The Wildlife Society - History

History

The Wildlife Society was founded during the 1930s, a time of growing interest in the restoration of wildlife populations and the emergence of the new profession of game management. Influential leaders in the fledgling conservation movement – among them Aldo Leopold and J.N. (Ding) Darling – triggered by mounting concern over the decimation of wildlife caused by severe drought, widespread poaching, and deteriorating habitats, saw the need to gather and disseminate scientific knowledge.

The Wildlife Society, initially known as The Society of Wildlife Specialists, was launched at the North American Wildlife Conference in Washington, D.C., in 1936. A year later, in St. Louis, Missouri, the Specialists became The Wildlife Society. A constitution and bylaws were adopted in 1937, and the Society was incorporated on March 25, 1948. A 50-year history of the Society (1937–1987) can be found in the Wildlife Society Bulletin.

Over time, The Wildlife Society has broadened its programs beyond its original focus on scientific publications to include:

• Certification of wildlife biologists;
• Continuing education of wildlife professionals at an annual conference;
• Training opportunities through a network of over 50 chapters, 90 student chapters, and a dozen working groups;
• An awards program recognizing outstanding contributions to the profession of wildlife management;
• A leadership institute to train aspiring leaders in the wildlife field;
• A renewed and strengthened attention on advocating for science-based wildlife policy.

Just as the profession has evolved from a focus on game management to encompass all wildlife species and ecosystems, so too has the Society’s outlook broadened into these areas. Through it all, The Wildlife Society has remained dedicated to excellence in wildlife stewardship through science and education.