The Powell’s Hunting Preserve recently hosted 27 students from Auburn University and Professors Steve Ditchkoff and Dylan Thomas of its Wildlife Enterprise Management Program.
Once again made possible by the Holland and Carolyn Powell Foundation for Hunting-Conservation & Preservation (HCPF), this was the culminating event of the highly successful SCIF-Sables University program now in its second year.
Students and university staff participated in a comprehensive tour of all The Powell’s Hunting Preserve departments, engaging with department heads who provided insights into the operation of a 6,000-acre facility featuring accommodations with over 40 bedrooms and full dining amenities. The program addressed key aspects such as hospitality, habitat management for game species including quail, turkey, and deer, as well as the various challenges, opportunities, and advantages associated with careers in the industry. The staff were available to answer student’s questions and the evening ended with an incredible meal consisting of three courses and perhaps the best pork chop ever.
The event was an experiential, hands on learning opportunity serving as the culminating activity for the SCIF-Sables University Program. It capped a program that kicked off
with SCIF coordinating virtual webinars with feature speakers from North America and South Africa. Students learned what is needed to manage facilities in various
environments and how each business’s objectives for its clients change depending on the facility’s setting. Students from Auburn and Kansas State University participated in the SCI convention in February. There, they engaged directly with outfitters and leaders from the wildlife enterprise industry on SCI’s vast showroom floor, gaining valuable firsthand insights.
Both professors from Auburn University praised the work and efforts of SCIF-Sables and HCPF to provide this life changing educational opportunity for their students. All the students in attendance were thankful for the hands on opportunity to learn more about the ins and outs of the Wildlife Enterprise industry as they prepared to enter the job field.
SCIF-Sables and HCPF extend their sincere appreciation to Auburn University for its ongoing collaboration and valuable supp
ort of this highly successful program. If you or someone you know is interested in working with SCIF and Sables to support future university programming, please contact Assistant Director of Education, Todd Roggenkamp at 210-935-1778 or [email protected].
