David Osborn was raised in rural southwestern Arkansas. He has worked as the research coordinator of the UGA Deer Lab since 1993. He earned degrees in wildlife science from Arkansas Tech University and Texas Tech University. His M.S. research, under the direction of Dr. Steve Demarais, examined interactions among axis, fallow, sika and white-tailed deer in the Hill Country of Texas. After graduate school, he worked for Florida Game and Fish Commission and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. In Florida, he was a private lands biologist working closely with deer hunting groups. He also assisted the statewide alligator program. In Arkansas, he was the assistant supervisor for a regional district, which included 14 wildlife management areas focused on waterfowl, deer and turkey management.
David's primary responsibilities at UGA include coordination of all deer lab research and operation of the Whitehall Deer Research Facility, where we maintain a captive herd of deer. David oversees research at the facility and teaches students skills related to working with captive deer. He also performs many of our program's administrative tasks and works closely with the public. In addition, David is the administrator of this website.