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Handbook Contents | What Professionalism Means | NWCO Professional Learning Goals | ICWDM | Wildlife Species Information |
Contents |
NWCO Professional Learning objectives

- Wildlife control professionals must maintain certain standards that fall into two big categories: technical and ethical standards. Describe them.
- Professionalism is a self-improvement plan. List the four things that a professional is always trying to improve.
- Explain three reasons why NWCOs need to keep learning throughout their careers.
Higher, deeper, further...optional activities to explore other perspectives about this topic
- Get to know other NWCOs. Figure out which ones are most deeply respected by their peers. Why?
- Contact a few wildlife damage management organizations. Find out about their goals and any standards of behaviors promoted by their members.
- Check the websites of a few of the government agencies and animal welfare organizations involved in wildlife management. What ethical codes do they encourage?
- Express your views about professionalism by talking to your friends, peers, or neighbors. As you become more comfortable with this, you may want to speak to school groups or other organizations.
Review questions
1. To maintain professionalism, you must
- a. join professional trade associations
- b. keep improving your skills, conduct, knowledge, and wisdom
- c. go to the right parties
- d. wear a uniform
2. NWCOs must meet _______ and __________ standards. (Fill in the blanks)
- a. legal, trade
- b. intelligence, athletic
- c. height, weight
- d. ethical, technical
3. You must accept every job you're offered. (Circle answer).
- True
- False
4. NWCOs need to know about
- a. new wildlife disease outbreaks.
- b. changes in building codes, firearms regulations, and wildlife laws.
- c. new solutions for wildlife conflicts.
- d. all of the above
Answers
- b
- d
- false (if you lack the technical skills, expertise, or equipment to successfully and safely solve a problem, it's better to refer the customer to someone who has the appropriate resources).
- d

Handbook Contents
Best Practices for Wildlife Control
- Assess the Situation
- Choose Management Options
- Tools and Techniques
- Preventing Problems
- Evaluating Success
Professionalism Resources for NWCOs
Disclaimer
This manual was written as a guide to train nuisance wildlife control operators in New York State. Laws and regulations may differ in your state. Always consult local and state laws before implementing wildlife damage management activities.
Contact Information
Contact your local Extension Office
Resources
Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management
National Wildlife Control Operator's Association
Wildlife Control
Acknowledgments
We thank the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for contributing this information.
Produced by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the NYS Integrated Pest Management Program.