The Wildlife Society was founded in 1937 in continental North America. Originally a social and political movement in the 1800s, it was led by ‘sport hunters’ who sought to protect lands from the profit hunting ‘market hunters’ brought upon by the Industrial revolution. Through organization and advocacy in both Canada and the United States, the wildlife conservation efforts grew to be recognized as a federal and governmental responsibility, as well as a formal discipline in the University system by the 1930s. The first formation of a national professional society to standardize ethics and communication came in 1936, known as the North American Wildlife Conference. Undergoing a name change a year later, The Wildlife Society for the past 80 years has held strong to its vision and mission of professionally representing wildlife conservation and management. Furthermore, the Wildlife Society strives to empower and inspire wildlife professionals to protect, conserve and sustain wildlife habitats and populations through science and educate citizens on these issues.

The Idaho Chapter of the Wildlife Society had its first meeting on April 4, 1964, in Moscow, Idaho. The Idaho Chapter is a non-profit, scientific, and educational association committed to the management and conservation of the habitats and wildlife of Idaho. Their mission mirrors the larger national organization’s of representing and empowering wildlife professionals to inform the public on issues and solutions to wildlife conservation. This chapter has various committees such as Education and Outreach, Conservation Affairs, Scholarship and more that provide scientific and educational knowledge at conferences, schools, and public meetings.