Wildlife Research Program
The mission of the MDWFP Wildlife Research Program is to develop meaningful research designed to guide wildlife management decisions.
So much of what we know today – species’ life histories, ecology, habitat management practices, etc. – was learned because biologists had questions, and we developed experimental and observational research studies to determine answers. Nearly all of our biologists cut their teeth as young graduate students working in the field clipping plants, tracking critters, watching bait sites, or doing a host of other activities – collecting data necessary to answer these questions. What we have learned has filled volumes; what we need to know will fill libraries!
Mississippi’ sportsmen play a crucial role in wildlife conservation and management by purchasing hunting licenses, waterfowl stamps, and firearms and ammunition. These monies, called Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration, are the primary source of wildlife conservation and management funding, and a portion of these dollars fund our wildlife research program. Additionally, we work hard to leverage these monies with other funding sources so that our research projects are as well funded as possible and, ultimately, give the sportsmen the most "bang for their buck!"
Advances in wildlife science and management in Mississippi would not be possible without the valuable cooperative relationship the MDWFP has with the Mississippi State University (MSU) Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC), and the numerous sponsors who provide additional research dollars to help fund this important work. Together, through Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration funding, we will tackle the questions of the 21st century, train a new crop of wildlife biologists and managers, and more wisely conserve Mississippi’s natural resources.
Scott Edwards