By MATTHEW REYNOLDS

mar032@latech.edu

 

Ducks will be the main focus of the fourth annual Ark-La-Miss Wildlife Symposium starting at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Student Center, Main Floor, on Tech campus.

The conference will focus on surveys, seasons, movements, habitat and management.

James Dickson, the coordinator of the wildlife program and a Merritt professor of forestry, said, “There are many misconceptions and vague areas surrounding ducks, and this is a good chance to get quality information on the subject.”

Dickson said that the discussion will feature waterfowl experts who are recognized biologists from Louisiana State University and state, federal and non-governmental conservation organizations.

“The group of speakers we have lined up are foremost waterfowl experts with a broad range of knowledge on the subject,” Dickson said.

The following topics will be covered on Saturday: how surveys are conducted, how seasons are set, where and why ducks move, what habitat ducks use, what ducks eat, how to manage bottomland hardwoods, how to manage agriculture crops and what assistance programs that are available for landowners.

Pre-registration, which is anytime before today, is $25 for attendees, but for Tech students it is only $10.

Tanner Kelly, a freshman basic and career studies major, said, “I plan on registering this week, I think every student interested in ducks should attend at that price.”

Late registration, which is on the day of the event, will be $40 for the public and $20 for Tech students.

Dickson said, “It’s important to us that Tech students come out to the symposium. This is a good opportunity for any student that is interested in ducks to come hear some expert input.”

The symposium will be broken into several sessions, beginning with registration and a continental breakfast at 7:45 a.m.

Throughout the day, speakers from the United States Wildlife and Fishery Services, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center and the Department of Agriculture will be covering specific subjects.

Door prizes and tests will be given throughout the day.

“We are excited about the program and group of speakers we have together for this year’s event,” Dickson said.

For more information, contact Dickson, at 257-4985 or visit  the wildlife Web site at http://www.latech.edu/a ns/wildli fe-conservation.