As Eric Stone walked through Illick Hall’s Roosevelt Wildlife Collection, observing the hundreds of animals, he was in his element. By gently stroking a stuffed duck for just a few seconds, Stone was able to detect the specific species, sex and ecological importance of the animal.

For Stone, a senior natural history and interpretation major at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, observing ducks from the 1840s is just part of a typical day.

As part of a new fall course, ‘Hunter and Trapper Education for Wildlife Professionals,’ Stone said he and other ESF students learned the basics of hunting, trapping and how to identify wildlife and its importance. Students also learned the profession of hunting and why it is a necessity for ecosystems, Stone said.

The instructors, which are all local, certified professionals in the field, emphasize the importance of safety and ethics in all of the units that are taught in the course, Stone said. The students in the course actually do not hunt, trap or harm animals in any of the units taught, Stone said. There are a number of students who are vegetarians in the class, he said.

Students learn skills that were previously foreign to them, such as properly shooting a rifle, a bow and arrow, and following a blood trail, Stone said.

‘Coming from a suburban background like most of my peers, we don’t have much exposure to wildlife and management of it,’ Stone said. ‘This class allows me to look at wildlife in a completely different perspective.’

Hunting and trapping are looked at as important professions, Stone said. Without hunters in the world, scientists would not have their current information about various ecosystems, and different populations would not be effectively managed, Stone said.

Stone said a requirement of the course is for students to be involved and actively participate in nature. Throughout the semester, students complete a field experience component in which they are able to interact with experienced hunters.

Students assisted at waterfowl check stations on the Perch River and Oneida Lake, volunteered at their local deer and bear check stations during Fall Break, and are required to attend deer processing business and observe how deer are handled, according to an article published Oct. 21 by The Post-Standard.

‘Something always different happens at the check stations, which makes it so interesting,’ Stone said. ‘It’s great to interact on a personal level with the hunters. They teach us a lot, but we also teach them.’

Stone added that a small percentage of the people he has met at the various check stations are not professional hunters. Instead, many of them hunt recreationally to either enjoy nature or keep the tradition of hunting alive in their families. Stone said the class attracts a great diversity of ESF students.

Alex Jacobson, a senior environmental science major, said in an email that while the course doesn’t relate to his major, he wanted to obtain hunting certifications. Stone, on the other hand, said he was interested in better understanding wildlife management.

Students should take the course to better understand the necessity of hunters, Stone said.

Hunters better the quality of life for all wildlife and better the management of ecosystems, Stone said. In addition, they provide valuable information to the public.

Said Stone: If we don’t know what’s out there, then we can’t protect.’

mhnewman@syr.edu 

Published on December 4, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Contact Meredith: mhnewman@syr.edu | @MerNewman93