BSA has created updated version of the Troop Program features for Scouts BSA. The Wildlife Management program feature is available in digital format on the BSA website or can be purchased as a publication from you local Scout Shop.
The Wildlife Management program feature materials point out that keeping the natural balance needed to promote the well being of wildlife involves more than biology. A wide range of STEM disciplines are involved. The program feature includes some general information and some more specific ideas for meetings:
What is the definition of wildlife?
Do fish belong in the wildlife category?
Why is it important to manage how humans and wildlife interact?
What is the difference between active wildlife management and inactive wildlife management?
How does the Endangered Species Act play a part in wildlife management?
What is the role of hunting and fishing in wildlife management?
Suggested troop meeting ideas are grouped by essential, challenging, or advanced. Here are a few you can see in the guide.
Identify wildlife in your town and from other areas of the world (essential)
Discuss how species interact (essential)
Learn about wildlife habitats (challenging)
Find out about agencies involved in wildlife management (advanced)
Talk about how different species have different roles in the balance of nature (essential)
Discuss how people impact the health of species (challenging)
Discuss how wildlife management can solve problems related to human-wildlife conflict (advanced)
Watch videos related to wildlife management (essential)
Discuss careers in wildlife management (challenging)
Review hunting regulations and safety precautions (advanced)
Learn about endangered species (essential)
Look up endangered species and find out about efforts to help them (challenging)
Come up with some ways which Scouts in your troop can help endangered species (advanced)
There are also several games suggested to keep things interesting at your troop meetings
Name that Fish
Predator and Prey
Wildlife Scat Candy Game
The plan even provides Scoutmaster’s minutes and ceremonies for meetings.
Then there is the “Main Event”. Once again, there are suggestions for essential, challenging, or advanced. Details and planning aids can be found in the online guide.
Wildlife refuge or hatchery tour (essential)
Overnight with a conservation or restoration service project (challenging)
Overnight wildlife survey or research project (advanced)
Find some related helps and achievements for the Wildlife Management Troop Program Feature below.
Every Scout who is spending time outdoors should be familiar with the Outdoor Code. It is especially important for Webelos, Scouts BSA, and Venturers who are out camping regularly.
While working on the Mammal Study merit badge, Scouts learn about the physical characteristics of mammals and about their habitats. They learn how a mammal’s environment influences its population and carry out a project related to this.
Scouts learn about, identify, and observe a wide variety of birds while doing the requirements for the Bird Study merit badge. They also listen for birds’ songs and learn how to provide a healthy habitat for birds.
While working on the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge, Scouts learn about the identifying characteristics of alligators, crocodiles, toads, frogs, salamanders, lizards, snakes and more. They also maintain their own reptiles or amphibians or observe them at a zoo. Scouts investigate which species are dangerous and which make good pets.
Scouts find out about life in the sea by doing the requirements for the Oceanography merit badge. Topics include the properties of seawater, waves, underwater topography, and the importance of the oceans. Scouts will also do a hands-on activity and will learn how marine scientists study the oceans.
The requirements for the Nature merit badge help scouts learn about plants and wildlife and the connection of all living things. They identify different types of wildlife and consider their importance in ecosystems.
By working on the requirements for the Fly Fishing merit badge, Scouts come to appreciate and enjoy catching fish with a fly rod. They learn how to prepare for a safe fishing outing and to observe local regulations. Scouts become familiar with the knots needed for fly fishing. Then they put their knowledge to use by catching some fish.
Scouts working on the Sustainability merit badge learn to conserve energy at home and think about how their food, housing, and consumption choices impact society at large. They make a plan to use the Earth’s resources more wisely. They also learn how the Scout Law and the Scout Oath promote more sustainable communities.
Scouts working on the requirements for the Fish and Wildlife Management merit badge learn about the populations of fish, birds, mammals, and other wildlife. They study the habitats of wildlife and learn about careers in this area.
Scouts working on the Fishing merit badge learn to safely catch, clean, and cook fish. They familiarize themselves with a variety of fishing equipment and the knots needed to use it. They also learn about different species of fish and types of baits.
Scouts learn about ecology, pollution, endangered species, pollination by bees, and other environmental topics while working on the Environmental Science merit badge. They also study how parts of the ecosystem interact through repeated observation.
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