Catherine Appling-Pooler is the Director of Policy at the National Deer Association (NDA), where she leads efforts to address critical policy issues affecting deer conservation.
Catherine joined the NDA team in March 2024, bringing a wealth of experience in legislative and policy advocacy. Previously, she served as the Legislative Liaison for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and as Director of Scheduling for Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell.
In her current role, Catherine works closely with elected officials, wildlife managers, stakeholders, and hunters to navigate and shape policy surrounding deer management and conservation. She is committed to fostering strong relationships and ensuring that the voices of hunters and conservationists are heard in the legislative and regulatory processes. Her work involves advocating for sound wildlife management policies and promoting the sustainable conservation of deer populations.
Catherine earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, with a major in Agricultural Communications and a minor in Environmental Economics, Politics, and Policy, as well as a master’s degree in International Agriculture, concentrating in Business and Rural Development, both from Oklahoma State University.
Originally from Colleyville, Texas, Catherine now resides in Oklahoma City with her husband, Sawyer, and their two golden retrievers, Nelly and Britton. Outside of work, she enjoys hunting, fishing, reading, visiting national parks, experimenting with wild game recipes, and sharing her creations with friends new to hunting.
