Wildlife mgt. program set

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell will host a continuing education program Friday, Jan. 13, at the Shackelford County Courthouse.

Registration for Managing Wildlife as a Beef Producer begins at 8:00 a.m. in the second floor courtroom.

“This is for the beef producer whose number one priority is raising beef, but they’re trying to manage natural resources, as well,” Bell said.

Registration is $20 per person. Bell said no RSVP is required.

The program, which will have five speakers, will offer one general CEU credit and one Integrated Pest Management CEU credit.

Refreshments will be provided by the Lower Clear Fork of the Brazos Soil and Water Conservation Board.

The program will begin at 8:30 a.m. with landowner Tamara Trail speaking on grazer and browser interaction, how beef cattle and white-tailed deer work well together, and how to manage for both successfully.

At 9:30 a.m., attorney  Kelly Gill will speak on legalities/liability issues, benefits of hunting leases, and how to protect your primary operation.

At 10:00 a.m., Rick Hanson of Merrick Davis Ranch will lead a discussion on management programs and hunter relations.

At 10:30 a.m., Wade Montgomery, manager of Newell and Walker Buckler ranches, will speak on overseeing day-to-day operations, guiding hunts and year-round deer management.

At 11:00 a.m., Taylor County rancher Annaliese Scoggin, who spent 13 years with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as a district biologist, will give a feral hog update.

For more information, contact Bell at 325-762-9435.