About the author

Jim Heffelfinger is a Certified Wildlife Biologist with degrees

in Wildlife Management from the University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point and Texas A&M University—Kingsville.

He has worked as a biologist for the federal government, state wildlife agencies, universities, and in the private sector in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. 

Jim has authored or coauthored dozens of scientific papers, 20 book chapters, and more than 200 magazine articles in national and regional publications.  He is currently Chairman of the Western Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies' “Mule Deer Working Group” comprised of a mule deer expert from each of 24 western states, provinces, and territories. 

The author has also written TV scripts for the Mule Deer, Coues’ White-tailed deer, and Pronghorn episodes of “Leupold’s Big Game Profiles” which aired on the Outdoor Channel.  Jim also wrote scripts and appeared in episodes of “Boone & Crockett Country” on the Outdoor Channel.  This show won the Golden Moose Award for “Best Conservation Series.”  He is sought-after for podcasts, radio shows, interviews, news reports , and video appearances.

Jim is a Full Research Scientist at the University of Arizona's School of Natural Resources and the Environment, Professional Member of the Boone & Crockett Club, and has worked for the Arizona Game and Fish Department for 30 years, currently as the Wildlife Science Coordinator.

Other recognition:

· 1995 Commendation for Excellence - AZ Game and Fish Dept

· 1996 Employee of the Year - AZ Game and Fish Field Ops Division

· 2000 AZ Wildlife Professional of the Year – The Wildlife Society

· 2004 Commendation for Excellence - AZ Game and Fish Dept

· 2005 Outstanding Contributor – Western Assoc Fish & Wildlife Agencies

· 2009 Wildlife Professional of the Year — Mule Deer Foundation

· 2011 Wallmo Award— leading black-tailed and mule deer biologist in North America

· 2011 Director’s Meritorious Citation—AZ Game and Fish Dept

· 2013 Lee Gladfelter Memorial Award for contributions to wildlife conservation

· 2016 Outstanding Contributor – Western Assoc Fish & Wildlife Agencies

· 2017 Distinguished Alumnus, Univ. of Wisconsin—Stevens Point

· 2022 National Deer Alliance Deer Manager of the Year

· 2023 Dallas Safari Club Trailblazer Award