Scott Shull lost his life on October 8, 1994 while radio-tracking Florida panthers at Big Cypress National Preserve. Scott, along with Craig Johnson, and pilot Jonathan Saunders were flying in a Cessna 172 when, at about 10:30 a.m., the plane went down about 4 miles north of Highway 41 in an area of pine and cypress trees. All three were killed instantly.

Scott was born on August 2, 1968 in Warrenton, Virginia. Due to his father's involvement in the Baptist ministry, his family moved several times during his childhood, eventually settling in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where Scott graduated from high school. After one year at Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, Scott transferred to Southwest Missouri State University, where he graduated in December of 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management. He also completed a minor in Biology.

He was offered an M.S. assistantship at the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Arkansas to study the effects of mark and release of nuisance bears under the direction of Dr. Kim Smith. This culminated in Scott receiving a Master of Science degree in Zoology in May 1994, having completed a thesis entitled "Management of nuisance black bears (Ursus Americanus) in the Interior Highlands of Arkansas". While a graduate student, Scott held a research appointment through the Arkansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.

While working on that project, Scott developed an excellent relationship with state game and fish officials, the academic community, and the public, thanks to his work ethic, calm demeanor and amiable personality. Scott completed his thesis in 1994. He was hired for the panther project in south Florida in August of that year because of his capabilities as a field technician and his expertise with aerial radio telemetry.

Scott was a great person to spend time with in the field. Besides being well qualified and competent, he was great fun. We take comfort in knowing that Scott loved what he was doing and was extremely committed to the work we were involved with in south Florida. We decided to continue with the telemetry work there; I think that is how Scott would have wanted it.

Scott is survived by his wife Lucinda, his father Craig, his mother Freida Hahn and younger sister, Stacy.

Download Scott's poster

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We would like to thank Claudine Laab for her photographic dedication on this poster.