A Gus Engling Wildlife Management Area Landowner Workshop and Field Tour

The Gus Engling Wildlife Management Area (GEWMA) was the location for classroom sessions and a field tour of woodlands restoration on June 9, 2023. This wildlife workshop included indoor presentations, lunch, and an afternoon field tour/demonstration on GEWMA. Topics ranged from plants, upland game bird management, deer management, necropsy and wildlife disease to reptiles/amphibian management and songbird management. These subjects pertained mostly to the Post-Oak Savannah Eco-region, with discussions on habitat management and best practices to help landowners manage for wildlife on their property.

With over 62 people in attendance, eight (8) presentations were spot-on and engaging, from plant and animal diversity of GEWMA presented by botanist Jason Singhurst and herpetologist Paul Crump, to more traditional wildlife management of white-tailed deer and feral hogs, covered by experts in these fields. The afternoon tour of the GEWMA focused on savannah restoration practices – mechanical (mulching, hand tools and heavy equipment), selective herbicides, and prescribed fire – all focused on improving diversity in ways that are cost-effective and successful.

All photos courtesy of Taylor Garrison, TPWD.