What is Wildlife Management?

Wildlife is composed of all non- domesticated animals. However, wildlife managers are often interested in specific categories of wildlife such as game, non-game, fur-bearing, and threatened or endangered species. Wildlife management in the United States is rooted in English common law. Prior to the signing of the Magna Charta in A.D. 1215, the King and his nobles claimed wildlife ownership. The Magna Charta transferred wildlife ownership to the people, and established the basis for wildlife management in the United States. Wildlife management is the maintenance or manipulation of our natural resources for the good of society. A general goal of wildlife managers is to ensure sustainable wildlife populations, which rely on a sustainable habitat base in which to live. The goal of the Department is to develop wildlife professionals skilled in the art and science of wildlife management, and in the ecological understanding of renewable natural resources management.

Bachelor of Science in Wildlife & Fisheries Management
(Wildlife Management Track)

The Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Management (Wildlife Management Track) from Texas Tech University is a degree program that produces i graduates who can be certified as wildlife biologists by The Wildlife Society. Students graduate with a working knowledge of wildlife biology, wildlife ecology, population management, and habitat management. The philosophy of the Department is to give! students experience in applied wildlife management programs that will prepare them for challenging careers in the field of natural resource management with government agencies, consulting firms, and conservation organizations. Following completion of this degree program, one will be qualified as a wildlife manager, wildlife consultant, and wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, or as a game biologist with a private firm. Additionally, many of our graduates further their educations by pursuing Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. 

Faculty Involvement

Faculty members in the Department of Range, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management are recognized authorities in the areas of big game ecology, waterfowl management, wetland ecology, habitat management, and upland gamebird ecology. Diverse wildlife research programs provide many opportunities for students to become involved in the scientific process and gain valuable training , and experience. One example of student involvement has been annual survey of deer, quail, pheasant, and waterfowl populations with the assistance of student volunteers. Such hands-on activities with wildlife populations have proven to be valuable experiences for many of our students.