The exciting and challenging world of South Texas wildlife and native plants will be available to high school students during the 21st annual Wildlife Conservation Camp at the Welder Wildlife Refuge between July 20 and 26. Students who have completed the ninth, 10th, 11th or 12th grade are eligible to participate in the camp sponsored by the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society and the Welder Wildlife Foundation near Sinton, reports the Victoria Advocate. Campers will experience hands-on activities led by wildlife professionals, which include wildlife and plant identification, hunting as a management tool, species diversity, conservation ethics, wildlife capture and survey techniques, wildlife tracking, predator-prey dynamics, white-tailed deer management, fishing, hunter safety, shooting skills and much more. The weeklong camp is especially recommended for high school students who are considering a career in wildlife management or the natural sciences.

The camp will be on the 7,800-acre Welder Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is privately owned and operated, and the staff is primarily involved in education and research efforts. Students will take advantage of on-site lodging in the modern, air-conditioned bunkhouse, and meals will be served in the nearby screened-in rotunda.

To learn more about the camp and to apply, visit wildlifecamptx.org. New camper applications are due May 1. Contact 2014 camp director Meg Streich for questions about the application process. Streich can be contacted at 361-364-2643 or by emailing wildlifecampdirector@yahoo.com.

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