Hello, I’m Sanden O’Connell. I am a senior at Valley City State University majoring in fisheries and wildlife sciences. I am from Lake Park, MN, and I am an avid hunter and fisherman. In my four years attending VCSU I have participated in fisheries internships to build experiences toward a career in fisheries. I have lots of experience with seining and backpack electrofishing in both Minnesota and North Dakota. I love pulling a seine because each sein is filled with surprises.
Working in fisheries and sampling small nongame species has sparked my interest in catching and identifying native fish species. Recently, I also started micro fishing and focusing on various species of fish that are not often targeted by the average fisherman. My current angling life list is at 41 species and the Texas trip will be a great opportunity to add to that list. It would also be a great way to sample new species of fish that are not found in Minnesota or North Dakota. I have only sampled freshwater fish, so sampling on the coast will be a great experience to add fish to my fish list and experience to include on my resume.
It has always been a goal of mine to visit Texas. When I was younger, I lived in Alabama for a couple years and I loved it. My family returns every couple of years to visit friends and go on fishing and hunting trips. After I graduate, I hope to find a job down south. Texas is very appealing due to the hunting and fishing opportunities that are not available in the Midwest. The Texas trip will be a great opportunity to explore what it is like to live down there and to view all of the various fish and wildlife the area has to offer.