Athens, Ga. – The UGA student Chapter of The Wildlife Society (TWS) is pleased to host TWS student chapters from 18 southeastern universities for the 33rd annual southeastern wildlife conclave, to be held from Thursday, March 15 to Sunday, March 18 at the UGA Rock Eagle 4-H center in Eatonton, Ga.

Southeastern wildlife conclave is a friendly competition open to all colleges and universities located in TWS’s southeastern region that have an official student chapter of TWS. The event includes field competitions, such as game calling, radio telemetry, archery  and plant identification contests; quiz bowl, which test the knowledge of students who study wildlife management, biology and ecology; social events; and an awards ceremony to recognize students and chapters that achieve the greatest success at individual events, and group competitions.

As hosts of the 2007 wildlife conclave, members of the UGA student chapter will be ineligible to compete in this year’s competition. However, hosting conclave is an honor among student chapters of TWS, and UGA student members are excited to welcome their fellow students with some Georgia hospitality.

“Though we can not compete in this year’s event, we are very excited to play host and show all the participating students a good time,” explains Jason Kinsey, president of the UGA student chapter of TWS. “While the competition is the centerpiece of this event, it is also a tremendous networking opportunity as we will likely be collaborating with many of the visiting students and faculty for years to come as we all progress in our professional careers as wildlife scientists and managers.”

Although the UGA student chapter will not be able to compete, they have earned a legacy as the most successful chapter in the 32 years conclave has been held, with several overall victories, including the past two years. The UGA student chapter was also selected as “Chapter of the Year” for 2005. This award recognized the chapter’s excellent record of activities and accomplishments in 2004.

The UGA Chapter of The Wildlife Society is a student organization open to any UGA student interested in wildlife conservation and management. Community outreach activities included participation in Hunters for the Hungry and Outdoor Adventure Day sponsored by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, assisting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service booth at the Atlanta Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Show, and judging events at the Forestry Field Day for Georgia FFA students.