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Location
Saratoga Springs, NY
Start Date
4-5-2009 12:00 AM
Description
Wildlife biologists often use firearms in a professional capacity. However, few wildlife professionals receive in-depth or specialized training in the use of firearms. Other professionals who use firearms in the course of their duties (i .e., law enforcement or the military) receive extensive training appropriate to the level of their intended use. But, in general, there are no such requirements or recommendations for wildlife professionals. In addition, the information that is often available regarding firearm selection, maintenance, and use, terminal ballistics on various species of wildlife, humaneness of shot placement, and other aspects related to the use of firearms on wildlife, is often based on opinion, subjective tests, or insufficiently designed statistical testing. We examined the various requirements for firearms training, current level of knowledge about the use of firearms related to wildlife management, and provide suggestions for training and future research.
Recommended Citation
Caudell, J. N., West, B. C., Griffin, B., & Davis, K. (2009). Fostering greater professionalism with firearms in the wildlife arena. In Boulanger, J. (Ed.), The Thirteenth Wildlife Damage Management Conference (95-99). Saratoga Springs, NY: Thirteenth WDM Conference.
Included in
Fostering Greater Professionalism with Firearms in the Wildlife Arena
Saratoga Springs, NY
Wildlife biologists often use firearms in a professional capacity. However, few wildlife professionals receive in-depth or specialized training in the use of firearms. Other professionals who use firearms in the course of their duties (i .e., law enforcement or the military) receive extensive training appropriate to the level of their intended use. But, in general, there are no such requirements or recommendations for wildlife professionals. In addition, the information that is often available regarding firearm selection, maintenance, and use, terminal ballistics on various species of wildlife, humaneness of shot placement, and other aspects related to the use of firearms on wildlife, is often based on opinion, subjective tests, or insufficiently designed statistical testing. We examined the various requirements for firearms training, current level of knowledge about the use of firearms related to wildlife management, and provide suggestions for training and future research.