Building the Next Generation of Wildlife Conservation Leaders

Since 1993, the Wildlife Conservation Camp, presented by the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society, has inspired young minds through hands-on field training, outdoor exploration, and direct mentorship from industry professionals. This year’s camp, hosted at the Texas Tech University Three Rivers Ranch in Foard County, marked another standout year for youth stewardship.

Hands-on Field Education

Thirteen high school campers from across Texas participated in an intensive week of wildlife science and natural resource management, including:

• Core Ecology Disciplines: Soils science, water quality testing, rangeland management, herpetology, and habitat evaluations.

• Outdoor Skills & Demos: Archery instruction, falconry demonstrations, and field activities under hot conditions at the nearby Matador Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

• Capstone Presentations: Campers synthesized their learnings into final group presentations delivered to parents, staff, and mentors on the closing day.

Leadership & Partner Involvement

Our Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever (PFQF) Texas team took an active role in driving this year's event. Coordinating Wildlife Biologist Nolan Talkington served as Camp Director, leading nearly our entire Texas staff in volunteer roles spanning on-site instruction, event planning, promotion, and fundraising.

Chapter Support

A huge thank you to our local Texas PFQF chapters whose generous financial sponsorships helped make camper tuition and programming possible:

• Top o' Texas Chapter of Quail Forever

• High Plains TX Pheasants Forever Chapter

To learn more about future camp sessions, application details, or volunteer opportunities, visit the official Wildlife Conservation Camp website.