West Virginia Wildlife from Eyewitness News

Become a Wildlife Manager

WVU has one of the top wildlife management programs in the state.

May 6, 2009
Reporter: Patrick McMurtry
Videographer: Brad Rice

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Who wouldn't want to do this for a living? It doesn't get much better than trekking through the woods of West Virginia checking on wildlife. Here's a way to better your chances of getting a job as a wildlife biologist or manager-enroll in WVU's Wildlife Program.

John Edwards/WVU Associate Prof. says:
"Our Wildlife Program has been around for several decades and is one of the nationally recognized programs in the country, especially if you're talking about more traditionally applied programs.

We have a total of about 150 students, graduating seniors vary according to the class but probably 25 graduating seniors in the spring."

John Bruning is one of those lucky young men and women getting ready to apply what they've learned at WVU. John is from Maryland, but no university in that state offers wildlife management degrees. He says this program is right up his alley.

John Bruning/WVU Senior says:
"I've grown up being outside, hunting and fishing. When I found out I could turn that into a career, I thought it was cool. Maryland doesn't have a 4 year program and they have added where you get in-state tuition in WV, so I figured I'd give it a try."

Now John is just a couple of weeks away from graduating. He's gone through the entire program and has nothing but good things to say about what he's learned at WVU.

John Bruning/WVU Senior says:
"One of them in particular was Forestry 1408. It's about WV's natural resources and man, that guy is knowledgeable. I learned so much it being completely different from where I grew up. I just really learned a lot about the state.

I'd say definitely give it a shot. If you like the outdoors and fisheries and wildlife, definitely give it a shot. I'm glad I did.
I've had a blast. It's a great program."

And with the career becoming so competitive, folks in the DNR say getting as much education in the field will only help you should you decide to pursue a job in wildlife management. For West Virginia Wildlife, I'm Patrick McMurtry, Eyewitness News.