Boone and Crockett Club Publishes Definitive Volume on Wildlife Policy and Law

The Boone and Crockett Club introduces the first definitive book on wildlife law and policy development with the release of “North American Wildlife Policy and Law.” The comprehensive text thoroughly examines the history and foundation of policy related to our wildlife, and reviews and analyzes major federal, state, and provincial laws and policies important to natural resource management. The volume also delves into the application and practice of policy to ensure the sustainability of wildlife, fish and their habitats.

The Boone and Crockett Club has long been a major force for laws and policy-making involving wildlife. To further their dedication of educating the public, students and professionals on wildlife policy, laws and practices, the Boone and Crockett Club worked diligently with professors of prominent wildlife programs, top-level biologists and natural resource professionals throughout the world to compile a complete reference source for academics, policy implementers, legislators, tribal leaders and everyday wildlife professionals.

“We have worked closely with the brightest minds in the business to create an all-encompassing collection for reference for those who decide how wildlife will be managed and the effects those policies and laws will have on wildlife, habitat and indigenous populations,” said Boone and Crockett Club President Ben Hollingsworth Jr. “For far too long, there has been a gap in providing all the required materials and resources for policy-makers and professionals to make the best decision concerning wildlife.”

The book will also serve as a key textbook for natural resources university baccalaureate programs that fulfill specific academic requirements of international professional societies, most specifically the Certified Wildlife Biologist program at The Wildlife Society.

“Professional certification is becoming increasingly important to federal and state agencies as a means of ensuring that prospective employees have an undergraduate education which meet hiring qualifications,” explains Bruce D. Leopold, former university faculty member and co-editor of the new book. “Additionally, professional certification serves as a means of conveyance of qualification in the wildlife field such as testifying in court cases, making recommendations to boards or commissions, or when speaking to the public. Certification through The Wildlife Society requires six semester hours of undergraduate level natural resource policy coursework. However, there has not been a solitary, definitive textbook for university faculty to use until now.”

“This one-stop policy textbook was sorely needed throughout my 40-year career with American and Canadian universities and the U.S. Forest Service,” said Winifred B. Kessler, former university faculty member and co-editor of the new book. “What a wonderful resource for subsequent generations of wildlife professionals.”

“North American Wildlife Policy and Law” addresses the history and foundational concepts of policy, reviews and analyzes major federal and state laws and policies important to natural resource management, and global wildlife policy. It further discusses the application and practice of policy to ensure sustainability of wildlife, fish and the varied aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The textbook similarly provides comprehensive coverage of environmental policy and how it is important for environmental law and science programs.

“I have spent the past 30 years working to advance natural resource policies,” said James L. Cummins, executive director of Wildlife Mississippi and co-editor of the book. “My only training was OJT—on the job. If we, as professionals, want to advance conservation for the next hundred years or so, we must not only be well versed in natural resource policies but understand how and why we got to where we are today. This book does that.”

The book’s extensive coverage makes it an excellent reference for anyone interested in natural resource management, public policy, or environmental law. To learn more about this landmark book, or make a purchase of the hardcover or eBook, please click here. 

If you are interested in carrying this title at your university bookstore, please contact National Book Network at 800-462-6420.