Oppenheimer, Bob (Robert Thomas), 2005 - 2010

Sub-Series — Box: 2, Folder: 6

Staff Only

Click to view full transcript at WS Digital Collections (https://nwrc.contentdm.oclc.org/)

Scope and Contents

Bob Oppenheimer was interviewed by Nancy Freeman on July 26, 2005 in Delta, Utah.

Subseries contains correspondence, research and interview notes, interview transcripts, biography, release form, interview questions, photographs, his obituary, and audio files of the interview.

Dates

2005 - 2010

Creator

Oppenheimer, Bob (Robert Thomas) (1923-2010) (Interviewee, Person)

Biographical / Historical

Robert Thomas Oppenheimer was born September 9, 1923 in Lockport, Illinois. After enlisting and serving three and a half years in the Navy (2nd Class Ord.), he farmed and trapped in Delta, Utah. In 1956 he joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, formerly known as Animal Damage Control under the Fish and Wildlife Service. He served as a wildlife specialist and government trapper and was stationed in Kanosh, Utah. After eight years, Oppenheimer became a district supervisor, by then working out of Delta (1962-1966.) He briefly worked in Richfield (1966-1968) before returning to Delta until he formally retired in 1994. He then went to work for the State of Utah, Division of Fish and Game until 2004. Since 2004, Oppenheimer has volunteered for Wildlife Services. An avid outdoorsman, Oppenheimer married his wife Nancy in 1973 and raised three children from a previous marriage. Oppenheimer passed away on May 23, 2010.

Extent

From the Collection: 2.1 linear feet

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Abstract

Robert Thomas Oppenheimer reminisces about his current and past work for Wildlife Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). He reminisces about his experiences as a wildlife specialist and government trapper in predator control (primarily coyotes and mountain lions) and the different methods used including traps, M-44, compound 1080, hunting dogs, snares, aerial gunning, game calling, and lures. Oppenheimer talks about his experiences with animals, various Wildlife Services and related personnel including friends lost in aviation accidents while aerial gunning. He also talks about his district supervisor duties, interactions with ranchers and environmentalists, and the future of wildlife management, trapping and predator control.