Dr. Johnson is working within the Warnell Outreach Department as a Continuing Education instructor for wildlife-related courses. He earned his M.S. in Environmental Science from Florida Atlantic University and his B.S. in Biology from Armstrong Atlantic State University. James completed his Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology and Management from the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at UGA in 2019. His dissertation focused on developing a novel passive camera survey technique funded by the GA DNR-WRD. After completing his Ph,D., James worked as a post-doctoral research associate with UGA where he continued testing and refining the passive camera survey protocol on WMAs in Georgia.
Those who know James respect his woodsmanship and his dedication to archery hunting for deer. He began hunting on his family’s farm in Jackson County, Georgia nearly 20 years ago and has been an active member and advocate of the hunting community ever since. Spending time exploring the outdoors as a child had a profound impact on his views and passions for understanding the natural world. It wasn’t until James grew older that he realized how important hunting was for wildlife, and his experiences through hunting ultimately led him to pursue a career in natural resource conservation. Each year, James provides hunting opportunities to new hunters and he puts a high priority on outreach. James works tirelessly in his spare time to enhance the wildlife habitat on his family farm. He is an active member of the National Deer Association and has volunteered as a mentor and guide for their Field to Fork program, in which new hunters are given an opportunity to harvest deer on managed properties.
James’s view on hunting takes a holistic approach, from managing population densities, securing the spirit of the hunt, enhancing conservation benefits, connecting people to nature, and to the end result of obtaining venison for the table. He believes hunting provides the economic means to manage populations and habitats for current and future generations to enjoy and benefit from, and we must continue to spread the positive message to those that are less fortunate and isolated from something that is so deeply rooted in human history.
How to Contact James