Wisconsin Center for Wildlife
We Are So Glad That You Are Here!
Our mission is to engage students, landowners, professionals and the public in sustainable wildlife management through research, education and outreach.
We collaborate with UW–Extension Forestry and Wildlife to host educational outreach activities for private landowners and the public, provide wildlife management trainings, workshops and online resources for professionals, and support the education and career advancement of students.
The Wisconsin Center for Wildlife (WCW) is made up of four fellows, an outreach specialist and student employees.
Explore the Latest and Upcoming Workshops for Students and Professionals
The Wisconsin Center for Wildlife offers a variety of workshops and seminars designed for students, professionals and wildlife enthusiasts. These sessions provide hands-on learning, expert guidance and opportunities to explore current conservation techniques, research findings and best practices. From practical field skills to engaging discussions on wildlife management, WCW’s educational programs help participants deepen their knowledge and actively contribute to wildlife conservation across Wisconsin
Introduction to Raptor Husbandry 2026 – Registration opens soon!
January 16 and 17, 2026
Registration for Introduction to Raptor Husbandry opens November 10! Join falconers and founders of River Valley Raptors Inc., Joe and Abbey Krumrie, in a hands-on introduction to raptor husbandry and falconry. The workshop covers raptor health, care, husbandry, training, housing, and incorporating raptors into environmental education programs. This workshop is open to students and professionals, including zoo personnel, wildlife rehabilitators, individuals interested in falconry, or anyone who works with or plans to work with captive raptors. No previous raptor handling or care experience required.
Wisconsin Center for Wildlife at DeerFest 2025
August 22 – 24, 2025 in Stevens Point, WI
We hosted an educational table at DeerFest 2025! Our Director, Wildlife Extension Specialist Jason Riddle, Ph.D., and outreach assistant Emma Hessil provided an instructional deer jaw aging activity teaching attendees how to determine the age of white-tailed deer by tooth replacement and wear. We guided attendees through the aging process using real deer jaws alongside step-by-step instructions and illustrations. With materials provided, attendees learned how to place deer into age classes from fawn (less than one year) up to 6.5 years old. The WCW can provide this educational table and an hour-long classroom deer jaw aging activity for youth (6th – 12th grade) and adults by request.
Wisconsin Center for Wildlife at Science by the River
October 18, 2025 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Riverfront Trail, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
We’ve teamed up with the UW-Stevens Point Chapter of The Wildlife Society to provide two informative Discovery Stations at Science by the River hosted by UW-Extension Wood County! Stop by our first table to learn how to age deer by looking at the teeth on real deer jawbones and discover how and why wildlife biologists collect age data from deer in Wisconsin. Just slightly ahead of Bat Week, our second station features an opportunity to learn more about Wisconsin’s eight unique bat species! Learn all about these fascinating mammals and enjoy some coloring pages and crafts for kids!
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Advancing Wildlife Conservation Through Research
The Wisconsin Center for Wildlife (WCW) at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point is dedicated to advancing wildlife conservation through collaborative research. By partnering with agencies such as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, WCW engages students, professionals and the public in studying wildlife populations, habitat management and conservation strategies. Its research initiatives, including the Stephens Foundation Wisconsin Black Bear Research Project, provide hands-on opportunities for students to contribute to meaningful conservation efforts.
Find Resources For You!
The Wisconsin Center for Wildlife provides resources, guidance and support to students, professionals and the public to advance wildlife conservation, education and research across the state.
Resources For Landowners and Professionals
Explore the Wisconsin Center for Wildlife’s Seminar Series!
Each lecture features compelling themes such as “The Art of Waterbird and Wetland Management.” Discover past streams on YouTube and explore specialized lecture series on topics such as wildlife health, policy and habitat management.
Get to Know the WCW Team
Led by dedicated professionals and scholars — endowed faculty (“Fellows”) and passionate staff — the Wisconsin Center for Wildlife (WCW) at UW–Stevens Point champions wildlife education, research and public outreach. Our team brings together expertise across bird conservation, wetlands management and wildlife ecology, supported by meaningful endowments and a shared mission to connect communities with sustainable conservation solutions. Dive deeper below to meet each member and learn more about their unique contributions to advancing wildlife stewardship.
Jason Riddle
- Douglas R. Stephens Chair in Wildlife and Extension Wildlife Specialist
- Wisconsin Center for Wildlife
College of Natural Resources, Outreach and Extension, Wildlife, Wisconsin Center for Wildlife
715-346-3224
Jennifer Summers
- Program Development Specialist
- Wisconsin Center for Wildlife
- College of Natural Resources
College of Natural Resources, Outreach and Extension, Wisconsin Center for Wildlife
715-346-3241
Cady Sartini
- Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Wildlife Discipline
- Principal Investigator for the Wisconsin Black Bear Project
College of Natural Resources, Wildlife, Wisconsin Center for Wildlife
715-346-4546
Benjamin Sedinger
- Kennedy-Grohne Chair in Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation
- Associate Professor of Wildlife
College of Natural Resources, Outreach and Extension, Wildlife, Wisconsin Center for Wildlife
715-346-2529
Shelli Dubay
- Professor of Wildlife
- Gerald and Helen Stephens Endowed Professor
- Faculty Adviser for the Wildlife Society Gray and Flying Squirrel Projects
College of Natural Resources, Wildlife, Wisconsin Center for Wildlife
715-346-4178
The WCW is made up of endowed Wildlife Faculty, referred to as “Fellows”, one staff member, and student employees. The Fellows are Jason Riddle, Ph.D., the Douglas R. Stephens Chair in Wildlife, Ben Sedinger, Ph.D., the Kennedy Grohne Chair in Wetlands and Waterfowl Conservation, Shelli Dubay, Ph.D. the Gerald and Helen Stephens Professor of Wildlife, and Cady Sartini, Ph.D., the Principal Investigator of the Stephens Family Foundation Wisconsin Black Bear Research Project.
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