JAMES C. CATHEY

Assistant Professor & Extension Wildlife Specialist
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences
Mail Stop 2258, Rm. 112, Nagle Hall
College Station, TX 77843
Office: (979) 845-0916
Mobile: (979) 575-6730
Fax: (979) 845-7103
jccathey@tamu.edu


 

Extension    100%
Research         0%
Teaching          0%
                   100%

 

                       

MAJOR AREAS OF WORK

Program Planning:  Help County Extension Agents and county advisory committees identify topics of interest for programming efforts in wildlife management.  To identify ways to disseminate information to the public which enhance wildlife resources in Texas including native, exotic, and livestock species and to expand ongoing youth conservation education.
Faculty and Staff Training/Assistance:  Provide training and educational opportunities for County Extension Agents in wildlife management and youth conservation education programs.
Implementation of Educational Programs:  Provide assistance to CEAs and the public regarding wildlife management using, telephone, e-mail, office conferences, correspondence, field days, workshops, and site visits.
Financial and Program Support of Extension Activities:  Develop internal and external funding for supporting Extension and applied research activities in wildlife.
Coordination and Cooperation:  Collaborate with a network of wildlife biologists and other natural resource managers and scientists with TPWD, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and other state and federal agencies to aid in educational efforts including the expansion of existing 4-H youth conservation education programs.
Professionalism:  Maintain active roles in professional conservation societies by serving on committees and other leadership roles.  Serve on graduate committees and express research and extension results in conferences and media.





EDUCATION


1997    Ph.D. Wildlife Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas USA, Co-Advisors:  Loren M. Smith and Robert J. Baker.
1993    M.S. Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas USA, Major Professor:  John W. Bickham.
1991    B.S. Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas USA.



PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT

March 1, 2005‑present
Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University.
April 1, 2002‑February 28, 2005
Assistant Professor, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University.
September 1997‑March 2002
Natural Resource Specialist - Research Scientist, Gus Engeling and Richland Creek Wildlife Management Areas, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Spring 1996‑Spring 1997
Graduate Research Assistant, R. J. Baker laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Range, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management, Texas Tech University.
Spring 1994‑Fall 1995
Graduate Teaching Assistant – Course Instructor, Introductory Wildlife, Department of Range, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management, Texas Tech University.
Fall 1993‑Spring 1993
Graduate Research Assistant, R. J. Baker laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University.
Spring 1991‑Fall 1993
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Laboratory Instructor, Natural History of the Vertebrates, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University.
January 1989‑December 1991
Laboratory Technician, J. W. Bickham laboratory, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University.



INTERESTS

Conservation Education, Wildlife Management, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Genetics, Mammalogy, and Natural History



AWARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS



OUTREACH, EXTENSION, AND DEPARTMENTAL PROGRAMMING

Program Leadership
Developed Wild Wonderings Blog for Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Extension Unit, February 2008.
Accomplishments

Collaborated with Dr. Bret Collier to develop publications regarding biology and management of Rio Grande wild turkeys, February 2007-present.
Accomplishments

Coordinated activates and planned objectives for natural resource education within the Trinity River Basin, August 2006‑present.
Accomplishments

Coordinator of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Extension Unit’s Conservation Education programs and liaison with Texas Parks and Wildlife regarding Hunter Education, April 2006‑present.  Also serve as liaison with Prairie View A&M University, April 2006‑present.
Conservation Education Staff

Accomplishments

Texas AgriLife Extension Service’s liaison for the Texas Master Naturalist program and Texas Master Naturalist State Committee Member, April 2006‑present.
Accomplishments

State Coordinator of the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP), 4-H Youth Program (40 youth/yr), March 1, 2005‑April 2007.
Activities

Rainwater Harvesting Taskforce, Interdisciplinary group: Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Soil and Crop Sciences, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Horticultural Sciences and Texas Water Resources Institute.
Accomplishments

Texas AgriLife Extension Service coordinator for the Chocolate Bayou Research and Demonstration Farm in Brazoria County, April 2006‑present.
Supervisor, Shane Sieckienus and David L. Alford, Research Assistants, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Uvalde, TX 2003‑2005.

Service, Resource Teams, and Clientele Panels
Departmental Service

Extension Unit Service

Institute of Renewable Natural Resources Service

Internal –Texas AgriLife Extension Service

External –Texas AgriLife Extension Service

County Extension Agent Program Planning

Summary of Extension Programming Efforts

Table 1.  Summary of outreach and extension programming efforts.  For 1997‑2001, see page 9 for extension related activities, while employed by Texas Parks and Wildlife.  For 2004‑2002, extension related activities were conducted in addition to my TAES research program.

Outreach and Extension Programming

2008
TCE

2007
TCE

2006 TCE

2005 TCE

2004 TAES

2003 TAES

2002  TAES

2001-1997 TPW

Clientele Reached

864

1,938

3,117

2,086

230

364

150

numerous

Contact Hours

1,378

4,465

6,690

6,927

260

2,792

900

numerous

Presentations

19

39

67

44

3

8

6

numerous

Radio Interview

1

1

.

1

.

.

.

.

Video Interview

.

1

.

.

.

.

.

1

Grants Awarded, Directed Funds

37,100

161,096

81,000

.

117,644

44,424

.

see below

Refereed Journal Articles

1

.

2

1

2

1

2

5

Extension Publications – Peer Reviewed

2

6

2

1

.

.

1

.

Conference Proceedings

.

1

.

.

.

.

.

.

Popular and Internet Articles

10

10

3

9

1

.

1

.

Resource Teams and Clientele Panels

5

8

11

5

.

.

.

.

Conservation Education Coordinator (main programs)

3

3

2

.

.

.

.

.

4-H WHEP Coordinator (contests)

.

2

2

1

.

.

.

.

County Extension Agent Projects/Training

2

4

2

1

.

.

.

.

Extension and Outreach Programs, 2008:
Provided technical guidance via e-mail to County Extension Agents on 10 occasions and 6 producers and conducted 2ranch visit.  Additionally, 5 web-based articles were published and 1 radio interview were prepared or given.  Participated in 7 adult field days / workshops and 0 youth days, and gave 18 presentations delivering information on invasive species, wildlife property tax valuation, habitat and wildlife management.  I interacted with 864people for 1,378contact hours as of July 7, 2008.

Extension and Outreach Programs, 2007:
Evaluated and then encouraged county extension agents to attend a Trinity River Information Management System GIS training workshop as part of an effort to increase programming for the Trinity River Initiative.  Coordinated media event for Ag Communications to tour the Trinity River from the headwaters to the outlet in Galveston Bay.  Ranch tours and interviews resulted in many news articles adapted from “Rural Ranchers Help Trinity River and Themselves” written by Mike Jackson (TAMU Agricultural Communications).  Recruited and hired Dr. Shawn Locke as an Extension Associate to interact with clientele groups and develop educational materials for the Trinity Basin and elsewhere.  Recruited Chelsea Martin, a WFSC undergraduate student intern to develop products for the Trinity River Initiative.  Developed 2 new publications regarding natural resource management in the Trinity River Basin.  Awarded at total of $23,000 to develop education materials.

Collaborated with Dr. Bret Collier to develop 2 new publications regarding biology and management of Rio Grande wild turkeys.  Awarded $48,345 from Texas Parks and Wildlife.  Recruited WFSC Senior, Nick Herzog and County Extension Agents Lee Dudley and Derek Scasta to develop an educational poster for predators of Rio Grande wild turkey and Exotic Ungulates (ongoing).  Additionally, collaboration with Dr. Susan Cooper and Dean Ransom resulted in 1 new publication regarding roost site selection of pen-reared bobwhite quail.

Two WHEP contests (Houston and Canyon, TX) and 1 training event were coordinated and information regarding the program was conveyed through numerous e‑mails and phone conferences.  As a member of the Rainwater Harvest Taskforce, 5 trainings were conducted for Texas Master Gardeners and Texas Master Naturalists.  Served as the TCE liaison for the Texas Master Naturalist program and served as a state committee member and advanced training instructor.  Awarded $4,000 from the Magnolia Foundation for Texas Master Naturalist chapter development projects.  Served as the Coordinator for the Conservation Education program and was awarded $85,000 to meet programming needs of Texas Parks
and Wildlife.  Recruited and hired Laci Chapman as an Extension Assistant to conduct conservation activities with Prairie View A&M University and Texas 4-H to replace Denise Harmel-Garza.

Provided technical guidance via e-mail to County Extension Agents on 32 occasions and 38 producers and conducted 5 ranch visits.  Additionally, 6 extension publications, 2 popular articles, and 8 web-based articles were published and 1 video and 1 radio interview was given.  Participated in 27 adult field days / workshops and 4 youth days, and gave 39 presentations delivering information on wildlife tax valuation, habitat and wildlife management.  I interacted with 1,938 people for 4,465 contact hours. Served on 8 resource teams and clientele panels.  Collaborated with the following organizations:  Texas Parks and Wildlife, Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, Trinity Basin Conservation Foundation, Advanced Ecology Ltd., Texas Agricultural Experiment Station (Uvalde and Vernon), Rancho Blanco Inc., and faculty members in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, and Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

Extension and Outreach Programs, 2006:  Provided technical guidance via phone conversations to 30 County Extension Agents and 14 producers and conducted 3 ranch visits.  Coordinated 2 WHEP contests and disseminated information through numerous e‑mails.  Coordinated and provided County Extension Agents with a training workshop in wildlife management.  Completed 5 white-tailed deer trainings for the Colorado Outdoor Adventure Guide School, participated in 23 adult field day / workshops and 2 youth days, delivering information on wildlife tax valuation, habitat and native wildlife management.  Council was provided at the State Capital to help resolve a human / wildlife conflict regarding water quality in the Leon River.  Served as the TCE liaison for the Texas Master Naturalists program and served on their state committee.  Two extension articles and 1 peer-reviewed article were published.  One technical article and one peer-reviewed article are in press.  Four invited presentations (Texas Farm Bureau, American Forage Grassland Council, Texas Section of Rangeland Ecology and Management Society, and The 48th Institute on Property Taxation held concurrently with the Texas Comptroller’s Property Tax Division’s 28th Annual Conference) were given.  I interacted with 3,117 people for 6,690 contact hours and provided information during 34 programs.

Extension and Outreach Programs, 2005:  Participated in 1 radio interview, prepared 10 news releases, gave 44 presentations at 28 events and interacted with 2,086 people for 6,927 contact hours.  Presentations centered on deer biology, genetics and antler development, breeding behavior and timing, paternity testing, deer surveys, nutrition, wildlife diseases, livestock and exotic big game species interactions, predator management, plant identification, habitat management techniques, Texas mammals, quail biology and management, nature tourism, dove management, wildlife tax valuation, and feral hogs.

Developed, scored, and submitted evaluation results for 5 workshops on behalf of County Extension Agents representing 20 counties, 2005.  A retrospective post evaluation strategy using a Likert Scale to determine knowledge gained and plans for practice adoption.  Topics and practice vary by location and workshop theme.  Evaluations showed an increase in knowledge gained and a desire to adopt suggested management practices (evaluations on file).

Extension and Outreach Programs, 2004:  Presented 1 presentation on habitat management at multi-county event reaching ~200 people.  Two presentations to members of the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society’s Conservation Camp were given.  These activities were done in addition to my 100% TAES research appointment.

Extension and Outreach Programs, 2003:  Participated in programs of TCE partner Dr. Byron Wright, giving 6 presentations regarding deer research, exotic species, Texas mammals, habitat manipulation, hunter ethics, and current research at 6 separate events.  Served as Steering Committee Member and Moderator for Wildlife Business

Development Strategies; Texas Leadership Institute Course #1115, June 04, 2003.  Two
presentations were given to landowner research groups at separate events.  These activities were done in addition to my 100% TAES research appointment.

Extension and Outreach Programs, 2002:  Participated in programs of TCE partner Dr. Byron Wright, giving 6 presentations regarding deer behavior and management techniques, antler development and genetics, current research, and quail management techniques at 5 separate events.  I served as group leader for Use of Remote-Sensing Cameras in Wildlife Management Symposium, August 23‑24, 2002, Kerrville, TX.  These activities were done in addition to my 100% TAES research appointment.
University Seminars, 2001‑2003:  Presented 4 presentations at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Vernon, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, and Council of Resident Directors regarding current research activities.

Outreach Programming with Texas Parks and Wildlife 1997‑2001:



GRANTS AND CONTRACTS

*Funds under the direction of J. C. Cathey are in parentheses.

 NGO and Texas Parks and Wildlife Projects - **J. C. Cathey initiated research investigation and served as a grant writer, author, and Texas Parks and Wildlife liaison with universities.  Funds were administered to collaborating university personnel.  These grants are not reflected in the summary table below.

  1. Cathey, J.C. and B. Barber. Trinity Basin Conservation Foundation Request.
    • 2008 - $10,000, Rosewood Foundation
  2. Dabbert, B., R. Mitchell, **J. C. Cathey. Managing invasive yaupon holly in the Post Oak Savannah of Texas.
    • 2000 - $54,115, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
  3. Fitzgerald, L., W. Ryberg, and **J. C. Cathey. Population parameters of American alligators in the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area.
    • 2000 - $41,500, Regents Fellowship, Texas A&M University, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
  4. Silvy N., B. Petty, and **J. C. Cathey. Survival and reproduction of eastern wild turkey relocated into the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area.
    • 1999 - $29,500, National Wild Turkey Federation and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Turkey Stamp.
  5. Rhodes, E. and **J. C. Cathey. Non-invasive genetic techniques for estimating sex-ratios in deer: a laboratory pilot study.
    • 1999 - $2,000, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Purdue University.
  6. MacRoberts, M., B. MacRoberts, and **J. C. Cathey. A status survey of the dwarf pipewort (Eriocaulon kornickianum) in Texas.
    • 1999 - $37,160, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
  7. Honeycutt, R., B. Daugherty, and **J. C. Cathey. Utilizing geographic information systems to understand and model species distributions.
    • 1999 - $17,500, Texas A&M University and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
  8. Honeycutt, R., F. Gelwick, L. Fitzgerald, and **J. C. Cathey. Baseline survey of fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals at the Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area.
    • 1998 - $24,000, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Table 2.  Summary of contract and grant values, while employed by TAMU.  As indicated above, additional funds were acquired and administered, while employed by Texas Parks and Wildlife.  These were not included in the table below.

Year

Role

Grant Number

Total Grant

Directed Funds

2008

Co-PI Grant

1a

37,100

37,100

Sub-total 2008

 

 

37,100

37,100

2007

Co-PI Grant

2a

48,346

48,346

2007

PI-Grant

3a

15,000

15,000

2007

PI-Grant

4a

85,000

85,000

2007

PI-Grant

5a

8,000

8,000

2007

Co-PI Cash Gift

6a

4,750

4,750

Sub-total 2007

 

 

161,096

161,096

2006

PI-Grant

4b

75,000

75,000

2006

Co-PI Cash Gift

6b

4,000

4,000

2006

PI-Cash Gift

7a

2,000

2,000

Sub-total 2006

 

 

81,000

81,000

2004

Co-PI Grant

8a

220,000

89,500

2004

Co-PI Cash Gift

9a

50,840

25,420

2004

Co-PI Grant

10a

26,190

0

2004

Co-PI Cash Gift

11a

5,448

2,724

Sub-total 2004

 

 

302,478

117,644

2003

PI-Cash Gift

9b

54,000

27,000

2003

Co-PI Grant

10b

38,800

0

2003

PI-Cash Gift

11b

5,448

2,724

2003

PI-Cash Gift

12a

2,200

2,200

2003

Co-PI Grant

13a

254,000

10,000

2003

PI-Grant

14a

2,500

2,500

Sub-total 2003

 

 

356,948

44,424

Total

 

 

938,622

441,264

 

PUBLICATIONS

Refereed Journal Articles

  1. Cooper, S. M., J. C. Cathey, D. L. Alford, and S. S. Sieckenius. (Accepted). Influence of rainfall, range type and brush management on northern bobwhite abundance in south Texas. Southwestern Naturalist.
  2. Cooper, S. M., J. C. Cathey, and S. S. Sieckienus.  2006.  Video-scale:  a novel device to measure supplemental feed consumption by wildlife.  Wildlife Society Bulletin 34:1362‑1367.
  3. Cathey, J. C., R. Mitchell, B. Dabbert, D. Prochaska, S. Dupree, and R. Sosebee.  2006.  Treatment options for managing yaupon in the post oak savannah.  Rangelands 28:24‑27.
  4. Mitchell, R., J. C. Cathey, B. Dabbert, D. Prochaska, S. Dupree, and R. Sosebee.  2005.  Managing yaupon with prescribed fire and herbicides in the Texas Post Oak Savannah.  Rangelands 27:17‑19.
  5. Ryberg, W. A., T. L. Hibbitts, L. A. Fitzgerald, R. L. Honeycutt, and J. C. Cathey.  2004.  Establishing a baseline inventory of vertebrates at the Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area in east Texas.  The Southwestern Naturalists 49:528‑534.
  6. Ryberg, W. A. and J. C. Cathey.  2004.  Sampling alligator populations in forested wetland habitats.  Wildlife Society Bulletin.  32:183‑187.
  7. Singhurst, J. R., J. C. Cathey, D. F. Prochaska, H. H. Haucke, G. C. Kroh, and W. C. Holmes.  2003.  Vascular flora of Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area, Anderson County, Texas.  Southeastern Naturalist 2:247‑368.
  8. Ryberg, W. A., L. A. Fitzgerald, R. L. Honeycutt, and J. C. Cathey.  2002.  Genetic relationships of American alligator populations across scales of ecological and geographic separation.  Journal of Experimental Zoology 294:325‑333.
  9. MacRoberts, B. R., M. H. MacRoberts, and J. C. Cathey.  2002.  Floristics of xeric sandylands in the post oak savanna region of eastern Texas.  SIDA 20:373‑286.
  10. Gelwick, P. F., B. D. Healy, N. J. Dictson, and J. C. Cathey.  2000.  Fish assemblages of Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area.  Texas Journal of Science 52:313‑318.
  11. Cathey, J. C., J. C. Patton, and J. W. Bickham.  1998.  Introgressive hybridization and nonconcordant evolutionary history of maternal and paternal lineages in North American deer.  Evolution 52:1224‑1229.
  12. Cathey, J. C., J. A. DeWoody, and L. M. Smith.  1998.  Microsatellite markers in Canada geese (Branta canadensis).  Journal of Heredity 89:173‑175.
  13. Peppers L. L., D. M. Bell, J. C. Cathey, T. W. Jolley, R. M. Martinez, C. W. Matson, A.Y. Nekrutenko, and R. D. Bradley.  1998.  Distributional records of mammals in Texas.  Occasional Papers Museum of Texas Tech University No. 183, 5pp.
  14. Cathey, J. C., C. A. Schmidt, and J. A. DeWoody.  1997.  Incorporation of bromophenol blue enhances visibility of polyacrylamide gels.  Biotechniques 22:222.
  15. Roberts, H. R., T.W. Jolley, L. L. Peppers, J. C. Cathey, R. Martinez, J. A. Peppers, A. L. Bates, and R. D. Bradley.  1997.  Noteworthy records of small mammals in Texas.  Occasional Papers Museum of Texas Tech University No. 172, 7pp.
  16. Cathey, J. C., L. M. Smith, R. J. Baker, and J. A. DeWoody.  1996.  Trinucleotide repeat polymorphism at the alpha-enolase/tau-crystallin locus in ducks.  Animal Genetics 27:10‑11.

Extension Publications – Peer Reviewed

  1. Locke, S.L., J. Cathey, J. Dreibebis, and J. Hardin.  2008.  Rio Grande wild turkey predators.  Texas AgriLife Extension Service Publication L-5499 Pp. 1.  
  2. Locke, S.L., J. C. Cathey, B. Collier, and J. Hardin.  2008.  Rio Grande wild turkey life history and management calendar.  Texas AgriLife Extension Service Publication L-5497 Pp. 1-4.
  3. Cathey, J. C., S. L. Locke, A. M. Feldpausch, I. D. Parker, C. Frentress, J. Whiteside, C. Mason, and M. Wagner.  2007.  Linking water conservation and natural resource stewardship in the Trinity River Basin.  Texas A&M University System, Texas Cooperative Extension Publication SP-318 Pp. 1-16.
  4. Cathey, J. C., S. L. Locke, D. Ransom, Jr., S. J. DeMaso, T. W. Schwertner, and B. Collier.  2007.  A habitat appraisal guide for Rio Grande wild turkey in Texas.  Texas A&M University System, Texas Cooperative Extension Publication SP-317 Pp. 1-24.
  5. S. L. Locke, C. Frentress, J. C. Cathey, C. Mason, R. Hirsch, and M. Wagner.  2007.  Techniques for wetland construction and management.  Texas A&M University System, Texas Cooperative Extension SP-316 Pp. 1-20.
  6. Cathey, J. C., K. Melton, B. Cavney, J. Dreibelbis, S. L. Locke, S. J. DeMaso, T. W. Schwertner, and B. Collier.  2007.  The Rio Grande wild turkey: their biology and management.  Texas A&M University System, Texas Cooperative Extension Publication B-6198 Pp. 1-16.
  7. Cathey, J. C., S. M. Cooper, D. L. Alford, D. Ransom, Jr.  2007.  Roost site selection and survival of pen-reared northern bobwhite.  Texas A&M University System, Texas Cooperative Extension Publication L-5477 Pp. 1-6.
  8. R. Alexander, J. Begnaud, J. C Cathey, M. Dozier, M. Griffin, B. L. Harris, J. Harris, B. Kniffen, B. Lesikar, J. Mechell, M. Mecke, R. Persyn, D. Porter, B. Rector, V. Silvy, J. Smith, B. Storz, D. Welsh.  2007.  Rainwater harvesting:  master gardener specialist rainwater harvesting, Fourth Edition, Texas A&M University System, Texas Cooperative Extension Publication D-1459.
  9. Adams, R. B., J. C. Cathey, and D. F. Prochaska.  2006.  Management options for reducing yaupon in the post oak savannah ecological region of Texas.  Bulletin PWD BR W7000-010P.  Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Austin, Texas, USA.
  10. Cathey, J. C., R. A. Persyn, D. O. Porter, and M. C. Dozier.  2006.  Harvesting rainwater for wildlife.  Texas A&M University System, Texas Cooperative Extension Publication B-6182 Pp. 1‑16.
  11. Wright, B. D., J. C. Cathey, and R. K. Lyons.  2005.  Habitat monitoring for quail on Texas rangelands.  Texas A&M University System, Texas Cooperative Extension Publication B-6172 Pp. 1‑17.
  12. Wright, B. D., R. K. Lyons, J. C. Cathey and S.M. Cooper.  2002.  White-tailed deer browse preferences of south Texas and the Edwards Plateau.  Texas A&M University System, Texas Cooperative Extension Publication B-6130 Pp. 1‑8.

Thesis and Dissertation

  1. Cathey, J. C.  1997.  Assessing genetic variation in natal populations of small Canada geese via microsatellite loci.  Ph.D. Dissertation, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA.
  2. Cathey, J. C.  1993.  Sequence analysis of a zinc-finger gene for the examination of paternal lineages and introgressive hybridization in North American deer.  Thesis, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.

Edited Conference Proceedings

  1. Blake D. Petty, B. D., S. L. Locke, R. R. Lopez, M. J. Peterson, J. C. Cathey, and N. J. Silvy.  2007.  Effects of feral hog control on nest fate of eastern wild turkey in the Post Oak Savannah of Texas.  Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium 9:169-172.
  2. Van Den Bussche, R. A., J. C. Cathey, and R. J. Baker.  1994.  Genetic markers from degraded DNA for conservation studies.  72‑79 in:  the Proceeding of the Woodstork Symposium 1‑95.  The Georgia Conservancy.

News and Popular Articles

  1. Cathey, J. C., C. Frentress, and N. Wilkins.  2007.  Enhancing Restoration and Stewardship in the Trinity River Basin Texas Wildlife Extra – Newsmagazine of the Texas Wildlife Association, 23:40‑42.
  2. Cathey, J. C.  2007.  President’s Place.  Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society Newsletter No. 152:1‑2.
  3. Cathey, J. C.  2006.  President’s Place.  Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society Newsletter No. 151: 1‑2.
  4. Cathey, J. C.  2006.  President’s Place.  Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society Newsletter No. 150: 1‑2.
  5. Cathey, J. C.  2006.  President’s Place.  Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society Newsletter No. 149:1‑2.
  6. Schattenburg, P., J. C. Cathey and R. K. Lyons.  2005.  New publication gives ins and outs of quail habitat monitoring.  AgNews, News and Public Affairs, Texas A&M University System.
  7. Cathey, J. C. and S. Byrns.  2005.  Aging deer:  “on the hoof”.  AgNews, News and Public Affairs, Texas A&M University System.
  8. Cathey, J. C. and S. Byrns.  2005.  Deer hunters and chronic wasting disease.  AgNews, News and Public Affairs, Texas A&M University System.
  9. Cathey, J. C. and S. Byrns.  2005.  Tips for field judging antler size.  AgNews, News and Public Affairs, Texas A&M University System.
  10. Cathey, J. C. and S. Byrns.  2005.  Strange looking dove in the bag.  AgNews, News and Public Affairs, Texas A&M University System.
  11. Cathey, J. C. and S. Byrns.  2005.  Water:  the most important nutrient for deer.  AgNews, News and Public Affairs, Texas A&M University System.
  12. Sanders, J., and J. C. Cathey.  2005.  Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program:  state contest a huge success!  Texas Wildlife Association Magazine 21(3):32.
  13. Cathey, J. C. and S. Byrns.  2005.  Texas 4-H kids go wild for wildlife. AgNews, News and Public Affairs, Texas A&M University System.
  14. Cathey, J. C. 2005.  Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society Celebrates 40th Anniversary.  Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society Newsletter, No. 145:4.
  15. Cathey, J. C. and S. Glasscock.  2004.  Teachers receive wildlife education.  Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society Newsletter No. 141:8-9.
  16. Young, E., D. Frels, H. H. Haucke, J. C. Cathey, B. Armstrong, and D. F. Prochaska.  2002.  The art of producing big bucks:  managing white-tails on wildlife management areas.  Texas Wildlife Extra – Newsmagazine of the Texas Wildlife Association, 17(11):3-6.

Web-based Articles

  1. Governor Rick Perry Supports the Trinity Basin Conservation Foundation (posted on Wild Wonderings Blog http://www.wild-wonderings.blogspot.com  06/08)
  2. Cathey, J. C.  2008.  Box traps and feral hogs (posted on Wild Wonderings Blog http://www.wild-wonderings.blogspot.com  06/08)
  3. Cathey, J. C.  2008.  Texas Department of Agriculture invests in feral hog reduction effort (posted on Wild Wonderings Blog http://www.wild-wonderings.blogspot.com  05/08).
  4. Cathey, J. C.  2008.  Rainwater Harvesting Taskforce – Benefits for Humans and Wildlife (posted on Wild Wonderings Blog http://www.wild-wonderings.blogspot.com  04/08).
  5. Cathey, J. C.  2008.  Trinity Basin Conservation Fosters Land Stewardship. (posted on Wild Wonderings Blog http://www.wild-wonderings.blogspot.com  03/08).
  6. Cathey, J. C.  2008.  Feral Hog Facts.  (posted on Wild Wonderings Blog http://www.wild-wonderings.blogspot.com  03/08).
  7. Cathey, J. C.  2008.  Agencies celebrate 10th Anniversary of the Texas Master Naturalist program.  (posted on Wild Wonderings Blog http://www.wild-wonderings.blogspot.com  02/08).
  8. Cathey, J. C.  2008.  Natural resource education in the Trinity River Basin.   (posted on Wild Wonderings Blog http://www.wild-wonderings.blogspot.com  02/08).
  9.  Cathey, J. C.  2008.  Get ready for spring gobblers.   (posted on Wild Wonderings Blog http://www.wild-wonderings.blogspot.com  02/08).
  10. Cathey, J. C.   2008.  Leasing land for hunting and wildlife recreation…Texas-style. (posted on texashuntfish.com 01/30/08).
  11. Cathey, J. C.  2007.  New publication provides land managers with options for wetland construction and management.   (posted on texashuntfish.com 11/02/07 http://www.wild-wonderings.blogspot.com  03/08).
  12. Cathey, J. C.  2007.  New publication examines roost site selection and survival of pen-reared northern bobwhite.  (posted on texashuntfish.com 10/30/07 and http://www.wild-wonderings.blogspot.com  04/08).
  13. Cathey, J.C.  2007.  New publications explore biology and management of Rio Grande wild turkey and provide methods for habitat appraisal. (posted on texashuntfish.com 10/30/07).
  14. Cathey, J. C.  2007.  Valuable web-site for rainwater harvest information and ideas – Texas A&M University.  (posted on texashuntfish.com 07/27/07).
  15. Cathey, J. C. and S. Byrns.  2007.  Aging deer “on the hoof”.  (posted on texashuntfish.com 06/01/07).
  16. Cathey, J. C.  2007.  Nature provides memorable moments.  (posted on texashuntfish.com 05/08/07).
  17. Cathey, J. C.  2007.  Harvesting rainwater for wildlife.  (posted on texashuntfish.com 04/17/07).
  18. Cathey, J. C.  2007.  Habitat monitoring for quail on Texas rangelands.  (posted on texashuntfish.com 04/17/07).

Table 3.  Summary of publications.

Type

Career

Refereed Journal Articles

16

Extension Publications

12

Thesis and Dissertation

2

Edited Conference Proceedings

2

News and Popular Articles

16

Web-based Articles and Tools

18



UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE TEACHING

Undergraduate Mentoring

Graduate Committee Chair / Co-Chair

Graduate Committee Member

Table 4.  Summary of graduate student mentoring.


Student Mentoring

Career

Degree

Chair/Co-Chair

Member

BS - Undergraduate Projects

2

.

Masters - Thesis

2

4

Masters - Non-thesis

3

0

Ph.D.

.

5



PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

 

COMMITTEES AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

 

SEMINARS AND PAPERS PRESENTED

*Invited presentations

 

FIELD ACTIVITIES

 

REFERENCES

Mr. Hayden Haucke – Project Manager (retired), Middle Trinity River Ecosystem Project, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Gus Engeling WMA, 16149 N US Hwy 287, Tennessee Colony, TX 75861.  engelingwma@hughes.net, (903)-928-2251

Dr. Robert Baker ‑ Horn Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, M.S. 43131, Lubbock, TX 79409.  robert.baker@ttu.edu, (806)-742-2702, Ph.D. Committee Co‑chair

Dr. Loren Smith – Department Head, Department of Zoology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078.  loren.smith@okstate.edu, (405)-744-9668, Ph.D. Committee Co-chair

Dr. Robert Bradley ‑ Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, M.S. 43131, Lubbock, TX 79409.  robert.bradley@ttu.edu, (806)-742-2725

Dr. John Bickham ‑ Thesis Chair, Professor and Director of the Center for the Environment, Purdue University, 503 Northwestern Avenue, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2966.  bickham@purdue.edu (765)-494-5146

Dr. Neal Wilkins – Professor, Director, Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 79843.  nwilkins@tamu.edu, (979)-845-7726

 


 STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

Statement of Purpose. – In many of my presentations, I use an old photograph that shows a couple embarking on a business venture to illustrate how our society has changed over time.  Given the age of the Ford flatbed truck in the picture, this photo was probably taken in the 1930s.  It shows the proud owner sitting behind the steering wheel and his wife standing near the running board beside a hand-written advertisement.  It is difficult to read the sign given the misspellings and misplaced punctuation; nevertheless, these proud entrepreneurs did their best to showcase their talents of building fences in southern Texas.  There are many stories contained in the details of the photo, but to me it defines basic needs addressed by the Land Grant Mission.  This couple was probably typical of most of their contemporaries, as they were likely hardworking people, linked to agriculture, and not well-educated.  Our society has changed a great deal since this image was captured on film, at least partially due to the information gained and delivered through the Land Grant Mission, people helping people solving real life problems.  My classrooms are found off-campus, scattered throughout the state and my students are far different from the couple I described earlier.  Many are very well educated urbanites, who are rediscovering the value of natural resources in our state.  This is an exciting group to work with, as they hunger for wildlife knowledge.
While much of my career appointments have been connected to research, I have always viewed myself foremost as an educator.  I am devoted to discovering new information regarding the biology of plants and animals and then translating that information into useable forms for my clientele and the general public.  I have had the opportunity to educate and interact with grade school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as thousands of adults and I cannot think of a more rewarding vocation, as teaching new ideas and applicable concepts most certainly has positive impacts natural resources in Texas.

Extension and Research Philosophy. –“It is easy to see that you really enjoy your job”.  When an audience member made this statement following one of my public presentations, he was right.  From this simple, yet powerful statement, I know I made a positive impression on that person and perhaps many others like him.  I was honored with this compliment while employed by Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW; 1997‑2002), Texas Agricultural Experiment Station (TAES; 2002‑2005), and Texas Cooperative Extension (TCE; 2005‑to present).  Regardless of my affiliation, my constituents have always recognized the value of the outreach, extension and/or research products that I deliver.  Although some may distinguish between extension and research, I view these components as mechanisms within a single educational system.  Further, I see them as being essential to each other, as neither is viable without the other.  I view research as the key to gaining new information, but simply possessing knowledge does not guarantee further advancement or success.  I consider extension as an important process to disseminate knowledge, and extension becomes successful when research is utilized by (or impacts) the public.  The bottom line is that I feel a responsibility to explore new ideas, discuss them among my peers, and transfer them to the citizens of Texas and beyond.

Programming Focus. – I fully understand the benefits of basic research from my own firsthand experience, but I want my work to have immediate application and influence on landowners, natural resource managers, and others.  If one follows my career path, they will find a line of research geared towards solving short-and long-termed problems and my efforts to relay information through outreach efforts to the public.  Within Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW), my charge was to conduct research pertinent to the management of plants and animals within the Blackland Prairie and Post Oak Savannah ecoregions and to disseminate information to stakeholders through publications, presentations, and demonstrations.  I accomplished these goals by developing a collaborative research program with several universities and a private consulting group.  I also served as a liaison between TPW and universities, as well as groups like the Wildlife and Fisheries Science Extension unit at Texas A&M University.  Prior to my arrival at the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area (GEWMA), serious research efforts had not been done on the property in the previous 20 years.  It is gratifying to know that I had a direct impact to rejuvenate research on this property and my partners and I are still publishing peer-reviewed research and outreach articles that will benefit our understanding of the flora and fauna of these ecoregions and their management.
In addition to research, I devoted a large amount of my time towards outreach activities.  I organized field days for area schools, conducted classroom visits, and participated in 4-H youth events and expos.  Along with a parent volunteer, I organized a 4-H club that participated in the Marsh Management Activities for Learning the Lifestyles of Wildlife (Marsh-MALLOW).  As part of the learning process, our kids constructed and deployed nest boxes for wood ducks and then monitored nesting success the following year.  Through these efforts they gained a much better appreciation for the complexity and value of wetland systems.  I often worked with individuals and groups to explain biological concepts and wildlife management techniques and I found that Texas Master Naturalist classes and civic organizations were prime outlets for this information transfer.  Many universities utilized GEWMA as an outdoor classroom and I introduced students from across the state to the Post Oak Savannah ecosystem.  During these educational visits, I would lead a discussion with the students regarding the best management practices for the area and natural history of the biotic community.  It is rewarding when one of the many undergraduates reintroduces themselves and relates what they learned from an interaction long ago.  Similarly, it is satisfying to know that I influenced the development of several graduate and undergraduates, who are now working in the wildlife profession.  The opportunity to mentor these students resulted from relationships that were established through graduate studies or the undergraduate student intern program.  It has been gratifying to watch these people achieve their goals and I am extremely proud of their accomplishments.
Like my work in the Blackland Prairies and Post Oak Savannah, my TAES faculty position located at the Texas Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Uvalde, TX also had regional borders within the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains ecoregions.  Clearly, some of my research has implications for national and worldwide problems (e.g., foreign animal disease, cattle, and feral hog interactions), but my specific charge in both of these positions was to conduct research that had meaning and could be transferred to local clientele.  In TAES, I gained funding in the competitive grant process.  I also cultivated relationships with landowners and organized two separate studies that were funded in a cooperative fashion and allowed access and utilization of more than 200,000 acres for research and extension activities.  During this time, I was actively engaged in outreach programming, even though my appointment was 100% research.  I played key roles along side my Extension partners to offer programming in Nature Tourism, Exotic Ungulate Management, and Intensive Deer Management, all of which conveyed a strong habitat stewardship message.  Likewise, now that I am a Texas AgriLife Extension Service faculty member, I am still involved in various research projects because they help keep me on the cutting edge of wildlife conservation and make my outreach programs more timely and relevant.
Within Texas AgriLife Extension Service, much of my program revolves around adult and youth conservation education.  I view these components as absolutely essential to the welfare of wildlife and the health of natural systems.  I find that my audience is very broad, ranging from individuals whose families held property for generations to new landowners who seek a weekend refuge from life in the city.  A common point for these divergent groups is the desire to learn how to manage land to enhance and sustain wildlife populations.  Many traditional livestock producers now incorporate some form of wildlife enterprise into their agricultural programs and in some rural towns (e.g., Uvalde) wildlife is a major driver in the local economy.  Consequently, the demand for research-based information has increased dramatically from this group.  Similarly, many urbanites are seeking a reconnection with nature and these people have a high desire for wildlife knowledge.

County-based Programs. – Part of my responsibility as an Extension Wildlife Specialist is to provide support to County Extension Agents.  The role of this group is absolutely essential because they serve as a conduit between researchers and the delivery of research-based information to people of Texas.  A primary focus of mine has been to build relations with County Extension Agents and deliver information to them (and their constituents) that will aid sound wildlife management.  Many relationships were already developed given my previous county programming, while employed by TAES.  I delivered presentations on various wildlife topics which range from basic biology and habitat management to some of the most recent work published in the primary scientific literature.  Additionally, I author and publish both research and extension articles that teach people how to become better wildlife stewards.  I provide training to County Extension Agents to better equip them to answer the many questions they encounter from the general public. Further, I have partnered with County Extension Agents to author publications and educational posters.  I also developed a workshop evaluation instrument and grading spreadsheet that has been adopted by many of the agents to obtain information on knowledge gained and plans for practice adoption by audience members.

Program Leadership. – My job description also calls for a strong conservation education effort aimed at youth.  I served as the state-wide coordinator/director for the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP), which is a   4-H program designed to educate youth about the basics of wildlife management.  Although difficult to measure, I feel this program helps develop life skills and leadership among the participants, which will make them a valuable asset to their community in the future.  For many students, this program represents their first interaction with nature and wildlife management.  The program is challenging and requires academic diligence from the students to study the materials and be prepared to test their knowledge in competitions.  Many of our students are home-schooled and/or college-bound.  Competitions are conducted at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the annual WHEP State Contest is held in different ecoregions across the state.  The top team goes on to compete at the National Contest, and our teams typically perform very well at this high-level competition.
The number of competitors varies from year to year, but typically we expect about 40 youth at each event.  I coordinated contests through a team who make up the WHEP Committee.  At the county level, I interacted with the parents, coaches and County Extension Agents through an e-mail discussion group and personal instruction.  I began this line of communication to build continuity in the program, and the feedback I have received indicates that parents and coaches are pleased.  It requires more time on my end but I believe the buy-in from the adults will help me improve the contest and increase participation.  My goal with this program was to introduce students to conservation and to engage them in wildlife management.  As an added byproduct, the adults hear the same message.  I believe that the products of the program will be realized when these young people mature and make decisions that impact our natural resources, hopefully with knowledge and interest first garnered through WHEP.

Professional Development. – Although I hold memberships in several professional societies, The Wildlife Society and particularly the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society captured my attention.  Over the last 10 years, I served on or chaired various committees within the TCTWS.  I was elected by my peers to serve as President for this organization in February 2006-2007.  Serving as President has several meanings to me.  First and foremost, it means that I have attained one personal goal of becoming a recognized leader in wildlife conservation.  It also means that I have taken a bold step in my professional development, as leadership and responsibility comes with inherent risks.  These risks can also be viewed as opportunities and challenges which will extend my personal and professional growth.  It also brings rewards.  For example, in 2003 I played a fundamental role within the TCTWS to fund and develop a conservation education workshop series for K-12 teachers.  Over the course of the workshops teachers learned about wildlife, habitat management, conservation history, and methods they could use to express the same ideas in the classroom.  By doing so, they could provide relevant education to enhance natural resource conservation to many more students than any single wildlife professional.  The response from the teachers was fantastic and I hope they will have a similar reaction from their students, as wildlife conservation is introduced in the classroom.
In summary, throughout my professional career I have tried my best to produce sound relevant information through research efforts and deliver that information as an educator.  As we move into the future greater demands will be made of our natural resources.  It is my hope that my efforts will serve as a catalyst to promote the wise use of our resources and instill the sense that we must be good stewards of nature.