Jan. 22, 1998
Writer: Steve Byrns (915) 653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
COLLEGE STATION–“The Role of Genetics in White-tailed Deer Management” should top every deer enthusiasts’ list of required 1998 management courses. The symposium is Jan. 26-28 in Texas A&M University’s Rudder Conference Center.
“The whole question of culling deer for the sake of genetic improvement of the deer herd is the most controversial aspect of deer management today,” said Dr. Dale Rollins, Texas Agricultural Extension Service wildlife specialist at San Angelo and a symposium coordinator. “Interest in white-tailed deer management has increased tremendously over the past decade. Much of the interest is in growing bucks with larger antlers. In today’s effort to fast forward’ antler growth, there is a special emphasis on genetic improvement. But, there is also much confusion concerning what genetic manipulation can and cannot do. There are also ethical questions about how such a genetically engineered approach to deer management will impact deer huntings’ future. This symposium’s goal is to provide a forum for information exchange between leading scientific authorities and practitioners in the fields of deer management and genetics.”
The symposium opens Jan. 26 with registration and exhibit viewing from 4-7 p.m. Registration and exhibit viewing continues Jan. 27 at 7:15 a.m. until the symposium formally starts with Session 1 at 8:30 a.m.
Session 1, “Some Basics,” features “Deer Management 101”, Steve Nelle, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), San Angelo; “Genetics 101,” Dr. Loren Skow, College of Veterinary Medicine, College Station; and “Genetic Variation in White-tailed Deer,” Dr. Rodney Honeycutt, Texas A&M, College Station.
Session 2, “Evaluating Genetics Practices,” speakers and topics include: “How to Evaluate a Breeding Program,” Dr. Don Davis, Texas A&M, College Station; “Analysis of Antler Growth from Spike vs. Fork- antlered Deer,” Dr. Jim Ott, Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos; “The Age x Nutrition x Genetics Interaction,” Dr. Steve Demarais, Mississippi State University; and “Infusing New Genes: Natural or Artificial Insemination?” Dr. Ron Randel, Texas A&M, Overton.
Session 3, “Some Case Studies,” speakers and topics include: “The Kerr Wildlife Management Area Herd,” Donnie Harmel and Bill Armstong, Kerr Wildlife Management Area, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Kerrville; “The Mississippi State University Herd,” Dr. Harry Jacobson, MSU (retired) and Dr. Steven Lukefahr, Texas A&M-Kingsville; and “Faith Ranch Herd,” Dr. Charles DeYoung, Texas A&M-Kingsville. The session concludes with a panel discussion.
Session 4, “Ranch Level Experiences,” boasts a producer panel featuring Al Brothers; Zachry Ranches, Laredo (retired); Ron Fash, Que Pasa Ranch, Navasota; and Marshal Brown, Encino Ranch, San Angelo. The day concludes with a fajita dinner and slide show by Mike Biggs, a Fort Worth wildlife photographer.
Jan. 28 opens at 8 a.m. with Session 5, “Implementing Genetic Improvement.” Speakers and topics include: “Pros and Cons of Culling,” Point: Dr. James Kroll, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches and Counterpoint: Jacobson and “Assessing Management Strategies in Free-Ranging and Enclosed Deer Populations,” Dr. Jerry Taylor, Texas A&M, College Station.
Session 6, “Related Questions/Issues,” speakers and topics include: “How Good are our Aging Techniques?”, Ken Gee, Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma and DeYoung; “Scientific Breeder Permits: Status, Trends and Implications,” Dr. Jerry Cooke, TPWD, Austin; “Where is this Road Taking Us?”, Hunter’s Response: Ray Murski, Flint Creek Ranch, Meridian; Manager’s Response: Stuart Stedman, Wesley West Cattle Co., Houston; An Outdoor Writer’s Response: Ray Sasser, Dallas Morning News; A Wildlife Professional’s Response, Rollins and Agency Responses; Robert Cook, TPWD, Austin; and Dr. Joe Templeton, Texas Animal Health Commission, Austin.
Session 7, the symposium’s final session will be a wrap-up of the morning session’s speakers. Dr. Bob Brown, Texas A&M, College Station, will deliver the program’s final comments.
Registration is $125 per person at the door. Texas Chapter, The Wildlife Society members, get a $40 discount.
For further information contact Rollins at (915) 653-4576.
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