BIG GAME ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
SUMMER I 2006
Course Number:
WMAN 493K/693U
Instructors: James T. Anderson, Ph.D.: 312A Percival; 293-2941x2445;
mailto:[email protected]
John W. Edwards, Ph.D.: 311A Percival; 293-2941x2492;
mailto:[email protected]
Meeting Place
and Time:
Text:
Course
Overview:
Course
Objectives:
Percival Hall Parking Lot
07:00 – 22:00 Thursday May 11 – Saturday May 13, 2006
On line portion of the class runs concurrently until Friday June 30, 2006
Demaris, S., and P. R. Krausman. 2000. Ecology and management of large
mammals in North America. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey,
USA. ISBN 0-13-717422-5. 778 pages. ($115 new). Additional readings are
located on your CD.
Big game animals are commonly the main focus of many hunters and are
ecologically important components of the landscape. Therefore these are
important species for state wildlife agencies to manage. The primary focus of the
course will be on life history, investigative techniques, and management of the 2
major big game animals in West Virginia: White-tailed Deer and Black Bear.
Biology, management, and research of big game animals from the western United
States (i.e. Elk, Mule Deer, Moose, Pronghorn Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, etc.)
also will be discussed. Students will be introduced to current issues concerning
the political and social aspects of big game management. This course will be
unique for some of you in that it is primarily web-based with several field
trips. Field trips will include visits to game farms and public lands to observe the
habitat and population management techniques used to produce and maintain
different local and exotic big game species.
(1) To gain an understanding of the life history of white-tailed deer, black bears,
and other big game species.
(2) To enhance understanding of ungulate diseases, captive wildlife facilities, and
current issues facing managers of big game species.
(3) To gain an appreciation and understanding of big game species from the
western United States and from outside of the country.
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Grading:
Grades will be based on exams (300 points) and assignments (100 points). Points
will be allocated according to the following scale based on 400 points total.
Exams:
Three exams are scheduled, including one exam covering the field trips (100
points), and two exams (100 points each) covering all web based lectures and
supplemental readings. The purpose of the exams is to test your
comprehension, retention, and understanding of material covered in the
course. All material will come from the field trip, the textbook, or the CD. You
must be self-disciplined to ensure that you keep up with the readings and the
Powerpoint/Word presentations.
Exam 1 will be closed book and be conducted during our field trip (May 13).
Exams 2 and 3 are open book, open notes (but no collaboration with others).
Exams will be on your CD. Completed e-mailed exams are due to Jim Anderson
([email protected]) no later than 5:00 pm on June 26th. We suggest that you
complete your exams and turn them in well before the deadline.
Total Points = 300
Assignments: Four short assignments (25 points each) will be required. The purpose of the
assignments is to allow you to focus in more detail on several specific topics.
All assignments are due by 5:00 pm on June 26th. Again it is suggested that you
turn in your assignments earlier to avoid being surprised by the workload at the
end. See assignment sheet for details.
Total Points = 100
Field Trips: We will take all-day field trips from 11 –13 May 2006 to provide you with
exposure to management and field techniques.
Grading:
Grades are based on the percentage of total points earned.
Grade
A
B+
C+
D+
Percent
94-100
87-89
77-79
67-69
AB
C
D
90-93
84-86
74-76
64-66
BCD-
80-83
70-73
60-63
F
0-59
Academic dishonesty (i.e., cheating on exams will not be tolerated)
West Virginia University is committed to social justice. We concur with that commitment
and expect to maintain a positive learning environment based upon open communication, mutual
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respect, and non-discrimination. Our University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex,
age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color, or national origin. Any
suggestions as to how to further such a positive and open environment in this class will be
appreciated and given serious consideration.
If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in
order to participate in this class, please advise us and make appropriate arrangements with
Disability Services (293-6700).
List of Field Trip Topics*
Date
Subject
Th & F (11-12) Field Trip to Pennsylvania to observe/study White-tailed Deer, Bear, and Elk
Saturday (13) Mountain Lion Sanctuary and EXAM
*All times and topics are subject to change.
Suggested List of Items to Bring to Class
Binoculars
Camera and Film
Field Boots
Field Guide to Mammals
Insect Repellant
Lunch
Notebook
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Pens, Pencils
Sun Screen
Camping Gear
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