MDWFP names new wildlife resources director

Amy Blaylock, a 10-year veteran biologist with the MDWFP, was named Wednesday to be the Director of Wildlife Resources.

Blaylock becomes first woman biologist to take a lead role

The first female to ever hold a director level position in the wildlife bureau of Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is Amy Blaylock, who was named Director of Wildlife Resources on Wednesday.

Her hire comes just a week after the agency named Russ Walsh the Wildlife Executive Officer, and the two should add some stability atop a division that has lost four leadership positions in the last two years.

“We are proud to have Amy accept this leadership role within the agency’s Wildlife Bureau, and are certain her previous agency experience with the White-tailed Deer, Wildlife Management Area (WMA), and grants programs has prepared her well for this position,” said Executive Director Dr. Sam Polles.

Blacklock has been with the agency as a biologist since 2007, and most recently has held two positions, the East Central Region WMA biologist, where she oversaw 11 Wildlife Management Areas, and the Wildlife Restoration Coordinator, where she was responsible for writing and managing grants that assist in funding the Wildlife Bureau.

“I am excited about the opportunity to serve as Director of Wildlife Resources,” said Blaylock. “I am deeply dedicated to MDWFP and believe that we are a critical entity in managing wildlife in Mississippi. The Wildlife Bureau staff is a dedicated and passionate group that wants to improve the management of all wildlife species in Mississippi. It is a true privilege to lead this group and I will work diligently to make MDWFP and the Wildlife Bureau leaders in conservation.”

Blaylock has a bachelor’s degree in forestry and wildlife management and a master’s in wildlife science from Mississippi State University.

About Bobby Cleveland 1340 Articles
Bobby Cleveland has covered sports in Mississippi for over 40 years. A native of Hattiesburg and graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Cleveland lives on Ross Barnett Reservoir near Jackson with his wife Pam.

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