Dr. David Hewitt is the Executive Director of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, an organization widely recognized as the leading wildlife research organization in Texas. The Institute is located on the campus of Texas A&M – Kingsville, and its mission is to provide science-based information for enhancing the conservation and management of Texas wildlife. Dave and his team at the Institute are focused on applied science– research that is useful, actionable, and tightly focused on helping land managers meet their goals.
Dave was born and raised in Colorado and followed in his grandfather’s footsteps to become a wildlife biologist. After earning his undergraduate degree from Colorado State, his education and research took him to many different corners of the United States, and in 1996 he landed at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute. For the past 25 years, Dave has been fully focused on the flora and fauna of Texas, and many of his projects have positive ripple effects on land management throughout the American West and beyond. Whether discussing the management of ocelot, restoration of native grasslands, or the history of the Institute, Dave’s enthusiasm for the natural world is palpable and inspiring.
Dave and I had a fun discussion about the Institute’s past, present, and future, as well as his fascinating career path. We started out discussing the Institute’s namesake, Caesar Kleberg, and why Caesar is known as the father of Texas wildlife conservation. We then discussed why the huge proportion of private land in Texas makes the state so unique from a land and wildlife management perspective. We also dug into several of the Institute’s success stories, including its work with ocelots and native grasses throughout the state. Then we chatted about Dave’s personal background– his impressive educational journey, his love of teaching, and his vision for the future of the Institute.
If you enjoy learning about wildlife, native plants, and the people who have devoted their lives to protecting them, then you’ll love this episode with Dave. There’s a ton of fascinating information in this conversation, so be sure to check out the episode notes for links to everything we discuss. Enjoy!
Ocelot photo by Ben Masters. Headshot courtesy of David Hewitt.
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This episode is brought to you in partnership with EXPLORE RANCHES
Explore Ranches was born out of a desire to share some of the most wild and scenic places in the world with others. We offer authentic outdoor experiences and access to charming ranch homes on some of the world’s least explored private lands. In return for enabling access to these natural treasures, we are making new connections between our guests and land owning partners. In the process, we are all contributing to a network of open space that not only benefits wildlife but the very food we eat, water we drink and air we breathe. Whether you are one of our guests, a ranch partner or one of our guides, at Explore Ranches we are all on an endless journey to find our place in the wild.
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EPISODE NOTES
Topics Discussed:
- 5:00—Dave discusses the story of Caesar Kleberg.
- 14:00—Dave explains the differences between land management in Texas and states Colorado or Montana.
- 16:30—Dave explains the type of research that goes on at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute.
- 19:30—Dave discusses victories during his tenure with CKWRI.
- 22:30—Dave discusses building trust with private landowners in wildlife conservation.
- 24:45—Dave dives deeper into the CCWRI Ocelot Program.
- 32:00—Dave discusses the varied opinions regarding the Endangered Species Act.
- 37:45—Dave discusses the CKWRI Grasslands program.
- 47:00—Dave walks us through his career path.
- 53:30—Dave explains how he balances his research with his teaching.
- 57:00—Dave projects where he thinks the CKWRI is headed in the future.
- 1:00:30—Dave’s book recommendations.
- 1:03:00—Dave’s parting words of wisdom.
Information Referenced:
- Dr. David G. Hewitt
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute
- Caesar Kleberg
- Cuero, TX
- Corpus Christi, TX
- Robert Kleberg
- King Ranch
- Texas Fish and Oyster Commission
- Richard Kleberg
- Caesar Kleberg Foundation for Wildlife Conservation
- Jay Kleberg
- Ferruginous Pygmy Owl
- Chihuahuan Desert
- Ocelot
- Dr. Micheal E. Tewes
- Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge
- Yturria Ranch
- Raymondville, TX
- East Foundation
- Dr. Neil Wilkins
- Endangered Species Act (ESA)
- Old world bluestems
- Permian Basin
- Panhandle of Texas
- Eagle Ford Oil Clay
- Forbs (botany)
- Crowley County, CO
- Greeley, CO
- Uvalde, TX
- Fallow Deer
- Ruffed Grouse
- Tio Kleberg
- Dr. Duane Leach
- Andrea Wulf
- Dan Flores
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- Duke Phillips IV – Living with the Land
- James Decker – Inspired Leadership in the New West
- Sara Dant – A Deep Dive Into the History of the West
- Jay Kleberg – True Dedication to Conservation, Adventure & Texas
- Allison Ryan – Connecting People With Place
- Jesse Womack – Land Stewardship is in His Blood
- Gabe Vasquez – Advocate for Equity in the Outdoors
