The Wildlife Conservation Major
The Profession of wildlife management promotes the scientific management of wildlife populations and habitat. Although many wildlife biologists are interested in hunting and fishing, participation in the profession requires a deeper understanding of ecological principles and heightened appreciation of all environmental factors influencing wildlife habitats. Today's wildlife manager faces issues as varied as wetland habitat delineation, endangered species conservation, economics of land-leasing, habitat management for biological diversity, and the ethics of consumptive wildlife use.
Tech's wildlife program is unique. No other university in North Louisiana offers a wildlife degree. Class sizes are small with fewer than 25 students in most upper division science classes. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor; dedicated faculty provide a personal touch that fosters successful academic and professional achievement. Graduates meet the requirements to become a certified wildlife biologist by the Wildlife Society. Certification is used as a hiring standard by some governmental employers.
Career Opportunities
Wildlife managers are employed by private conservation organizations, industry, zoos, engineering and consulting firms, and numerous state and federal agencies. Employment in the wildlife field is competitive. Students with graduate degrees and practical work experience have increased opportunities for employment.
For Additional Information
For more information about the wildlife conservation education, or employment opportunities of graduates, contact: Dr. Dickson.
 |
James G. Dickson, Ph.D.
Wildlife Program Coordinator
and
Merritt Professor of Forestry
School of Forestry
Louisiana Tech University
P.O. Box 10138
Ruston, LA 71272
Phone: (318) 257-4020
Fax: (318) 257-5061
Email: jdickson@rans.latech.edu
|
Batty Business
Photos by Stacy Kidd, Senior Wildlife Student
|
 |
 |
|
|
Catching |
Logging |
Measuring |
|
 |
|
|
|
Weighing |
Preparing The Bat For Banding |
Banding |
 |
|
|
|
Trimming |
|
Attaching Transmitter |
|
|
|
 |
|
Releasing |
|
Tracking |
Dr. James Dickson and students enrolled in the Wildlife Techniques course traveled to Union Parish's Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Rescue to do a unique hands on study of 2 different species of bats. The work they did consisted of: setting up traps, catching, logging the types of bats, measuring the height and weight of the bats, banding the arms of the bats, determining the sex of the bats, trimming the hair of the bats and attaching radio transmitters for tracking.
