Conservation Contractor Training

Developing beneficial wildlife management practices

If you have ever wished you had a job working outdoors with wildlife, you might be interested in the Conservation Contractor workshops. The Conservation Department and the Missouri Agriculture Industries (MO-AG) developed the workshops to fill the need for competent wildlife management work on private land.

Next Generation of Conservation

Talk About Landowner Assistance

Whether you own a working farm or just a piece of rural Missouri, you own wildlife habitat. Find out what you can do to create a healthy balance with the life on your land. Send your comments and follow related links.

Landowner Assistance on Fresh Afield

Many people want to encourage wildlife on their land, but lack the time or equipment to do the work themselves. Others would like to do the work for pay, but lack the necessary knowledge and experience. The workshops are designed to create a pool of competent contractors for such work.

Training is open to individuals, organizations and businesses with an interest in performing wildlife management work for hire. Initial training sessions will focus on restoring natural communities and wildlife species that depend on early-successional habitat. This includes bobwhite quail, cottontail rabbits and songbirds.

Future sessions will focus on:

Forest Management
Tree and Shrub Establishment
Non-Woody Vegetation Establishment
Wetland Development and Management
Restoring Glades, Prairies, and Savannas
Prescribed Burning
Cost Share Programs/Technical Assistance

Note: Not all topics will be covered in each session

In many cases, landowners can receive reimbursement for wildlife contractors’ wages under programs sponsored by the Federal Farm Bill, the Conservation Department and private conservation groups. This makes it practical for landowners to hire out work. Landowners can find a listing of certified contractors from our Contractors Database. If you are contractor interested in adding your name/business to the Conservation Contractors Database, please complete and mail the revised application. Contractors who complete the workshop will be recognized on our website as certified in this system.