Mission Statement Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources The primary mission of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is to provide students, natural resource managers, educators, and scientists with a solid foundation in fish and wildlife biology and ecology; and building upon that foundation, the capability of applying principles-based management practices in their professional areas of expertise.  This mission is accomplished through a three-pronged approach of teaching, research, and service. The teaching mission is to provide a broad-based educational program of instruction that also provides the necessary professional level coursework to meet employer and certification standards.  Providing both undergraduates and graduate students with advice and assistance in selecting a proper course of study and in developing themselves as individuals and resource professionals is an important part of the teaching mission. The major research mission is to develop new knowledge and understanding necessary for conservation and management of fish and wildlife resources in a complex and continually changing biological, social, and political environment. The service mission is to provide natural resource professionals and the general public with current information through a variety of on-campus and off-campus outreach programs.