Craig A. Harper, Associate Professor and
Extension Wildlife Specialist

Habitat management programs focus on mixed hardwood forests and early successional habitats. Techniques for establishing and managing native warm-season grasses and oldfield habitats is a major interest. Treatments involving prescribed fire, herbicides, and discing are being monitored. Establishment and management of wildlife food plots, especially forage plots for white-tailed deer, is another area of interest. Data concerning nutritional value and the use of various herbicides for managing forage plots are being collected.

White-tailed deer management is also a primary program. In particular, the impact of quality deer management programs is being monitored on several properties across Tennessee, including areas where crop damage is problematic.

Although Dr. Harper has a 100 percent appointment with the UT Agricultural Extension Service, he remains active in research that is related to his Extension programming. Currently, Dr. Harper directs graduate students working on projects investigating ruffed grouse ecology and management (especially as related to forest management practices), the effects of thinning and prescribed fire on wildlife habitat in mixed hardwood stands, and the effects of various field management techniques on vegetation structure and composition.

The Tennessee 4-H Wildlife Project is a youth education project designed to teach 4-Hers about Tennessee’s wildlife and the basic principles of wildlife ecology and management. Dr. Harper and Dr. Tom Hill oversee this project, offering various programs including Wildlife Judging contests, the Food And Cover Establishment (FACE) contest, and the Annual 4-H Junior High Wildlife Conference.

Craig has been an active member of The Wildlife Society since 1991, serving on the Student Affairs Committee as Southeastern Section Representative from 1993 – 1994, 1995 – 1996, and as Chair from 1994 – 1995. He served on the Conservation Education Committee in 2001 – 2002 and as Chair from 2002 – 2003. He also served the Tennessee Chapter of The Wildlife Society as Director-at-Large from 2000 – 2002, President-elect from 2002-2004, and is currently President. Dr. Harper is a Certified Wildlife Biologist by The Wildlife Society.

Craig and his wife, Theresa, live in Blount County with their three daughters, Ashley, Rachel, and Shelby. Craig is a native of North Carolina and enjoys all types of hunting, especially bowhunting, duck hunting, and turkey hunting.

Contact Information

Craig Harper
280 Ellington Plant Sciences
2431 Joe Johnson Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4522
Phone: (865) 974-7346
Email: charper@utk.edu