Many students do not think of wildlife as anything more than the annoying mosquito, errant raccoon or occasional deer hunt.
Ryan Mitchell, a junior in wildlife sciences as well as president of The Wildlife Society, believes The Wildlife Society offers a more complex relationship with those furry critters.
"Our purpose is to develop and promote sound stewardship of wildlife resources and of the environments upon which wildlife and humans depend; to undertake an active role in preventing human-induced environmental degradation; to increase awareness and appreciation of wildlife values; and to seek the highest standards in all activities of the wildlife profession," Mitchell said.
In addition to educating fellow students about wildlife professions and offering connections to the career field, The Wildlife Society interacts with the community to help humans coexist with wildlife, explained John Goode, a sophomore in wildlife sciences as well as Toomer's Oaks Coordinator.
The organization sponsors events such as Youth Dove Hunts, Critter Cook and Wildlife Youth Day and participates in the Southeastern Wildlife Conclave, which they will be hosting in 2011.
"Youth Dove hunts let parents and children come and experience a fun, safe hunt," said Lindsey Phillips, a sophomore in wildlife sciences and forestry as well as The Wildlife Society treasurer. "Wildlife Youth Day is where children from the area can come out and join us for a day filled with tons of fun, hands-on experience with different aspects of wildlife."
Mitchell names these opportunities to educate children and young adults on safe and ethical hunting and conservation as his favorite aspect of being a part of the organization.
However, The Wildlife Society extends beyond animal preservation, they also run the Toomer's Oaks program.
"My goal for this year is to be successful with our Toomer's Oaks program which provides funding for the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences by selling the seedlings of our legendary oaks," Goode said.
But being successful with this program is not the only goal for this organization in the upcoming year.
"We want to establish a Hunter Education Class at Auburn," Mitchell said.
Phillips adds she would like to do more community outreach and to have more students involved with the Wildlife Society.
"We already do this, but it is so moving and touching to see the way wildlife can affect people," Phillips said.
With a rising awareness of the environment on campus, The Wildlife Society should have no trouble achieving their goals.
Meetings are held every other Tuesday at 7 p.m. in 2217 in the Forestry and Wildlife Building. Find information go to sfws.auburn.edu/wildsoc/index.php.
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