My name is Austin Juhnke. I am from Fargo, North Dakota and graduated from Fargo South High School before moving to Valley City. I am a Senior at VCSU in my last semester working on my Fisheries and Wildlife Degree with a focus in Fisheries. In my free time I enjoy hunting, fishing, and trap shooting. I have been interested in the outdoors since I was very little. Back in elementary school when we were asked about our future profession, I would always write down game warden. Although I have changed my mind, I still knew I wanted to pursue a career related to the outdoors.
My love for the outdoors started when I was young with my dad and grandpa. My dad was the one that first introduced me to fishing when I was young. Now that I have moved out, we still try and find the time to fish together. When I am fishing alone, I can be found fishing the river or the local lakes in my small boat. My grandfather was the one that introduced me to hunting. This introduction has led to many new hunting experiences like waterfowl hunting when I moved to Valley City, or elk hunting in North Dakota with my dad. Without them I wouldn’t have the passion for the outdoors that I do.
I have traveled to many states over the years. These trips have been for family events. I have never taken the time to look at the native wildlife, fishes, or vegetation. With this Texas Ecology Trip, I hope to learn more about the native wildlife, fishes, and vegetation that we do not have in North Dakota. In addition, I hope I can use the skills I have been taught at VCSU and apply them to the real world.