Master of Science Candidate

Student Background

Now in the "deep south", I originally hail from the great north, in Mattawan, Michigan.  I grew up on a steady diet of hunting, camping, and other various outdoor activities.  I like to stay active by playing sports and traveling.  Disc Golf, Soccer, and Ultimate Frisbee are my favorite sports to play and College Basketball is my favorite to watch.  I have traveled to Australia, Uganda, and all over the U.S.  I love the outdoors and hope to be able to study/work out in nature for the rest of my employed life.

I have always been fascinated by animals and this led me to a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.  I attended Indiana Wesleyan University for my undergraduate studies and obtained my degree with a field study emphasis.  As I searched for a Graduate program to continue my education, Texas A&M University Kingsville caught my attention with a large program regarding White-tailed deer research.  With my hunting experience and interest in large mammals, I could not resist the opportunity to apply.  I am now proud to be a part of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute through TAMUK and look forward to the research that I will be doing as I strive for a Master's degree in Range and Wildlife Management.

Thesis Project

Project Title:  Survival of White-tailed Deer Fawns Over Winter and Adult Deer Annually in South Texas

Current Research Abstract

Thirty fawns were fitted with ear tag radio-transmitters using a helicopter capture method with net guns near Aguilares, Texas in the fall of 2008.  The location and survival of these fawns were monitored over the winter months.  The goal was to determine the cause and location of any mortality that occurred.  All marked fawns survived through the first research season.  Thirty more fawns will be tagged and monitored, beginning in the fall of 2009.  These fawns will also be monitored for feeder use and accessibility via trail cameras.  This data will be useful to South Texas ranch managers as they try to consistently produce deer that can be harvested during the hunting season.  Knowledge about fawn survival can increase the options that managers have in their white-tailed deer management efforts.