William J. Tucker

Born in Longview, Texas, William Tucker worked as an author and newspaper editor, and in 1929 became the first Executive Secretary of the Texas Game, Fish and Oyster Commission, and also volunteered in the founding of the East Texas Big Thicket Association. Tucker oversaw early game species surveys and restocking efforts, and promoted the value of camping, fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities in his public presentations. Tucker lost his agency position in 1944 after pressing E.L. Kurth to control effluents from his paper mill, the first built in East Texas.