Meet Our Team of Experienced Wildlife Biologists

Education:

• Associates of Applied Science in Wildlife Technology from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Georgia
• Master of Science Degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Georgia

Experience:

Jeremy is a Certified Wildlife Biologist® with a broad range of wildlife management experience. He spent several years as a biologist with the Quality Deer Management Association where he assisted hunters and landowners with questions on deer biology and management. Since 2006 he has been a member of the Westervelt Wildlife Services Team. Jeremy has been dedicated to assisting our customers in obtaining their wildlife management goals and maximizing recreational value on the land they own or lease. Jeremy has been hunting ever since he was old enough to carry a gun, which adds to his passion for managing wildlife and their habitats.

Specialties:

Jeremy specializes in implementing all aspects of quality deer management, hunting lease management, and helping landowners and hunting clubs achieve maximum value from their hunting properties or leases. He is also very active in The Westervelt Company's forest certification programs working with endangered species and biodiversity-related issues.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Conservation Biology from the University of West Alabama
• Master of Natural Resources Degree from Auburn University

Experience:

Daniel joined the Westervelt Company in 2022, prior to that he had two years of experience as a Wildlife Specialist for the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service managing numerous nuisance wildlife species. He also worked in the Deer Research Facility at Auburn University, where he assisted with various research projects and deer management within the facility.

Specialties:

Daniel's previous experience allows him to provide guidance for nuisance wildlife control. The majority of that experience was spent managing feral swine populations across the state of Alabama, but he also has experience managing many other species that could cause problems on our hunting leases. His education and previous research experience provide him with the knowledge and experience needed to make management recommendations to help our lease customers meet their recreational goals.

Education:

• Bachelor of Wildlife Sciences, University of Georgia
• Master of Natural Resources, University of Georgia

Experience:

Charlie joined The Westervelt Company in 2022 and he is a Certified Wildlife Biologist® that manages hunting leases in the Atlantic Region for Westervelt Forest Resources. Charlie is also the land acquisition manager for our Atlantic Region. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Wildlife Federation.

Specialties:

With a working background in Forestry and Wildlife, Charlie can provide guidance for deer and wild turkey habitat management, invasive species control, and food plot management while integrating applied forestry management techniques that maximize recreational opportunities.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Science - Mississippi State University
• Master of Science Degree in Wildlife Management - University of Tennessee

Experience:

Ryan joined The Westervelt Company in 2005 and is a Certified Wildlife Biologist®. He serves as the Gulf Region and Tombigbee Region Hunting Lease Manager for Westervelt Wildlife Services. He also is the land acquisition manager for our Gulf Region.

Specialties:

Ryan specializes in assisting private landowners and hunting clubs across the country in developing innovative habitat and population management plans for various game species. His management and research is focused primarily on applied habitat and population management techniques to maximize the quality of upland game species and their habitats. He is often a featured speaker at deer management seminars around the country and has published numerous articles for various publications in the wildlife management and hunting industry. Ryan also writes the "Food Plot Species Profile" and serves on the "Ag+ Plot Panel for Quality Whitetails magazine. Ryan and his wife have 3 daughters and live in Demopolis, Alabama.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources and Conservation from the University of Florida

Experience:

Kevin McKinstry has over 40 years of professional experience in wildlife management and outdoor sporting activities. Kevin joined the Westervelt Company in 1989 as a hunting lease manager and wildlife biologist for the recreation business. He has held a leadership and business management role since 2000 and has experience leading teams for our hunting lease business, wildlife consulting, domestic and international commercial hunting/fishing lodges. He is a certified wildlife biologist®. He has a seat on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Wildlife Federation, as well as the Georgia Wildlife Federation. In 2023 he was appointed by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to serve as a Commissioner on the Alabama Environmental Management Commission. Before joining TWC, he held wildlife management positions with the Lake "A" Cattle Company and the Florida Game & Freshwater Fish Commission.

Since 2006, Kristie Ellis has served as an administrator and secretary for the Westervelt Outdoor Recreation business. A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Kristie enjoys spending time outdoors and with her daughter. Her energy, customer service and organizational skills are valuable assets and contribute greatly to the team approach at Westervelt Wildlife Services.