Mississippi State University Names Jacob Dykes as New Wildlife Specialist and Deer Lab Co-Director

Mississippi State University Appoints Jacob Dykes as New Wildlife Specialist and Co-Director of the MSU Deer Lab STARKVILLE, Miss. (Press Release) – The Mississippi State University Extension Service has announced the appointment of Jacob Dykes as the institution's new wildlife specialist and co-leader of the MSU Deer Laboratory. Dykes brings expertise in white-tailed deer management, having previously served in a similar role at Texas A&M University since 2022. He joined MSU in March, succeeding Bronson Strickland, who retired on June 30, 2025, after years of dedicated service. "My mission as an Extension wildlife specialist is to connect wildlife research with practical management," Dykes stated. "I collaborate directly with landowners, land managers, hunters, and the community to provide scientifically-backed information that aids in implementing effective wildlife conservation practices." A graduate of MSU, Dykes earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in wildlife, fisheries, and aquaculture. He previously worked at the USDA Wildlife Services National Training Academy at MSU and pursued his Ph.D. at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Researc...