By Doug Leier
By the time you’re a high school senior, you’ve probably heard it all if you’ve mentioned an interest in wildlife, fisheries, or the outdoors as a career. “That’d be a fun job … but you better have a backup plan.”
I’ve worked in the natural resource field long enough to know there’s truth mixed in with plenty of myths. If you’re looking at college and majors for your freshman year and wondering whether natural resources is a smart move, here’s the honest version.
Myth: You get to spend every day outdoors. Truth: Many days do involve wetlands, prairies, rivers, lakes, fish and wildlife. That’s part of the draw. But this is a science-based profession. Biologists spend a lot of time collecting data, writing reports, analyzing numbers, and making management decisions that affect real people and real landscapes. You’ll take statistics, chemistry, ecology, and plenty of classes that involve spreadsheets and deadlines. Loving the outdoors is important, but being comfortable with science, decision-making and problem-solving matters more.
Myth: It’s hard to find a job and career. Truth: Jobs do exist, but you usually don’t walk into a permanent position straight out of college. Many people start with seasonal or temporary jobs during college – working fisheries surveys, habitat projects, or wildlife research. That can mean moving around, living out of a pickup or bunkhouse for a few summers, and building experience. For those willing to put in that time,
doors open. Agencies, consulting firms, nonprofits, and private industry all employ natural resource professionals.
Myth: You won’t make a living. Truth: You won’t get rich, but you can absolutely make a living. Entry-level jobs don’t pay like engineering or finance, but salaries grow with experience and responsibility. More importantly, many people in this field value meaningful work, job stability, benefits, and the chance to make a difference.
Myth: You have to be a hardcore hunter or angler. Truth: Hunting and fishing are valuable ways to understand wildlife and fisheries management, but they aren’t requirements. What is required is an appreciation for the users you serve – hunters, anglers, landowners, and the general public. Communication skills are just as important as field skills. Some of the best game wardens and biologists I know spend more time listening than talking.
The real truth: This career is about passion and way of life. You’ll work in a unique field of science, biology, people and policy. You’ll make decisions that won’t always make everyone happy. You’ll learn about conservation, hunting and fishing. Fish and wildlife management are about balance, sustainability and long-term goals.
If you’re considering this path, choose a solid major like wildlife biology, fisheries, natural resource management, or environmental science. Get internships early. Volunteer. Talk to professionals. Be flexible geographically. And understand that passion alone won’t carry you. You need skills, solid work ethic and patience.
For the right person, this isn’t just a job. It’s a career.
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