Arden Petersen – Regional Director – SD & NE
Arden has spent his entire career working on wildlife conservation – as a conservation officer, habitat manager, regional supervisor and assistant director for South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. He’s been the lead on numerous wildlife management area acquisitions as well as developing and managing many public lands during his time with the agency. Improving wildlife habitat and access for sportsmen and women have always been priorities of his.
Throughout his career, Arden strived to build strong relationships with sportsmen and women, landowners, agency staff and the public to build support for conservation programs. Finding common ground with landowners and sportsmen, building advocacy for the outdoors, developing and managing wildlife habitat and improving access for hunters, anglers and other outdoor users have been priorities of his throughout his career.
Arden believes in the mission of the Mule Deer Foundation and that habitat truly is the key to building stronger wildlife populations. He looks forward to working closely with MDF staff, volunteers, members and others to increase awareness and support for wildlife conservation and to improve wildlife habitat. Working together, we can improve the recruitment and survival of mule deer, black-tailed deer and other wildlife.
Arden has served as MDF’s Chapter Chair for the Dakota Gray Ghost Chapter since the chapter was formed in 2018. He has also served as MDF ‘s South Dakota State Chair since 2022 and the Chair of MDF’s Volunteer Leadership Team since 2024. Arden holds bachelor’s degrees from South Dakota State University in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences and in Biology.
Arden and his wife Bonnie live near Sioux Falls with their two dogs – Gus and Katey. Their son Nate and his wife Sydney live nearby and are expecting their first child this fall. Grandpa and Grandma are looking forward to spoiling their first grandchild very soon!
State Pages:
South Dakota
Nebraska
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 605-359-0654
