How did Jake Muise discover his passion for surfing and volleyball?

Jake discovered surfing after moving to Nova Scotia at age 16, inspired by seeing surfers on the beach, despite the freezing cold water. His passion for volleyball began a year earlier in northern Alberta, following his older brother, and it later became his 'saving grace' when moving, allowing him to connect with new communities and earn a scholarship to the University of Hawaii.

What was Jake Muise's experience with culture shock when he moved to Hawaii?

Upon arriving at the University of Hawaii from Nova Scotia, Jake experienced minor culture shocks, notably not realizing board shorts didn't require a liner. A significant 'accidental shock' was being mistakenly placed in a dorm with local Molokai kids, who, despite initial intimidating interactions, became his 'hanai' (adopted) family, deeply assimilating him into Polynesian culture.

What makes the island of Molokai unique in Hawaii?

Molokai is unique for its strong preservation of local culture and environment. It has no stoplights or major resorts, and a town ordinance prevents buildings from exceeding the height of the tallest palm tree. The community actively maintains its natural resources, with a significant portion of food sourced locally from the land and ocean, fostering strong communal care.

What is the history of axis deer introduction to Hawaii and their current population spread?

Axis deer were introduced to Molokai in 1868 by King Kamehameha V, brought from India. They proliferated rapidly, leading to early concerns about environmental damage. Later, in the 1920s, they were introduced to Lanai, and in the 1960s, to Maui. In 2010/2011, four deer were illegally dropped off on the Big Island. Molokai has an estimated 60-70k deer, Lanai 21k, and Maui 60k, growing towards 210k.

How efficient are axis deer in reproduction?

Axis deer have a 238-day gestation period, typically producing three fawns every two years. Unlike most deer species that cast antlers annually, axis deer are a tropical species whose testosterone levels remain high enough to breed year-round, leading to a prolific population growth rate of about 33% per year. Data shows 89% of harvested does are lactating or pregnant, highlighting their reproductive success.

What 'superpowers' do axis deer possess that make them difficult to hunt?

Axis deer possess exceptional senses, including a keen sense of smell, superior vision, and acute hearing. They've evolved in dense Indian jungles to evade predators like tigers, developing incredible observational skills. They also rely on 'third-party' alarms from animals like monkeys in India or Myna birds in Hawaii, making them skittish and extremely challenging to approach within 100 yards, let alone 50 yards for a shot.

How was the illegal introduction of axis deer to the Big Island managed?

Fouraxis deer were illegally introduced to Hawaii Island around 2010/2011. Jake and Mike, known deer experts, were tasked with finding them across a 70-square-mile area. After a year and a half of searching without a sighting, they utilized military-grade FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) equipment, which allowed them to track the deer at night. It took three years to locate and remove all five deer, as they had established a small, safe home range.

What are the ecological impacts of axis deer on Hawaii?

As non-native grazing herbivores in Hawaii, axis deer directly compete with cattle for feed (7 deer to 1 cow) and decimate crops overnight. Their primary impact is on mountain watersheds, where they degrade multi-layered plant systems, reducing the efficiency of water capture. Additionally, their grazing and scat contribute to soil erosion and nitrogen runoff into oceans, bleaching coral reefs and impacting marine ecosystems.

How did Jake and Mike rescue cattle during the Kilauea volcano eruption?

During a rapid Kilauea lava flow, Jake and Mike, along with a pilot, used a custom-designed live cattle net capture system attached to a helicopter. They flew, often at eye-level with lava flows and through volcanic weather systems, to lift 2000-pound bulls and other cattle to safety. They completed four missions, rescuing 40-50 cows, which served as a rallying point for the affected community.

What is Maui Nui's humane harvesting process for axis deer?

Maui Nui follows stringent USDA inspection rules in the field, not using pens or bait. Their process involves using FLIR binoculars to conduct an 'anti-mortem' inspection of deer in their natural, unstressed state. Animals are then humanely harvested via a headshot, resulting in an immediate central nervous system death without awareness. Shooters are trained for 70% efficiency, with misses intentionally high to prevent injury.

Why is axis deer meat considered exceptionally healthy and unique?

Axis deer meat is exceptionally lean (0.4% intramuscular fat) and not gamey, partly due to the minimal stress during harvesting which reduces cortisol and lactate. They are primarily grass-eaters, leading to high omega-3 content. Their 'intelligent' and selective eating habits, even within a single plant species, are believed to contribute to their unique and superior nutritional profile, which Maui Nui is still scientifically exploring.

What is the 'balance' Maui Nui aims for with axis deer populations?

Maui Nui seeks to achieve ecological balance with axis deer populations, not eradication. They work with private landowners to determine desired deer densities, offering humane harvesting where the animal gains value (a small payment per pound). This approach benefits soil health, reduces runoff, and provides a sustainable food source for local communities, especially critical for Hawaii's food security as an isolated landmass.

How did Maui Nui contribute to food security during COVID-19?

During COVID-19, when Hawaii's tourism-dependent economy faltered and food banks were empty, Maui Nui donated over 50,000 pounds of USDA-certified venison (over 100,000 meals) to local food banks. This was possible due to their established food safety and commercial-level harvesting systems, allowing them to instantly respond to community needs and feed many people during a crisis.

What were the results of testing Maui Nui's axis deer bone broth?

Maui Nui's axis deer bone broth was tested by USDA labs and found to be statistically anomalous in its protein content. It tested 33% higher in protein per ounce than the best regenerative beef bones on the market, placing it in a 'protein powder category' for protein per calorie. This reinforces the hypothesis that the deer's intelligent eating habits translate to superior nutritional value.

Key Moments

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

Peter Attia MD

People & Blogs3 min read154 min video

Apr 5, 2021|7,072 views|144|24

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Humanely harvesting invasive axis deer in Hawaii for food and ecosystem balance.

Key Insights

Axis deer were introduced to Hawaii in 1868 for sport, but their population has exploded, negatively impacting ecosystems and agriculture.

The narrator and his partner developed innovative methods, including aerial thermal imaging, for humane, efficient harvesting and USDA-certified processing of axis deer.

Axis deer meat is exceptionally lean, nutritious, and has a mild flavor, making it a sustainable and healthy food source, even appealing to former vegans.

Maui Nui Venison plays a crucial role in ecosystem management by controlling axis deer populations, supporting ranchers, and providing valuable protein through humane harvesting.

The company's mission extends beyond harvesting; they contribute to food security, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, by donating venison.

Achieving 'balance' for axis deer involves managing populations on private lands, considering ecological impacts, food security, and the unique cultural context of Hawaii.

FROM ARCTIC COLD TO HAWAIIAN WAVES: A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE

Jake Muise's early life in Northern Alberta, characterized by extreme cold, subsistence hunting, and isolation, instilled a deep sense of resilience and a connection to nature. This foundational experience, involving activities like ice fishing and living off the land, contrasted sharply with his later move to Nova Scotia, where he discovered a passion for surfing. This transition, driven by his athletic talent in volleyball, eventually led him to Hawaii, setting the stage for his unique career path.

FINDING HOME AND PURPOSE IN HAWAII'S CULTURAL LANDSCAPE

Jake's arrival in Hawaii on a volleyball scholarship opened doors to a rich cultural experience, particularly on the island of Molokai. Through an unexpected housing assignment, he immersed himself in the local Polynesian community, which valued self-sufficiency, strong family ties, and respect for natural resources. This hanai (adoption) experience provided him with a deep appreciation for Hawaiian culture and a framework for understanding the island's ecological challenges.

AXIS DEER: AN INTRODUCED SPECIES AND growing ECOLOGICAL CHALLENGE

Introduced to Hawaii in 1868, axis deer quickly proliferated, becoming an ecological concern. Initially revered as a resource, their unchecked population growth began to decimate native flora, impact watersheds, and compete with agriculture. The species' high reproductive rate, adaptability to various environments, and exceptional senses make them challenging to manage, leading to significant ecological and economic disruption across the islands.

INNOVATION IN HUMANE HARVESTING AND USDA CERTIFICATION

Recognizing the need for better management, Jake and his partner Mike developed innovative techniques for humane axis deer harvesting. Utilizing advanced aerial thermal imaging (FLIR) for detection and specialized capture systems, they refined anti-mortem inspection processes to ensure animals are healthy and unstressed. This meticulous approach led to USDA certification, allowing for the commercial processing of axis deer meat, a significant step in creating a sustainable food source.

MAUI NUI VENISON: A SUSTAINABLE FOOD SOURCE AND ECOSYSTEM BALANCER

Founded on the principles of ecological balance and humane treatment, Maui Nui Venison aims to manage Hawaii's axis deer population effectively. By providing a USDA-certified method for harvesting and processing axis deer, the company offers a high-quality, lean protein source that also helps mitigate the negative impacts of overpopulation. This dual approach supports ranchers, conserves native ecosystems, and contributes to local food security.

THE BROADER IMPACT: FOOD SECURITY, COMMUNITY, AND ECOLOGICAL HEALTH

The company's operations extend beyond commercial interests, significantly contributing to food security, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, through substantial venison donations. By transforming an ecological liability into a valuable resource, Maui Nui Venison demonstrates how sustainable practices can benefit both the environment and the community. Their work highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems, food systems, and the importance of finding balance for long-term well-being.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Supplements

●Products

●Software & Apps

●Companies

●Organizations

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Axis Deer Population Densities

Data extracted from this episode

Location	Deer per 100 acres
Texas Hill Country	6
Hawaii (established areas)	25

Axis Deer Bone Broth Protein Content Comparison

Data extracted from this episode

Product	Protein per ounce (relative to conventional beef)
Conventional Beef Bones	Baseline
Regenerative Beef Bones	3% higher
Axis Deer Bones (Maui Nui)	33% higher

Common Questions

Jake Muise grew up in Rainbow Lake, a small, isolated town in northern Alberta, Canada, technically within the Arctic Circle. His family, driven by his father's oil industry job, relied on subsistence hunting, primarily moose, for food during the long winters. Chores included shoveling snow off the roof, and he experienced extreme cold and isolation.

Topics

Entrepreneurship Nutrition & Diet Human Performance Business & Entrepreneurship Athletic Performance Food Security Environment & Climate Invasive Species Management Humane Hunting Sustainable Food Systems Wild Game Meat Ecological Restoration

Mentioned in this video

Locations

Rainbow Lake

A small town in northern Alberta, Canada, technically in the Arctic Circle, where Jake Muise grew up, characterized by extreme cold and isolation.

St. John's

A city in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, mentioned as a desirable place to visit on the East Coast.

Yangtze River

The river in China where the ship 'Loch Nagar' traveled, carrying the initial axis deer to Hawaii.

Edmonton

A city in Alberta, Canada; Rainbow Lake was 14 hours north of Edmonton, highlighting its isolation.

Molokai

A Hawaiian island renowned for its preservation of local culture against large-scale development, its natural resources, and strong community bonds. It also has a significant axis deer population. Jake was 'hanai' (adopted) by a family there.

Oahu

The Hawaiian island where the axis deer first arrived by ship before being transported to Molokai, but none were released there initially.

Lanai

Another Hawaiian island to which axis deer were introduced from Molokai in the 1920s; it now has a population of 21,000 deer.

Kilauea

An active volcano on Hawaii Island that had a large, unexpected, and quick-moving eruption which devastated a community and created new lava flows.

India

The country of origin for axis deer before their introduction to Hawaii.

Hawaii Island

The largest Hawaiian island where axis deer were illegally dropped off by private individuals in 2010 or 2011, leading to a three-year hunt to eradicate them.

Haleakala

A massive dormant shield volcano in Maui, Hawaii. The host mentions recent snow on Haleakala.

Nova Scotia

A province on the east coast of Canada where Jake Muise moved at age 16, offering a milder climate than the Arctic, and where he discovered surfing.

People

Tino Reyes

The assistant coach at the University of Hawaii who saw Jake Muise play volleyball and fought for his recruitment, impressed by his resiliency.

Matthew Walker

A renowned sleep scientist whose podcast with Peter Attia highlighted the impact of poor sleep on the nervous system and reaction time.

Jake Muise

The guest on the podcast, co-founder of Maui Nui, who discusses his life from growing up in the Arctic, to playing professional volleyball, and his mission to humanely harvest axis deer.

Kamehameha V

The Hawaiian monarch who, in 1868, commissioned the Matheson Trading Company to bring axis deer from India to Molokai.

John Dudley

An individual mentioned in the podcast who spoke about archery and hunting, influencing Peter Attia's journey into hunting.

Peter Attia

The host of The Drive podcast, who shares his personal journey and fascination with hunting and the quality of wild game meat, particularly axis deer.

Software & Apps

MAUI

A Hawaiian island where axis deer were introduced in the 1960s, currently estimated to have 60,000 deer with a max capacity of 210,000.

Deer Scat

Deer feces, which Jake and Mike looked for as physical evidence of deer presence during their extensive hunts.

FLIR Equipment

Forward-looking infrared technology, initially loaned by the military, used by Jake and Mike to detect heat signatures of deer at night, critical for their hunts and data collection.

Organizations

USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture, which sets the standards for meat inspection and certification. Maui Nui pursued USDA inspection for their wild-harvested axis deer.

University of Hawaii

The institution where Jake Muise played Division I volleyball and where he was recruited by after participating in Junior Olympic programs.

Companies

Lotex

A company that produced satellite telemetry video collars, which gave Maui Nui 48 hours of footage detailing the eating habits of axis deer.

Maui Nui

The company founded by Jake Muise and his co-founders, focused on the ethical, humane, and sustainable harvesting of axis deer for food while managing their population and ecological impact in Hawaii. Offers USDA-certified venison.

Matheson Trading Company

The company hired by King Kamehameha V in 1868 to transport axis deer from India to Hawaii.

Canadian Tire

A Canadian retail company where Jake bought styrofoam to make his first surfboard as a teenager due to inability to afford proper equipment.

Media

Cowspiracy

A documentary mentioned by Jake as a film that led some people to decide against eating meat, before they learned about Maui Nui's ethical practices.

Supplements

Glycine

A type of legume mentioned as one of the favorite plants eaten by axis deer, demonstrating their intelligent and selective eating habits.

Products

Loch Nagar

The name of the boat that transported the first axis deer from India, via the Yangtze River, to Hawaii in 1868.

Tacoma

A model of pickup truck in which Jake and Mike rolled around during their three-year hunt for axis deer, using it to navigate in the field.

Concepts

Kapu

A Hawaiian ancient law or restriction, specifically a prohibition on harvesting the king's deer (axis deer) when they were first introduced to Molokai.

Lava Cowboys

A nickname given to the team (Jake, Mike, and Hooka) who risked their lives to rescue cattle from rapidly approaching lava flows during a Kilauea eruption.

Legislation & Policy

Meat Inspection Act of 1930

The federal legislation that outlines the rules for meat inspection, which Maui Nui studied to ensure their wild harvesting process met humane and safety standards.