#156 - Jake Muise: Humanely harvesting axis deer while alleviating its impact on Hawaii's vulnerable ecosystems

Apr 5, 2021

Jake Muise, founder of Maui Nui Venison, shares his journey from the Arctic to Hawaii, where he passionately manages the axis deer population. He reveals the ecological impact of this non-native species and discusses humane harvesting practices that provide a clean, nutrient-dense food source. From his unique upbringing to his love for sustainable hunting, Jake highlights the challenges faced in managing deer populations while preserving Hawaii's fragile ecosystems. The discussion emphasizes the importance of mindful consumption and community engagement in environmental conservation.

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ANECDOTE

Return to Molokai and Axis Deer

After missing the Olympic team, Muise returned to Molokai, unsure of his future.
Four days later, he met his wife, solidifying his connection to the island and axis deer.

INSIGHT

Axis Deer in Hawaii

Axis deer, introduced to Molokai in 1868 from India, are prolific breeders with a 33% annual population growth.
Their ability to breed year-round, adaptability, and lack of predators contribute to their invasive spread.

INSIGHT

Axis Deer Superpowers

Axis deer possess exceptional senses (smell, sight, hearing) making them challenging to hunt.
Their adaptability is evident in their ability to thrive in diverse Hawaiian landscapes, unlike Molokai.

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Jake Muise is an avid hunter, environmentalist, and advocate for the preservation of Hawaii's natural resources. He is the founder of Maui Nui Venison, a company which actively manages Hawaii's imbalanced population of axis deer by harvesting them as a food resource. In this episode, Jake tells his unbelievable backstory growing up in Northern Alberta before landing in Hawaii on a volleyball scholarship where he fell in love with the islands and the people. Jake explains how axis deer—a non-native species—were brought to the islands and how they have since become imbalanced to the detriment of Hawaii's precious ecosystems. He goes on to explain the incredible lengths that his company has taken to ensure the most humane harvesting techniques imaginable resulting in a food source that is as clean and healthful as can be. Additionally, Jake and Peter examine what makes meat from axis deer one of the most nutrient-dense red meats on the planet.

We discuss:

Upbringing in Northern Alberta, a diet of moose meat, and learning to surf in Nova Scotia (3:35);
How volleyball brought Jake to Hawaii where he met the Molokai people (14:00);
Jake's introduction to axis deer (26:30);
Pro volleyball in Europe, missing the Olympic team by one spot, and his return to Hawaii (29:00);
History of axis deer in Hawaii—how a non-native species came to the islands, and the superpowers that make them so hard to hunt (34:00);
A potential catastrophe avoided on The Big Island—The amazing story of how Jake tracked and found axis deer that were secretly brought to The Big Island (52:15);
Jake's work helping ranchers on Maui (1:08:15);
The detrimental impact of an imbalanced axis deer population (1:10:30);
The incredible evacuation of farm animals from lava-locked land due to a volcano eruption (1:17:00);
The creation of Maui Nui Venison—going above and beyond USDA requirements (1:27:00);
The most humane way to harvest an animal—the unmatched standards Maui Nui Venison uses to harvest axis deer (1:32:00);
Why meat from axis deer is nutritionally superior (and tastes better) than other meats (1:46:00);
Why axis deer meat is the best option for those reluctant to eat meat: True nose-to-tail nutrition and ethical harvesting (1:58:15);
What a truly balanced population of axis deer on Hawaii would look like (2:06:15);
Maui Nui Venison's charitable work during the COVID crisis (2:12:45); and
More.

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