News Summary
Jacob Dykes has been appointed as the new wildlife specialist and co-director of the MSU Deer Lab. With experience at Texas A&M University, he will focus on enhancing wildlife research and management, particularly for white-tailed deer. Dykes aims to engage landowners and public stakeholders in improving wildlife practices, building on the legacy of his predecessor. His educational background includes degrees from Mississippi State University and ongoing Ph.D. studies. The MSU Extension Service continues to play a vital role in wildlife conservation in Mississippi.
STARKVILLE, MS – Jacob Dykes has been appointed as the new wildlife specialist and co-director of the MSU Deer Lab by the Mississippi State University Extension Service. This new role was effective as of March and comes following the retirement of Bronson Strickland, who served in the position for several years and officially retired on June 30, 2025.
Dykes brings valuable experience to MSU with a specialization in white-tailed deer. Before his appointment, he held a similar role at Texas A&M University since 2022. His new responsibilities will center on enhancing the connection between wildlife research and management, with an emphasis on providing science-based information for effective wildlife practices. Dykes plans to engage actively with landowners, land managers, hunters, and the public to disseminate this information.
Dykes earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in wildlife, fisheries, and aquaculture from Mississippi State University. His career includes working at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services National Training Academy located at MSU. Currently, he is also pursuing a Ph.D. at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute.
His vision for the MSU Deer Lab includes conducting impactful research that helps those capable of implementing improvements in wildlife and habitat management practices. Dykes highlights the crucial role that research plays in benefitting the ecological landscape, particularly concerning white-tailed deer.
The MSU Extension Service has been a key player in supporting wildlife management in Mississippi and provides a range of resources aimed at enhancing understanding and practices related to wildlife conservation. For more information regarding support for white-tailed deer and other wildlife initiatives, interested individuals can visit the MSU Extension Service website.
Additionally, news updates and relevant information can be accessed through MSU Extension’s social media platforms, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
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Additional Resources
- WCBI: Jacob Dykes Named MSU Extension Wildlife Specialist
- Wikipedia: Wildlife Management
- WTVA: Family Escaped House Fire in Starkville
- Google Search: Wildlife Conservation
- WCBI: Oktibbeha Fire Leaves One Man Dead
- Google Scholar: Wildlife Research
- Vicksburg Post: Deer Hunters Needed in the Ongoing CWD Battle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: White-tailed Deer
- WCBI: Mississippi 2025 Municipal Election Begins
- Google News: Wildlife Management
- WCBI: Additional Local News
- Google Search: Mississippi Wildlife Issues
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
