About the Nonprofit
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MISSION
To inspire, empower, and enable wildlife professionals to sustain wildlife populations and habitats through science-based management and conservation.
VISION
The Wildlife Society is a strong and effective voice in representing wildlife conservation and management, and ensuring sustainable wildlife populations in healthy ecosystems.
A BIT OF WHAT WE DO
Publications:
The Society publishes scientific journals, technical reviews, position statements on policy issues, and books. Volume 1 of The Journal of Wildlife Management was published in 1937 as the premier outlet for applied science in wildlife conservation.
In 1958, The Wildlife Society published the first Wildlife Monograph. President A. Starker Leopold, in introducing this new publication, stated that WM is for manuscripts considered too long for JWM. In 1960, the Society published the Manual of Game Investigational Techniques. This book has become popularly known as the Techniques Manual and this and its subsequent editions have been the primary textbook for wildlife management techniques courses for the last five decades.
In May 1972 the Wildlife Society Bulletin was established as an outlet for wildlife management-related articles. The content of WSB includes opinion pieces as well, and also offers news and information on Society issues.
In 2007, The Wildlife Professional emerged as a magazine designed to provide current information, news, and analysis in a popular format to practicing wildlife professionals. Published six times per year, the magazine is provided as a member benefit.
Policy Program:
Society staff and volunteers monitor legislation affecting wildlife and natural resources and provide science-based input to policy makers. TWS’ Policy Program oversees the development of Technical Reviews of current issues pertaining to wildlife conservation, and Council develops Position Statements that reflect the views of wildlife professionals.
The role of the Society relative to public policy has evolved over the years. The Society, as a professional scientific and educational organization, refrains from advocacy where it cannot ground its views on science. The Society’s role in this arena has been hotly debated since its inception. Formal approval for Council to issue resolutions first appeared in bylaw revisions in 1957. A landmark change was member approval of the Policy Director position in 1990.
Certification:
The Society initiated a Certification Program in 1977, providing certification that individuals met educational and experience criteria to be recognized as Certified Wildlife Biologists®. An Associate Wildlife Biologist® certification was established to recognize individuals who achieved educational requirements, but lacked requisite experience.
