As fall settles over Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, our team shifts focus to one of the biggest projects of the season: supporting local hunting. Since starting my internship here, I’ve learned firsthand how hunting plays an important role in wildlife conservation. This season, my main responsibilities have included processing hunting applications, organizing the trapping auction, and preparing for the Waterfowl Hunt for People with Disabilities.

The Waterfowl Hunt for People with Disabilities stands out as a unique part of the fall season. This event gives people with disabilities a chance to experience waterfowl hunting in an accessible, supportive environment. Working on everything from registration to safety prep has been an eye-opener. It’s impressive to see the level of coordination that goes into making sure participants have a meaningful experience while we maintain the refuge’s regulations. Watching the event come together and seeing the enthusiasm it brings to the participants makes it worth it.

My role with the hunting season also includes keeping up with the general public’s questions, distributing information on hunting regulations, and managing the various applications for access and permits. These tasks give me a look at what it takes to balance recreational access with conservation goals. Learning the policies and regulations around hunting and working directly with visitors has helped me appreciate how hunting, when managed carefully, can support our mission to protect habitats and species here at the refuge.