow MAUI NUI VENISON on all socials and visit their website to place your order of the most nutrient-rich protein on the planet: MauiNuiVenison.com
To learn more about the host, George Blitch, visit: