Howdy Guys.

Our family was blessed 20 years ago to acquire a very unique 2000 acre piece of property in East Texas. We are in the lumber business and have managed the native timber there but haven't done much concerning the wildlife. It has experience minor hunting pressure over the last 20 years as we let some customers hunt the property and is on the LAMPS program.

We are trying to find a consulting Wildlife Biologist to come in and give it a good look to steer the future of the property, specifically concerning whitetails. We are looking for guidance on everything from food plots to prescribed burn.

Does anyone have any recommendations on a good consulting biologist? I am aware that TPWD has a resident biologist in each region, but I would prefer to use someone who lives and dies by their reputation.

Thanks guys, have a good day.

Talk to Max.

Just an fyi, most of the really good consulting biologists are using the experience to get on with TPWD, especially in East Texas. Be sure you check the background of the biologist, many of the consulting biologists are very breeder/husbandry oriented, and pretty weak on the habitat management.

Go talk to you County Extension office.

What part of East Texas? I know a TPWD guy in the piney woods that knows his stuff. (Ursus probably knows most of these guys as well)

Edge of Cherokee County, just outside of Alto.

The guy I know covers Rusk, so there's a good chance if you call TPWD , he'd be your guy. Muller is the name. Nice guy.

I'm interested in this as my family has about 500 acres just north of you in Jacksonville all planted in pine.

Keep us posted.

Muller is arguably one of the best biologists I know, close, but he doesn't cover Cherokee county. We were in fire school together a few years ago. The guy (Price) that covers Cherokee county has been there for about 3 years now. He had pretty decent intern experience (his advisor was one of top feral gurus in the country) before coming to TPWD.
'09-you might want to talk to the Forest Stewardship biologist (Wood) out of Nacogdoches.

Nice to hear some good things about the biologist here. I knew he was relatively new (and perhaps young?).

Obviously talking to Price would be the first thing to do, but do these guys cross counties at all? I really would like the highest quality help I can get (not saying Price won't be good), hence my initial comment about using someone in the private sector.

Any words of advice about going forward? When to contact, what to expect, etc?

Thanks for your help so far guys.

Oh, and '09 I'm from and live in Jacksonville.

They will to some extent, but generally stay to their counties. You could also try the tech guidance biologist. They are generally a senior biologist and generally work more in depth on technical matters.

Keep in mind the wildlife biology field is bit backwards from most fields, most of the better ones end up with the state or feds. If you look at the more noted consult biologists are retired TPWD (or academic). Most wildlife grads that don't make it with the state/feds, and go the consulting route, usually end up in another field. A recent TPWD biologist position had 250+ applicants, many of those are trying to get out of consulting, but many still aren't strong canidates.

There are several retired biologists that consult around the state. I can't give a specific name, but they point out prominately they are former state biologists.

is OP Randy McCown?

Nope. Good guess though. I played in HS with his brother Luke.

Call Advanced Ecology and ask for Carl Frentress. 903 675 1533- This guy is out of Athens and has been doing it for 35 years. I have seen him on Parks and wildlife several times. He is now a consultant. He is also a great Aggie. I dont think there is a more knowledgeable person when it comes to this stuff.

I saw this and thought that you may be interested in this Forest Management and Wildlife on Private Land in Eastern Texas webinar scheduled for Thursday. If you cannot make the live version, they are recorded and can be accessed at any time thru the TWA website.

I am a wildlife, conservation, and forestry consultant with 40+ years experience in the private timber industry. I am happy to help landowners with their property goals. Don Dietz 936-675-3462.

Now at 45 years experience and still going strong! I have 40 plus clients and I am happy to help anyone!