Steve Demarais

Steve Demarais serves as the Taylor Chair in Applied Big Game Research and Instruction and co-director of the MSU Deer Lab at Mississippi State University, where he has been a faculty member since 1997. His work has elevated the Deer Lab to national prominence in white-tailed deer research and management.

His academic foundation includes:

• Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Massachusetts
• Master's degree in Wildlife Ecology from Mississippi State University (1979)
• Doctoral degree in Forest Resources from Mississippi State University (1984)

Demarais specializes in applied wildlife management, focusing on deer population dynamics, habitat conservation, and translating scientific findings into actionable strategies for landowners and hunters. His research prioritizes real-world implementation, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration to bridge ecological science with hunting practices and land stewardship.

His exceptional contributions are recognized through:

• 2021 Caesar Kleberg Award of Excellence in Applied Wildlife Research from the Wildlife Society
• 2018 Deer Management Career Achievement Award from the Southeast Deer Study Group
• 2020 Boone and Crockett Club’s Conservation and Stewardship Award (awarded to the MSU Deer Lab)

As a dedicated mentor, Demarais guides graduate students in hands-on deer research while expanding public engagement through the "Deer University" podcast—surpassing 400,000 downloads—and leveraging 45,000+ social media followers to disseminate findings. His outreach ensures scientific insights directly inform conservation decisions.

The MSU Deer Lab, operating within the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, utilizes captive deer facilities for health assessments and population studies. Under Demarais' co-direction, the lab sets industry standards for evidence-based deer management across North America, partnering with agencies and landowners to implement research-driven practices.