Founded in 1937, The Wildlife Society’s mission is to “empower wildlife professionals to advance conservation through science, community, and professional excellence.” The Wildlife Society enhances our members’ networking and learning opportunities, professional and career development, and provides numerous ways for them to get more involved in creating a better future for wildlife and their habitats.

As of July 1, 2024, TWS has a new strategic plan! Over the next 5 years and beyond, TWS will maintain, enhance, or expand its performance and leadership across three mission-driven priority areas:

Building Community

Supporting Professionals

Exercising Influence

Each year, TWS will take action on and track progress of each of the goals, objectives, and strategies identified for each mission-driven priority in the strategic plan. Priority tactics aligned with each set of strategies will be developed into annual operations plans, along with performance metrics, staff resources, and budgets needed to achieve results. Many of the objectives and strategies in the plan are aspirational for TWS and implementation will depend on securing additional budget resources or significant volunteer service from TWS members.

Download and review the full Strategic Plan.

 

Our more than 11,000 members include:

• Scientists, managers, educators, technicians, planners, consultants and others who manage, conserve, and study wildlife populations and habitats.
• Students who are pursuing degrees and experience that will enable them to become the next generation of wildlife professionals.
• Supporters who help spread the word and take action on important wildlife and habitat issues.

TWS is an international organization committed to addressing national and international issues that affect the current and future status of wildlife in North America and throughout the world. Through our Position Statements, you can learn more about our stance on important issues in the areas of wildlife health, biological diversity, habitats, harvesting and hunting, invasive species, energy development and climate change, and human dimensions.

The Society annually recognizes professional excellence, outstanding achievement, and highlights contributions to wildlife science and management through our Awards Program. The first TWS award (Honorary Membership) was bestowed on J.N. (Ding) Darling in 1938, just one year after the founding of TWS.

Join TWS and help influence the future of wildlife and wild places for the benefit of generations to come.

Learn more by visiting our website: wildlife.org