Wildlife Services Assists AZTWS with Techniques Workshop

The Arizona Chapter of The Wildlife Society (TWS) hosted the fifth annual Wildlife Techniques Workshop in late April at the Horseshoe Ranch, located about 55 miles north of Phoenix, AZ. Sponsored by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the workshop provides a unique hands-on opportunity for students and new professionals to learn a variety of field techniques, gain experience from working professionals, and exchange ideas with other members of Arizona Chapter of TWS.

Students and new professionals learn radio telemetry techniques.
Image Credit: Christopher Carrillo

Workshop classes included animal tracking, mobile device applications, radio telemetry, vegetation sampling, geocaching, bat mist netting, small mammal tapping, herpetofauna trapping, CODA net gun use, and wildlife capture techniques (i.e. bird and mammal trapping).   USDA’s Wildlife Services program in Arizona taught the use of cage traps, pigeon/dove traps, sparrow traps, padded-jaw leg-hold traps, coni-bear traps, raptor traps, suitcase beaver traps, darting equipment, and use of the air cannon. Wildlife Services-Arizona also discussed its role in disease monitoring and surveillance. Attendees were also introduced to techniques on sampling wildlife for bubonic plague, tularemia, rabies, and avian influenza.

Students and new professionals learn tracking techniques.
Image Credit: Christopher Carrillo

Students from Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Scottsdale Community College, Midwestern University, and New Mexico State University attended the workshop. Additional instructors came from the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Bureau of Land Management.

Students and new professionals learn mobile device application.
Image Credit: Christopher Carrillo

The Arizona Chapter of TWS is dedicated to promoting sound management and conservation of Arizona’s wildlife resources. Membership is open to all professionals, students and laypersons interested in wildlife research, management, education and administration.  Our chapter works to maintain communication among wildlife professionals; encourages communication between those professionals and the public; supports continuing education through grants, workshops and regional meetings; encourages student involvement in the wildlife profession; and actively participates in shaping management and conservation policy through letters, public statements and resolutions.

Wildlife Services is a Strategic Partner of The Wildlife Society.