Thursday, May 31, 2001

Retreat offers students a glimpse into the lives of wildlife professionals

Career focus was difficult for me as a kid.
   They said I lacked direction.
   Depending on the day of the week, my desire was to be a game warden, wildlife biologist, Boy Scout professional, veterinarian, zoo curator, park ranger and a number of other related occupations. Until much later, newspaper writer wasn't even in the running.
   My point is that I had very little idea what these jobs involved. And I didn't know where to turn for a glimpse into these professions, which could have helped make up my mind.
   Career counseling has come a long way since then.
   Today, young people can have their questions answered, and perhaps their focuses narrowed, in a number of ways. One of the more entertaining opportunities for students interested in outdoor careers is available right here in the Coastal Bend, at the Wildlife Conservation Camp sponsored by the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society this summer, at the Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Refuge near Sinton.
   The deadline for applicants is June 15. This seven-day camp starts July 8 and costs $200.
   This is the seventh year the Wildlife Society has offered this hands-on camp, geared toward high school students interested in outdoor activities or natural resources.
   Teachers, parents, Scout leaders, natural resource professionals, county extension agents and Farm Bureau officials can nominate candidates for the camp and should encourage them to attend. Students should have at least average grades in natural science, a flexible and tolerant attitude about occasional adverse conditions such as rain, heat, humidity and insects, an ability to communicate with diverse groups of people and a plan or desire to attend college.
   This is not a classroom seminar. Students will learn in the field from wildlife professionals who love their work. The camp will cover conservation ethics, predator-prey interactions, capture and census techniques, plant and animal identification, hunting as a management tool, hunter safety and shooting skills.
   Students will trap small mammals, net and handle birds and track predators by electronic telemetry. But most of all, they will see first-hand the ups and downs of a variety of wildlife occupations.
   Students considering careers in wildlife or natural resource sciences are strongly encouraged to attend. Financial aid is available.
   Applications and nomination forms are available online at http://texnat.tamu.edu/profsoc/tctws/tctws/htm.
   Or call Camp Director Selma Glasscock at (361) 364-2643.
   Instructors for this year's camp are in place. But if you're interested in becoming an instructor at future sessions, call the camp director.
   Floater bill passes
   A CCA-Texas proposal to place reasonable limits and regulations on floating cabins and their owners has survived the legislative process.
   Compromises were made, but the final bill strikes a balance between environmental concerns and responsible ownership, according to CCA-Texas officials.
   The moratorium deadline for floaters is Aug. 31. Floaters not in place by that date will not be permitted.
   The law also would require a portable marine toilet in each floater, an initial $1,500 fee, which would be used to clean-up derelict floaters and residual debris, plus a $300 annual permit fee and a $300 transfer fee. The law would allow the sale of floaters.
   The $1,500 fee is refundable if the permit is retired and the floater is properly removed.
   Among other things, the law would require a white light on floaters at night. They also must be capable of floating at high tide and cannot damage seagrass, oyster reefs and rocks.
   STAR STANDNGS
   (Provided by CCA-Houston)
   SPECKLED TROUT
   Upper Coast - no entry.
   Middle Coast - no entry.
   Lower Coast -no entry.
   KINGFISH
   1, Robert Sneed. 34.0 pounds.
   DORADO
   No entry
   RED SNAPPER
   1, Mike Ruppel III, 21.9; 2, Randy Barron, 20; 3, Jeff Todish, 19.
   FLOUNDER
   1,Richard Wellborn, 5.2; 2, Anthony Tillotson, 2.10; 3 Mike Payne, 4.9;
   SHEEPSHEAD
   1, Clinton McDaniels, 6.10; 2, Tracy Ross, 6.10; 3, Larry Micheletti, 6.7.
   GAFFTOP
   1, Andrew Romero, 6.9; 2, Curtis Branecky, 6.4; 3, Billy Casher, 6.0..
   TAGGED REDFISH
   No entry.
   STARKIDS YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP DIVISION
   Flounder - Chelsea Miller, 2.1. Gafftop - Buck Hunter Starling, 6.8. Sheepshead - Teagen Bowen, 4.12.
   STARTEENS SCHOLARSHIP INSHORE DIVISION
   Flounder - no entry; Gafftop - Brian Hyde, 4.9; Sheepshead, Charles Evans Jr., 4.10.
   STARTEENS YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP
   DIVISION (trout only, 6-pound minimum)
   Upper Coast - no entry; Middle Coast - no entry. Lower Coast - Jonathan Harris, 6.13.
  
   Free fishing
   Texas Parks & Wildlife has designated Saturday a free fishing day. No licenses are required of lawful anglers as part of National Fishing and Boating Week (June 1-10).