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Matthew James Butler
Post Doctoral Research Associate

Major Professors:
Dr. Warren B. Ballard
Dr. Mark C. Wallace

I recently completed a Doctor of Philosophy in Wildlife Science in the Department Natural Resources Management at Texas Tech University.  I grew up in the small rural town of Waldron, Arkansas.  I received a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas in 1999 and a Master of Science in Forest Resources from the University of Arkansas-Monticello in 2001.  My thesis research was focused on red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) foraging requirements on industrial forestlands in southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana.  I have worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a Forestry Technician and as a Wildlife Biologist.  I joined the doctoral program at Texas Tech University in August 2002.  While at Texas Tech, I have primarily been involved in research concerning the development and evaluation of Rio Grande wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) survey techniques but have also been involved in research concerning swift fox (Vulpes velox) ecology and gray wolf (Canis lupus) hematology and serum chemistry.  I have also instructed 2 courses while at Texas Tech University.  I have coauthored 16 scientific papers and presented my findings at many regional and national conferences.  I am a member of The Wildlife Society and was certified as an Associate Wildlife Biologist in 2001.  Currently, I am a Post Doctoral Research Associate in the Department Natural Resources Management.  My current research continues to focus on the development and evaluation of survey techniques for Rio Grande wild turkeys and lesser prairie chickens (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus).  I am also preparing a monograph focused the population and habitat ecology of Rio Grande wild turkeys in the Southern Great Plains.  We have about 7 years of survival, reproduction, habitat, and dispersal data from ≈1,211 radio-tagged wild turkeys.

"We stand guard over works of art, but species representing the work of aeons are stolen from under our noses."  --Aldo Leopold

"The last word in ignorance is the man who says of an animal or plant, 'What good is it?'...If the biota, in the course of aeons, has built something we like but do not understand, then who but a fool would discard seemingly useless parts?  To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering."  --Aldo Leopold

My dear brothers, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.  Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the Word planted in you, which can save you.  --James 1:19-21