Mourning Dovetrapping and Banding Internship, Full Time (2 Interns)

Mourning DoveTrapping and Banding Internship, Full Time (2 Interns)

Location: Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, Grand Chenier, Louisiana

Supervisor: James Whitaker

Target Universities: Louisiana State University, McNeese State University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Background:A national dove banding program was initiated in 2003 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in conjunction with many state wildlife management agencies. This program aids in understanding mourning dove population biology and to help estimate the effects of harvest on mourning dove populations. The data gathered from this program and others are critical in the development of setting harvest season dates and bag limits for mourning doves. In addition, this information is used for annual harvest management plans and other strategic management plans that have large landscape level effects.

Project Scope: The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries plays an integral role with banding mourning doves. Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge plays an important role in this program and bands several hundred mourning doves annually. The intern for this position will have many functional roles with the mourning dove banding program including, but not limited to: preparing banding sites; setting and monitoring traps; baiting traps, banding, sexing, and ageing doves; data entry; and other related duties as assigned. The intern must be able to work long and irregular hour’s (pre-dawn and post-dusk daily). The intern must be willing to work in extreme heat and humidity and be able to tolerate mosquitoes and other biting insects while working in the field. The intern must be able to lift 50lbs. to perform baiting operations. The intern must be able to take detailed notes for data collection and be proficient with Microsoft Office Excel program. The intern will be required to write a management plan/summary report for the banding season. Interested applicants should contact James Whitaker for any questions related to the project:

Timing: May 15-August 10, with some possibility of extension or flexibility

Housing: Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge will provide housing

Compensation: College credit will be contingent upon university approval/students will be paid $10/hr.

Application Deadline: 17, March 2018

Email Cover letter and resume to:

James Whitaker

Waterfowl Biologist

Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries