Press Release Summary: SAN ANTONIO - The state's only non-profit organization solely dedicated to Texas deer, the Texas Deer Association announces that two of its members - Dr. Scott W. Bugai, D.V.M., of Seguin and Joseph Warren Bluntzer Jr. of Lometa - have been appointed by Governor Rick Perry to serve on the new Select Interim Committee to Study the Practice of Breeding White-Tailed and Mule Deer. Bugai and Bluntzer join fellow TDA member Amanda Lasater of Mason who was also recently appointed to the committee by House Speaker Tom Craddick.
Press Release Body: SAN ANTONIO - The state's only non-profit organization solely dedicated to Texas deer, the Texas Deer Association announces that two of its members - Dr. Scott W. Bugai, D.V.M., of Seguin and Joseph Warren Bluntzer Jr. of Lometa - have been appointed by Governor Rick Perry to serve on the new Select Interim Committee to Study the Practice of Breeding White-Tailed and Mule Deer. Bugai and Bluntzer join fellow TDA member Amanda Lasater of Mason who was also recently appointed to the committee by House Speaker Tom Craddick.
The new committee was the result of landmark legislation (S.B. 573), authored by Senator Kim Brimer and sponsored in the House of Representatives by Representative Harvey Hilderbran, and could have significant implications for the future of the deer breeding industry which generated more than $650 million for the Texas economy last year.
"The adoption of this recent legislation and the appointments made by Governor Perry were quite historic for the Texas Deer Association," says Karl Kinsel, executive director of the Texas Deer Association. "Not only do these appointments acknowledge the vast experience and expertise of our members, but they shine a spotlight on the entire deer breeding industry which is perhaps the fastest growing industry in rural Texas. Deer breeding accounts for thousands of jobs in small towns across the state, so the committee's work to enhance efficiencies and to identify new opportunities to stimulate growth will be a win-win scenario for everyone."
According to the new legislation, the 10-person committee will examine the operation of breeding facilities in Texas and review barriers that might prevent the breeding industry from operating in the most efficient, effective manner. In addition, the committee will investigate opportunities that could improve or enhance the industry in Texas and review responsibility for disease control and associated issues of liability and indemnification as well as other related issues. Dr. William H. Eikenhorst, a veterinarian and the owner of Creekside Veterinary Service of Brenham and Bear Creek Animal Clinic of Houston, was the third member appointed to committee by the Governor.
Dr. Scott W. Bugai, DVM, who served as president of the Texas Deer Association from 2005 to 2007, owns and operates Parkview Veterinary Clinic in Seguin and the Flying B Ranch, a deer breeding facility well-respected for the quality of its whitetail deer. Bugai also serves on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department White-Tailed Deer Advisory Committee and Deer Breeder User Group. He received a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and doctorate degree from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine.
Owner of Warren Bluntzer Wildlife Consulting Services Inc. of Lometa, Joseph Warren Bluntzer Jr. is a former game warden with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, where he served for 25 years. He is a founding director and past vice president of the Texas Deer Association and a current member of the Texas Wildlife Association Deer Management Advisory Committee, Texas Exotic Wildlife Association and Texas Cattleman's Association. Bluntzer also serves on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Breeder User Group and Texas Chronic Wasting Disease-Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Task Force Committee.
Previously announced appointments to the Select Committee Interim Study by House Speaker Craddick also include Representative Harvey Hilderbran (Kerrville) and Representative Tracy King (Batesville). In addition, Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Chairman Peter Holt of San Antonio appointed Chairman Emeritus Lee Bass of Fort Worth to the committee. Official announcements of Lt. Governor David Dewhurst's appointments to the committee are expected soon.
"Scott Bugai, Warren Bluntzer and Amanda Lasater are all excellent appointments," adds Kinsel, "and we are proud of their unwavering dedication to our industry."
The TDA is the only non-profit organization solely committed to improving the quality of Texas deer herds through improved habitat practices, modern harvest strategies and use of superior deer to enhance the deer herds. As a part of its public education efforts, the TDA publishes a full-color bimonthly magazine, Tracks, which updates TDA members on current legislative news, deer genetics and game management issues. The TDA also hosts an annual convention and trade show every August featuring fund-raising auctions, a deer auction, golf tournament and other events.
To learn more about the Texas Deer Association or for membership information, visit www.texasdeerassociation.com or call 210.767.8300.
Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, the Texas Deer Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of Texas deer herds and to developing ways to improve deer quality in Texas. For more information on the Texas Deer Association, call 210.767.8300 or visit www.texasdeerassociation.com.
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