Hands-On Experiences - Conservation in Action

Six students from the Fall 2025 Wildlife Management class stepped beyond the classroom on Jan. 10 to participate in the Bucks-Mont Chapter Delta Waterfowl University Hunt Program, giving students a firsthand look at how regulated hunting fits into modern wildlife management. This living case study of concepts learned in the classroom allowed students to see how population data, habitat conditions and human needs all factor into management decisions. Students learned the basics of waterfowl hunting, firearm safety and public engagement with wildlife management techniques.

During the Hunt, students successfully harvested three Canada geese. Canada geese populations are growing beyond what many natural habitats can support leading the flocks to inhabit lawns, parks and other areas intended for human use. Their presence in these spaces leads to an increase in human-wildlife conflict and the “evidence” they leave behind can degrade local water quality and increase disease transmission, such as the recent avian influenza outbreak. Responsibly harvesting populations maintains healthy environments for both people and animals, protects ecosystems and reduces human-wildlife conflict.

“The Delta Waterfowl University Hunt Program is a great way for students who are new to hunting to get comfortable with the field and introduce them to the culture, ethics and community behind the activity,” says Associate Professor Dr. Alicia Shenko. “The folks mentoring the hunt love to share their passion. Wildlife management professionals need to be comfortable within these communities and this is an exciting entry point into a tradition that blends outdoor skills with hands-on conservation.”

DelVal was founded on the philosophy of combining “science with practice.” This hands-on experience brought the Wildlife Management class’s coursework to life and showed students how science-based strategies guide real-world conservation efforts.