At A Glance:

* Received a Master of Science degree in Wildlife Ecology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry with a Wildlife Management Option from Mississippi State University. He is a graduate of Shannon High School in Shannon, Mississippi.

* Professional interests include providing technical guidance to private landowners for the proper management of wildlife populations and habitats found on their property. Other strong interests include the use of Global Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology in natural resource management, forestry wildlife interaction and the use of infrared cameras to census wildlife populations.

* Personal interests include turkey hunting, collecting and reading antique hunting literature, reclaiming antique wood, making furniture and, most importantly, spending time with his family, especially daughters Mary Kate (3 years old) and Emma (5 months old).

*Recognized as an Associate Wildlife Biologist by The Wildlife Society and a Registered Forester by the Mississippi Board of Registered Foresters.

* Worked formally as a wildlife biologist on the Forest Stewardship Program in Florida where he was responsible for 41 counties in the northeast and central parts of the state. More recently, he was employed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks as a District Wildlife Biologist in the 14 counties of Southwest Mississippi. He managed four wildlife management areas totaling 52,700 acres. Along with his duties on the Wildlife Management Areas, Coggin provided technical assistance for up to 40 hunting clubs and private landowners participating in the Deer Management Assistance Program. He also gave numerous presentations on wildlife habitat management, food plot management, backyard wildlife and other natural resource topics.

* Coggin with wife Mary Robin and children Mary Kate and Emma reside in Amory.

Up Close:

Coggin's job is a partnership between the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is based out of Amory and covers Northeast Mississippi.

The main focus of Coggin's position is the restoration of mixed hardwood and pine, hardwood and prairie ecosystems in Northeast Mississippi. He assists private landowners in the management of their natural resources by preparing prescriptions for forest management, prescribed burns and supplemental agricultural forage plantings. He also works close with the Natural Resource Conservation Service in the implementation of many conservation provisions of the Farm Bill on private lands.

According to Coggin, "It is a dream come true for me to be able to assist private landowners in my home state with the management of the natural resources on their property."

As a field biologist of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation, duties include: Assists in developing goals and objectives of the Foundation's field operations; Assists in soliciting field project grants; Coordinates all field operations in Northeast Mississippi; Assists in preparing an annual report; Encourages members to participate in field programs; Maximizes efficiency of field programs; Works with the media to publicize projects; Provides technical assistance to landowners; Implements special projects; Conducts workshops and seminars; Makes presentations to children's groups, civic clubs and/or hunting/fishing clubs; and Represents the Foundation at meetings.

He is involved in a wide array of organizations including the Mississippi Black Bear Restoration Task Force, the State Implementation Committee of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and the State Forest Stewardship Committee. He is also a recognized Boone and Crockett Scorer, Magnolia Records Scorer, Project Wild Facilitator and Certified Prescribed Burn Manager in Mississippi.

He has published numerous technical and popular articles on a wide array of topics including food plot management, prescribed burning, backyard wildlife, white tailed deer management and wild hog history, biology and management.

He has given numerous presentations to civic, school, conservation and community groups as well as hunting clubs.

Email: dcoggin@wildlifemiss.org

More Staff >> J. Cummins / R. Ballinger / M. Owens / R. Browning / D. Coggins