Bachelor of Science in Forest-Wildlife Management

My name is Jake Hill and I am currently a junior Forest-Wildlife Management Major at Stephen F. Austin State University. Growing up in the rural countryside of deep East Texas, I have always been an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. The excitement of the hunt and the mystic, grandeur, and vastness of nature drew me close to the land and its natural resources, specifically to the wildlife. It was this early connection that fueled my desire to make a career as a wildlife biologist. I currently am employed as a wildlife/forestry technician for a private consulting/mitigation company but have worked for state wildlife departments, hunting NGO’s, as well as private ranches. My work also extends into the administrative, organizational, and political side of the wildlife field as well. Within The Wildlife Society, I serve as the chair of several committees designed for the advancement of wildlife policy such as Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (H.R. 3742), both at the state and national levels in addition to serving as the President of the SFASU Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Within my college department, I am also an active officer in other organizations focused on wildlife and forestry, namely Ducks Unlimited and the Association of Southern Forestry Clubs. In addition to these, I have been heavily involved in the Texas Youth Hunting Program and the Texas Brigades.

After completing my degree at SFA, I intend to pursue a Master’s in Big Game Management and Restoration at Sul Ross State University. After which I intend to pursue a wildlife law degree at the University of Montana. Funds from this scholarship will greatly support me in my pursuit of higher education as well as fulfilling my mission of conserving wildlife across the globe through sustainable use and management.