COLLEGE STATION – Landowners were eager to learn about wildlife management and property tax valuation from experts at the recent Texas Wildlife Short Course in Bryan.

Application details were provided for this type of valuation and qualifying land management activities, said Dr. Jim Cathey, Texas AgriLife Extension Service wildlife specialist.

“The trend is growing for wildlife operations across the state where landowners blend livestock and wildlife management,” Cathey said. “Those in attendance had a lot of questions about how to get into this type of business.”

The short course, sponsored by AgriLife Extension and held at the Brazos County Exposition Center, had more than 100 in attendance who came from all parts of the state, including Laredo, Utopia, San Antonio, Encino, Lampasas, Cross Plains and Arlington, Cathey said. It catered to both new and seasoned sportsmen, providing up to date information on all aspects of wildlife management.

Short course topics included assessment of intensive deer management by biologist Bob Zaiglin. It also addressed pond management, brush management, understanding how to legally plant and manipulate fields for doves, feral hog control, and marketing wildlife.

“I think that it is fantastic that Texas landowners add to their knowledge base to make changes on the landscape that benefits wildlife,” Cathey said. “There were also a slate of activities designed just for young people, and three continuing education units for private pesticide applicators were provided.”

The second day featured educational activities merged with the arrival of 400 additional people who honored landowners and hunters for their stewardship of natural resources as part of the Texas Big Game Awards Sportsmen’s Celebration.

Cathey noted that this will be an annual event and plans are already under way for what will be the second annual Texas Wildlife Short Course. Financial sponsors of the first event were Producers Cooperative, Stay-Tuff Fence, Coufal-Prater Equipment and Frontier Land and Wildlife Management.

For more information regarding the Texas Wildlife Short Course, contact Cathey at 979-845-0916.

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