Getting in game management...How?

[tigris115]

So basically, after sitting on the zillion dollar question of what I should do with the remaining 60 to 80 years of my life, I decided that game management would be an interesting and enriching line of work.

Now my question to all of you is how does one rack up enough experience to work with hunting outfitters, national parks, private game reserves, etc.

I'm also going to try and get jobs with the U.S. Parks Department and private American game ranches before I hit Africa.

I'm also progressing through college fairly well and hope to complete my masters in Anthrozoology

 

[Pheroze]

Good luck with the career choice. I know in Canada there are specific degree courses as my son looked at one briefly. But, I think you also need to get out into the field a lot too.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Research some programs offered in RSA and actually get your hands on experience in the area you hope to work.

Here's a list.
http://www.sawma.co.za/universities/

 

[HuntingGold]

Numerous American Universities offer wildlife management degrees. I have one and it has served me well.

While in South Africa, I learned of some of their Wildlife Management programs offered at their universities and was impressed.

There is no magic bullet on "how to do it" but I believe a college or university near you could certainly help you find a path. Dont jump at the first one, look around at several and pick the one that suits your needs the best.

Another option is to find a place that you want to work, and ask them what they suggest or require for a background and follow their lead.

 

[wesheltonj]

Might look at Texas A&M Kingsville

 

[mdwest]

Now my question to all of you is how does one rack up enough experience to work with hunting outfitters, national parks, private game reserves, etc.

There are a handful of universities that offer degree programs in park management and park administration if you are really interested in the national park system

Arizona State used to have a good program.. I think they still offer it now..

University of Memphis had a very good program as well at one point.. although I’m not sure if it is still offered there..

FWIW my undergrad degree is in park administration (Univ of Memphis alum).. I never worked for the national parks or state parks.. but graduates of the program were in pretty high demand back when I went through.. grads pretty much could go wherever they wanted once they got their degrees... several of my classmates went to work at the Smoky Mtn National Park, Yellowstone, and a host of other places in a wide variety of jobs in the parks ranging from park management to federal law enforcement)

 

[CAustin]

You have received some good advice here but seems you are already seeking a degree. Do you need to change schools??