Jacob Lampman
Sul Ross State University
Graduate Research Assistant in Natural Resource Management
Influence of Agriculture on Mule Deer Diets and Nutrition in the Texas Panhandle
My name is Jacob Lampman and I grew up on a small farm east of San Antonio in Marion, Texas. While growing up I spent a lot of time at my grandparent’s ranch where I developed a great love for the outdoors and wildlife. This led me to decide to major in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M University. Texas A&M provided me with many volunteer opportunities to gain different experiences, including a study abroad to South Africa. While working as a technician on a project with Bobwhite Quail I decided to continue my education. I am now working towards a Master’s Degree in Natural Resource Management at Sul Ross State University under the advisement of Dr. Louis Harveson. My project is titled “Influence of Agriculture on Mule Deer Diets and Nutrition in the Texas Panhandle”. This project aims to identify which crops mule deer are eating and during which times of the year, as well as, document the monthly nutritive values of what they are eating throughout the year. We are also trying to answer whether the use of crops put deer on a higher nutritional plane, and if these foraging behaviors are correlated with body mass, body condition, antler size, and fawn recruitment. Understanding how mule deer are using agriculture is vital in making sound management decisions.
