By Gaven Sanders | Student Liaison for The Tarleton Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society
The Tarleton State University Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society had a productive December break with an opportunity to participate in a quail-trapping conservation project with Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation. The society held their first meeting of the spring semester on Jan. 28. Several students also had the opportunity to attend a mentored hunt hosted by Delta Waterfowl.
Quail Trapping at Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation
Over six separate days in December, students spent the day at the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch participating in a quail-trapping conservation project. Guided by research foundation staff, students learned to use telemetry radio tracking to locate quail around the ranch and set up traps at designated points. At sundown, the traps were revisited to collect the captured quail. Students were trained in proper handling techniques to secure the birds for transportation. The captured quail were taken to the Rolling Plains lab, where students gained hands-on experience in GPS collaring and data recording.
This immersive experience provided students with a variety of new skills and knowledge, including quail biology and management, quail handling, telemetry tracking, and GPS collaring techniques.
All animals were handled with proper care and training.
Delta Waterfowl Sponsored Hunt
On Jan. 26, eight members participated in a mentored hunt hosted by Delta Waterfowl. This hunt was designed to emphasize the importance of hunting in wildlife conservation and to give members who have never hunted an opportunity to participate in a no-cost waterfowl harvesting experience.
To prepare for the hunt and familiarize themselves with shooting for waterfowl, the participants attended a skeet shoot on Jan. 19-20. The skeet shoot was hosted by current society officers and Tarleton State graduate students who helped students learn how to properly load, fire, and carry the guns used for the hunt.
In addition to an expert guide with the group, each member was paired with an officer or graduate student that guided them through the hunt to make the experience as safe and enjoyable as possible. The guide also ensured each participants safety and that all regulations for waterfowl hunting were met. Participating members gained hands-on knowledge about species-specific limits and sustainable hunting regulations, allowing them to safely and sustainably hunt waterfowl.
First General Meeting
On Jan. 28, the Society hosted their first general meeting of the spring semester. The general meeting served as a way to welcome new students and introduce potential new members to The Tarleton State Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Students had the opportunity to join, as well as learn about different events, committees, competition teams, career opportunities, and ways to get involved.
Staff from the Bamberger Ranch were in attendance to discuss their spring BioBlitz. They introduced the event, its importance, and their personal career progression and success. Members had the opportunity to sign up for the event, which will take place March 21-23, 2025.
Upcoming Events
In February, society officers and competitions teams will be traveling to Denton to attend The Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society’s annual conference. They will be presenting research, competing in quiz bowl and plant ID competitions, meeting and connecting with professionals, and learning about conservation efforts and research. Later in February, Society members will be volunteering at the National Wild Turkey Federation conference.
The Tarleton State Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society will host two general membership meetings in February. Join them Feb. 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Ag 113 to hear from professional bow fishing guide, Lonnie Hammil.
For more information on how to join or ways to get involved, please contact gaven.sanders@go.tarleton.edu or find them on Facebook at Tarleton State University Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society.