Mission

The mission, unique at the time, was created in 1954 by Robert H. Welder’s will.

“It is my desire and my purpose to further the education of the people of Texas and elsewhere in wildlife conservation and in the knowledge of the breeding and living habits of our wild creatures, and in the relationship of wildlife to domestic livestock on our ranches and farms; to afford students and others interested in wildlife betterment and propagation and in the raising of wildlife along with domestic animals, a place for research and an opportunity for the study thereof; and to develop scientific methods of increasing the wildlife populations of the state and nation for the benefit of future generations of our people who may not have the opportunity to know and appreciate our wildlife, as I have, unless methods of increasing and conserving our wildlife are scientifically developed.  For these purposes I here create a foundation to be known as the Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation.”

-Rob H. Welder (1890 – 1953)

Rob Welder passed away on December 31, 1953, and the probate of his will in 1954 brought into being the Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation as described in the excerpt from his will below.