Wildlife Management (WMGT)

WMGT 2301. Principles of Wildlife Management. 3 Hours. [TCCN: AGRI 2330]

Students explore the foundations and modern applications of wildlife conservation in North America, with emphasis on the ecological principles guiding habitat and population management. Students analyze the historical development of conservation philosophies. Through lectures and discussion, students will examine plant succession, soil and vegetation interactions, and the practical tools used to manage wildlife habitats. Emphasis may be placed on critical thinking, problem-solving, and the integration of science-based approaches to address contemporary conservation challenges.

WMGT 2396. Special Topic. 3 Hours.

Students examine special topics/issues in Wildlife Management at an introductory level. This course may be repeated up to three times as topics and subject matter changes.

WMGT 3301. Wildlife Ranch Management. 3 Hours.

Students explore management practices on existing or new ranches for wildlife production and conservation. Emphasis may be placed on integrating ecological, economic, and managerial principles to create profitable and sustainable ranch operations utilizing wildlife. Students will examine habitat management, plant and soil relationships, wildlife population dynamics, business planning, and regulatory frameworks governing private land stewardship.
Prerequisite: WMGT 2301 with a grade of C or better.

WMGT 3310. Wildlife Ecology. 3 Hours.

Students examine the ecological principles governing wildlife populations and their interactions with the environment. Students analyze ecosystem dynamics, energy flow, population modeling, and land-use impacts through the lens of applied wildlife management. Emphasis may be placed on evaluating habitat quality, predicting population responses to ecological disturbances, and designing evidence-based management strategies for both native and exotic species. Through integrative online modules, field case studies, and collaborative discussion, students will develop critical thinking and data interpretation skills necessary for modern wildlife conservation and ecological research.
Prerequisite: WMGT 2301 with a grade of C or better.

WMGT 3311. Laws and Regulations of Wildlife Management. 3 Hours.

Students examine federal, state, and private laws governing wildlife management, hunting, and landownership with a regional focus. Students analyze how legal frameworks influence wildlife production, ownership, and conservation practices. Through case studies and applied problem-solving, students evaluate real-world legal scenarios involving public and private landowners, exotic wildlife ownership, and game management. Emphasis may be placed on synthesizing ecological principles, policy interpretation, and ethical considerations to formulate defensible management decisions in compliance with regulatory frameworks.
Prerequisite: WMGT 2301 with a grade of C or better.

WMGT 3350. Cervid Fawn Care. 3 Hours.

Students explore the principles of cervid fawn care, with a primary focus on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Students will examine the management of fawns from parturition to weaning, including handling, immobilization, health monitoring, and disease prevention. Key topics may include diagnosing and treating sick fawns, understanding active and passive antibody transfer, birthing protocols, vaccination strategies, and weaning techniques. Students will integrate scientific knowledge with practical skills to develop comprehensive fawn care strategies that promote survival, growth, and long-term herd health.
Prerequisite: WMGT 2301 with a C or better.

WMGT 3381. Game Animal Production. 3 Hours.

Students explore the principles of game animal production and management for native and exotic cervid and bovid species. Students engage in hands-on learning through field experiences, applying practical techniques in daily wildlife management, including herd health monitoring, habitat assessment, and species-specific husbandry. The course integrates scientific principles with economic considerations to enable students to design sustainable, profitable wildlife management plans. Course Equivalents: AGRI 3381
Prerequisite: WMGT 2301 with a grade of C or better and Sophomore standing.

WMGT 3382. Habitat & Pond Management. 3 Hours.

Students study the principles of habitat and pond management for wildlife professionals. Students integrate ecological, biological, and economic concepts to design and evaluate sustainable aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Emphasis may be placed on field-based learning, including plant and fish identification, pond construction and stocking, vegetation management, riparian restoration, and fish population assessment. Students conduct field surveys, collect and analyze ecological data, and apply management strategies that balance productivity, biodiversity, and conservation ethics. Students will gain practical skills in habitat evaluation, fish sampling, vegetation control, and data-driven decision-making essential for managing aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Prerequisite: WMGT 2301 with a grade of C or better and Sophomore standing.

WMGT 4096. Directed Study. 1-6 Hours.

Arranged professional and developmental learning experiences incorporating a practical application of wildlife management skills and practices. This course may include internships, individual research, and industry studies.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

WMGT 4301. Cervid Breeding and Production. 3 Hours.

Students explore the principles of cervid breeding and production, focusing on white-tailed deer, red deer, axis deer, and fallow deer. Students will gain practical experience in reproductive management, weaning, vaccination protocols, immobilization, and the interstate/intrastate movement of cervid species. The course emphasizes selective breeding, pedigree analysis, and genetic improvement strategies within a confinement-based production system. Through a combination of on-campus lectures and fieldwork at an off-campus deer breeding facility, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to manage cervid herds efficiently, ethically, and profitably. THIS A HANDS ON COURSE THAT REQUIRES PARTICIPATION AT AN OFF-CAMPUS DEER BREEDING FACILITY FOR LECTURE AND FIELD WORK.
Prerequisite: WMGT 2301 with a grade of C or better and Junior standing.

WMGT 4302. Cervid Management. 3 Hours.

Students study the production of cervid species, focusing primarily on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus). Students will explore cervid production practices used in the commercial confinement industry during the spring and summer months. Key topics include cervid anatomy and physiology, nutrition, feed types and feeding programs, state and federal breeding regulations, cost estimation for breeding operations, spring/summer diseases and treatments, and fawn care. Students will develop practical skills and scientific understanding to manage cervid herds efficiently, profitably, and ethically.
Prerequisite: WMGT 2301 with a grade of C or better.

WMGT 4320. Wildlife Management Techniques. 3 Hours.

Students explore wildlife management techniques with an emphasis on both native and exotic species, including freshwater fish. Students will gain practical experience in field-based methods such as animal handling, ethical trapping, exotic species management, and population surveys. Through applied learning, students will integrate scientific knowledge with real-world techniques to make informed wildlife management decisions while emphasizing safety, ethical practices, and regulatory compliance.
Prerequisite: WMGT 2301 with a grade of C or better.

WMGT 4340. Exotic Animal Production. 3 Hours.

Students examine regional exotic animal production industry, emphasizing both scientific and economic aspects. Students study species identification, habitat requirements, nutrition, holding facility design, and legal and regulatory frameworks governing exotic species management. Practical application is emphasized through field trips, case studies, and hands-on exercises in breeding, genetics, and animal handling. Students analyze cost structures, market value, and income estimation for commercial exotic animal operations. By integrating ecological, regulatory, and economic knowledge, students develop strategies to manage exotic species sustainably and profitably.
Prerequisite: WMGT 2301 with a grade of C or better.

WMGT 4341. Upland Game Bird Management. 3 Hours.

Students gain an in-depth examination of the ecology, habitat requirements, and management of upland game birds, with a focus on species such as northern bobwhite, wild turkey, and ring-necked pheasant. Students will analyze habitat components across a range of Texas ecosystems and evaluate how land use, agricultural practices, and resource economics influence upland bird populations. Emphasis may be placed on integrating research-based management practices with real-world applications through immersive field experiences. Students will travel across multiple habitats to engage directly in survey methods, management assessments, and conservation planning for upland species.
Prerequisite: WMGT 2301 with a grade of C or better and Departmental Approval.

WMGT 4342. Waterfowl Management. 3 Hours.

Students explore the ecology, biology, anatomy, and management of migratory waterfowl found in North America, emphasizing species identification, habitat conservation, and population management. Students integrate ecological theory with practical field applications through habitat assessments, wetland management techniques, and direct engagement with waterfowl in natural and managed settings. Emphasis may be placed on the biological and human dimensions of waterfowl management, including hunting, regulatory frameworks, and conservation partnerships. Field-based learning experiences prepare students to evaluate and design evidence-based management strategies for sustainable waterfowl populations and habitats.
Prerequisite: WMGT 2301 with a grade of C or better and Junior standing.

WMGT 4343. Integration of Livestock and Wildlife Management. 3 Hours.

Students examine the intersection of wildlife and livestock management, focusing on sustainable practices that benefit both sectors. Topics may include federal laws and regulations for land use and wildlife, strategies for disease prevention, methods for competition management for resources between wildlife and domestic livestock, and practices for livestock management to support wildlife conservation, including habitat improvement and grazing systems.
Prerequisite: WMGT 2301 with a grade of C or better.

WMGT 4369. Special Topic. 3 Hours.

Individual study in specialized areas of Wildlife Management. To be directed and approved by the Animal Science advisor. This course is designed to be a multi-topic course. The student can take the course under various special topics being offered.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.