The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wildlife management area formerly known as Peach Point Wildlife Management Area (WMA) will be formally rededicated this Friday, Oct. 12 as “Justin Hurst WMA” in recognition of the former game warden and wildlife biologist who was killed in the line of duty earlier this year. As a department biologist in the Wildlife Division, Hurst devoted six years to the 15,612-acre WMA known for its lush wetlands and coastal plains.
As Peach Point’s area manager he was instrumental in the development of many waterfowl conservation projects on the site, including mottled duck research. Hurst switched careers and became a game warden in 2002, and while at the training academy, he shared his knowledge about waterfowl with fellow game warden cadets and taught duck identification.
On March 17, Hurst’s 34th birthday, he was killed while attempting to apprehend a suspected poacher. Employees are invited to attend the rededication, which begins with self guided tours of the WMA from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Ceremonies begin at 2 p.m. and conclude around 4 p.m. Speakers will include Mike Berger, Col. Peter Flores, Todd Merendino, David Lobpries, Jesse Oetgen, John Thorne, Andrew Sansom, Amanda Hurst and Robert L. Cook.
Get more information by calling Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Bay City office at (979) 244-7697.