Wildlife Capture and Chemical Immobilization (FIELD)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This immersive 4-day field course is designed to provide students a one-of-a-kind, hands-on learning experience capturing and chemically immobilizing wildlife. Prior to arriving at the Wildlife Science Center (WSC), students will attend an online course to prepare them for their visit. Online lectures will be delivered by Terry Kreeger, author of the Handbook of Wildlife Chemical Immobilization, which is internationally recognized as THE text book and field guide to wildlife chemical immobilization. At WSC, participants will participate in a series of interactive labs about all practical aspects of capture and chemical immobilization, including safe capture techniques, pharmacology, delivery systems, patient monitoring, medical emergencies, and more. Several species will be used as ambassadors for learning, including cougars, black bears, wolves, and variety of mesocarnivores.
PREREQUISITES
Wildlife Capture and Chemical Immobilization (ONLINE) or proof of training from an approved course provider are eligible to enroll in CWS's field course, if the course was completed <1 year ago.
Lead Instructor
Executive Director, Wildlife Science Center in Stacy, MN
COURSE FORMAT, DATES, & PRICE
Each day, students will capture, chemically immobilize, and handle different species of wildlife at WSC.
FIELD SCHEDULE (subject to change) :
Day 1 - Dart gun lab & cougar captures and chemical immobilization
Day 2 - Black bear captures and chemical immobilization
Day 3 - Wolf captures and chemical immobilization
Day 4 - Mesocarnivore captures and chemical immobilization
LOCATION & LODGING
Wildlife Science Center, Stacy, MN
Shared bunkhouse accommodations available onsite for students at a fee of $35/night. Other local accommodations in Forest Lake, MN. Additional information about what to bring TBA.
DATES: September 9-12, 2024
LAST DAY TO REGISTER: August 12, 2024
Course fee (Early bird): $1,800 professional / $1,600 student (Regular rate: $1,950 / $1,700 after July 1, 2024)
“My experience in the four-day Wildlife Capture and Chemical Immobilization course was incredible. The hands-on opportunities to apply classroom learning and work with native North American species was invaluable. Dr. Kreeger and the Wildlife Science Center staff were excellent teachers! I look forward to applying this experience in the field in collaborations with wildlife biologists and researchers in New York.”
Read my blog about the full experience HERE!
Jennifer Bloodgood
Wildlife Veterinarian & Assistant Professor of Practice, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
“The Wildlife Capture and Chemical Immobilization course at CWS was exciting, fascinating, and very informative! The techniques learned with the hands-on approach will be invaluable to my future career. I highly recommend this course!”
Jennifer Jachman
DVM Greenfield Animal Hospital, Southfield, Michigan
“A life experience for students, let alone a great way to learn a new, valuable skill – by doing!”
Dr. Erik R. Olson
Associate Professor, Northland College
“A top-notch course taught by subject matter experts. The instruction was skillfully delivered with the ideal blend of classroom time and practical application. We all got lots of solid hands-on experience with a variety of techniques and animals. The Wildlife Science Center was the perfect training venue; excellent facilities with an amazing staff. I had no immobilization experience prior to this training, but left feeling confident. Thank you!”
Jim Peterson
Biological Scientist, United States Air Force
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
This course has been pre-approved for continuing education by (1) the Ecological Society of America for 4 CEUs in Category I(b): Professional Education and Training, and (2) The Wildlife Society for 13 CEUs in Category I of the Certified Wildlife Biologist® Renewal/Professional Development Certificate Program. Participants must complete all exercises to earn CEUs and receive a Certificate of Course Completion. See our continuing education credit page for details.
UNDERGRADUATE OR GRADUATE CREDIT
This 1-semester credit equivalent course can be taken as an Independent Study (or the like) with pre-approval from an advisor or committee chair at a student’s college or university. In addition to meeting the requirements for course completion, students must take a final assessment to earn academic credit (e.g., Pass/Fail, letter grade) for this course. See our academic credit page for details.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations >30 days before the start date are not subject to cancellation fees. Cancellations 15-30 days before the start date are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. Sales are final 14 days before the start date.