TEACHING YOUTH WILDLIFE DAMAGE MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES COMPARING TECHNIQUES (HOW TO’S AND HELPFUL HINTS)

Youth need to receive research-based information about wildlife damage management principles and techniques so they can make wise decisions regarding issues. Educators also need to identify the best techniques for specific ages. We presented wildlife damage management topics on 70 separate occasions to over 4,500 youth in Nebraska’s Panhandle from 1993 through 1996. Youth, ages 7 through 10 year old, comprised the majority of the audience. Presentations included a furbearer pelt display and illustration of fur preparation, wildlife population influences using interactive games and demonstrations, wildlife damage principles using lecture, video, small group discussion and demonstration, and historical changes in furtaking and habitat using drama. Drama and character portrayal were noticeably more effective for grades K through five. Demonstration and laboratory techniques were most effective for grades 6 through 9. Video and directed small group discussion were effective through high school, but high school youth favored demonstrations and displays over video, small group discussion and worksheets. Lecture and worksheet were used sparingly and only for high school youth