2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 56

Greg Yarrow, Aquaculture, Fisheries and Wildlife Department, G08 Lethotsky Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0362; 864.656.7370; gyarrow@clemson.edu

Over 90% of the wildlife habitat in South Carolina is privately owned. Most of these lands are either in forest or agricultural production, with a smaller percentage in suburban or urban developments. Unfortunately, most private landowners are unaware of the benefits of improving their lands for wildlife or, if aware and interested, are uninformed because of a lack of information. Because of this information gap, the Master Wildlifer shorcourse was developed.

Master Wildlifer is a Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service shortcourse designed for landowners and managers who are interested in integrating wildlife habitat improvement considerations into their current land use and management operations. Farmers, forest owners, homeowners, and others who are interested in improving their property for wildlife have found Master Wildlifer to be a wealth of practical information that serves as a guide to developing and improving wildlife habitat on their land. Practicing land managers have found the shortcourse invaluable in highlighting alternative management approaches for wildlife in forest, farm, and urban settings. Landowners and managers who attend the shortcourse obtain the knowledge and tools to enhance habitat for various wildlife species that can be enjoyed by themselves, family, friends, and outdoor recreationists who are willing to pay landowners for accessing their lands.

The Master Wildlife shortcourse is designed to be presented in 5 to 6 2 ½-hour nightly sessions over a 2 to 4-week period on a multi-county basis. A half-a-day field trip is also included in the shortcourse. Each session provides in-depth coverage of select wildlife management and wildlife-related topics in an interactive fashion from highly qualified natural resource professionals. A comprehensive reference manual is also provided to those attending the shortcourse. The Master Wildlifer shortcourse session content is determined by a local planning committee chaired or co-chaired by county Extension Agent(s) and chosen from a list of 35 topics. Highlights of the Master Wildlifer shortcourse will be presented during the meeting.