Professional Trapper & Wildlife Manager

I was raised on an East Tennessee farm and spent a lot of time hunting, fishing and trapping during my childhood and adolescent years. After high school, I attended East Tennessee State University, where I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Criminal Justice. In 1977 I was hired by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).

I am now retired after serving 32 years as a state wildlife officer for TWRA. As part of my job, I performed wildlife management duties, and took an active role in the restoration and/or management of white-tailed deer, black bear, wild boar, wild turkey and river otter across East Tennessee. I also spent hundreds of hours surveying and evaluating damage caused by beaver and predators and would initiate effective control techniques, which usually included trapping.

I am a certified trapper education instructor, hunter education instructor, boating education instructor and police firearms instructor. I am a graduate of the Fur Takers of America (FTA) Trappers College, which is administered by Purdue University's wildlife management department, and I currently serve as an instructor at the Trappers College.

In 2005, the Shikar Safari Club International selected me as wildlife officer of the year for the State of Tennessee. This award was largely due to my work in the fields of predator and furbearer management, education, and public relations. Upon my retirement, the United States Fish & Wildlife Service presented me with their Career Achievement Award.

I do professional trapping in Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee. I trap furbearing predators, as well as beavers, nutria, woodchucks and armadillos. I also conduct feral hog control.

I am an active member of the Tennessee Fur Harvester’s Association, the Fur Takers of America, and the National Trappers Association.