Jerry Kidd, 325-396-4787, jj-kidd@tamu.edu


Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu

MENARD – Predator awareness will be the topic of a workshop to be conducted by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service from 8:15 a.m.- 4:45 p.m. May 22 at the Menard County Show Barn located on the A.H. Murchison Complex – Whitehead Youth Center in Menard.

Six Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units – two laws and regulations, four general – will be available for those with a private applicator license.

“With wildlife such an important part of our region’s economy and with strong sheep and goat prices enticing some to reenter the business, managing predators in a responsible manner becomes crucial to the success of these endeavors,” said Jerry Kidd, AgriLife Extension agent in Menard County.

Dr. Dale Rollins, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist at San Angelo, will be the workshop’s main speaker. His presentations will include: Appreciating Predators; Interpreting Physical Evidence of Predation, lab practical; Predator Biology; Coping with Coyotes – Feral Hogs and Bobcats; Predator Control and Wildlife Management; and A Code of Ethics for Predator Management.

Immediately following a catered lunch, Jude Sandoval, Texas Wildlife Services, Kerrville, will demonstrate several predator control options. They are non-lethal approaches, traps and snares, M-44s and livestock protection collars, aerial gunning and calling.

Other topics and speakers include: Predators as Disease Vectors, Dr. Pete Fincher, DVM, Texas Animal Health Commission, Lampasas; Preventing Illicit Use of Pesticides in Predator Control Programs, Cory Pence, Texas Department of Agriculture, San Angelo; and Menard Game and Livestock Protection Board and Texas Sheep and Goat Management boards, Jason Bannowski, Texas Sheep and Goat Board member, Menard.

RSVP to the AgriLife Extension office in Menard at 325-396-4787. Individual preregistration is $20 by May 18 and $30 thereafter. The fee includes the noon meal.

This is pretty cool!