The Karnes County Wildlife Management Co-op (KCWMC) held its Annual Spring Meeting and Banquet on March 31 at the Cestohowa Hall.

KCWMC President, Chris Dziuk presented Falls City High School Senior, Wade Anthony Jimerson with the 7th annual Karnes County Wildlife Management Scholarship in the amount of $1,000.00. Wade will be attending Texas A&M University in College Station. His major field of study is Animal Science. Wade has excelled academically, ranking 2nd in his class, while additionally holding various offices and receiving numerous awards and recognitions. He remained active in many organizations throughout the County, his community, and in Falls City High School. All KCWMC members extend their congratulations and best wishes to Wade.

Ryan Darr, TPWD Wildlife Biologist for Karnes County, presented population and harvest data from the 2011–2012 deer season. Mr. Darr first discussed regional deer densities calculated from KCWMC spotlight surveys performed each year from 2006 to 2011. Mr. Darr also introduced the possibility of obtaining a co-op hunting lease license at a much reduced cost for members of the KCWMC.

J.D. Folbre, AgriLIFE Extension Agent for Karnes County, entertained and educated attendees through a comprehensive presentation on Feral Hogs in Texas. At the end of his presentation, Mr. Folbre also introduced the Hog Out County Grant program designed to promote feral hog management in counties throughout Texas.

Mr. Darr also displayed a live Texas tortoise for the enjoyment and information of both children and adults at the banquet. The number of Texas tortoises across the county and the state has dwindled in recent years, which has led to extra attention and legal protection for the species.  Drawings were held throughout the meeting for various door prizes. KCWMC members and guests were served dinner catered by Polak’s Sausage Farm, Inc. A fun evening was enjoyed by everyone. Anyone interested in joining the Co-op can do so by contacting them at P. O. Box 537, Falls City, Texas 78113 or calling President Chris Dziuk at (830) 254-3488.