The Wildlife Society has chosen Alberta for the 2025 Chapter of the Year following a year of diverse programming and creative efforts to support the next generation of wildlifers.
“It’s an incredible honor,” said Shantel Carels, the executive director of the Alberta Chapter of TWS. “This award reflects the strength of our community, including our passionate members, dedicated board members and volunteers, and inspiring students, who work to protect wildlife and wild spaces in Alberta. I’m so grateful for this community and the impact we make together.”
One of the Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society’s (ACTWS) many accomplishments included its Hunting Mentorship Program, which was developed in 2023 and provides hands-on experiences in some of Alberta’s most beautiful landscapes. The focal species range from waterfowl to big game to pheasants. Combining guided learning, field experience and community engagement, the program aims to grow tomorrow’s wildlife stewards through instilling within participants an appreciation for wildlife and the natural world. “Our mentors guide mentees through every aspect of hunting—safety protocols, scouting, tracking and ethical hunting practices—while emphasizing conservation, habitat preservation and the role of hunting in maintaining ecological balance,” Carels said. “Students are learning firsthand about hunting strategies and wildlife behavior, gaining practical skills and developing a lifelong connection to nature.”
Last year, the Hunting Mentorship Program included 127 attendees who have taken part in more than nine mentored hunts and two range days. The chapter also hosted four ice-fishing events throughout Alberta this past winter through their Fish Conservation Program. Fish experts educated 64 students on fish conservation in the province.
The chapter has received grants from the Alberta Conservation Association, the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society, the Delta Waterfowl Foundation, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund. This year, the chapter received over $28,000 from the Alberta Conservation Association through their grant program. “The program just keeps growing and growing,” said Samantha Stamler, the ACTWS secretary-treasurer.
“This growth is due in large part to the incredible work of our student director, Remington Bracher, and our hunting mentorship program coordinator, Norbert Nguyen,” Carels said. “They’ve built strong connections with other organizations, found passionate mentors and created meaningful opportunities for students.
Student engagement and programming is one of the top priorities of the chapter. This year, the chapter awarded nearly $20,000 in student scholarships, travel grants and awards. “We understand that education costs a lot, and reducing financial barriers for students is one way that we can promote student engagement and support,” Stamler said. The ACTWS also engages students in science-based decision-making and policy work, which is a foundational part of the organization’s mission and something that Stamler considers a “critical” part of their education.
In addition to supporting students, the ACTWS is committed to supporting diverse wildlifers in Alberta. One way the chapter has done this in the past year is through the “Diversity is Our Strength” series in the chapter’s monthly newsletter, which spotlights the backgrounds, career paths and lived experiences of wildlife professionals and students. “Our goal is to highlight their work and increase visibility of underrepresented groups in the wildlife profession,” Stamler said. The ACTWS also offers free memberships to wildlifers that are Black, Indigenous or people of color (BIPOC) and have launched a new equity, diversity and inclusion scholarship.
The chapter also offered 10 workshops this year, several of which covered topics like queer and trans safety in the field and Indigenous awareness. It also offered a specialized wildlife chemical immobilization course in partnership with the Canadian Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians and seven free “Wildlife Spotlight” webinars. These webinars, which ranged in topics from invasive species to native trout, attracted over 350 attendees—70% of whom were nonmembers.
“For decades, the Alberta Chapter has been shaped by hard work, collaboration and a deep respect for wildlife, wild places and the community that cares for them,” Carels said. “Looking ahead, we’ll keep building on that legacy, supporting the next generation of conservation leaders, welcoming more voices to the table, and taking on the challenges facing Alberta’s wildlife together.”
Interested in learning more about, or joining, the ACTWS? Visit their website.
Article by The Wildlife Society
