At PA BUCKTAILS, the white-tailed deer serves as a springboard to learn about biology, ecology, habitat and deer management. After field school, armed with knowledge, leadership skills, and the support of Academy staff, students return to their communities to serve as Conservation Ambassadors.
Below are a few highlights of the PA Bucktails field school curriculum.
DEER BIOLOGY
Students learn about white-tailed deer natural history, anatomy, and their habitat.
PLANT COLLECTIONS
Students learn how to identify plants that are important to deer as well as how to preserve these plants and create a collection.
RESEARCH TECHNIQUES
Students learn how to use tools that biologists use in the field such as radio telemetry, drop nets, and more.
HABITAT EVALUATION
Students learn how to evaluate deer habitat through hand-on field exercises.
RANGE TIME
Students learn the role of hunting in wildlife management and spend time at the range learning about firearms safety and engaging in target shooting and archery.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Students build and develop their leadership skills and communication styles by engaging in mock town hall meetings, group presentations, and team building exercises.
AFTER FIELD SCHOOL
Students return home and engage, educate, and inspire others through outreach projects. Combining their knowledge with what they learned at field school, students build their skills and network by choosing and completing projects that further their educational and career goals. The Academy is here to support them every step of the way!
Explore some more!
Browse through the highlight videos below to explore the ins and outs of field school!
PA BUCKTAILS
THE DETAILS
FIELD SCHOOL DATES
June 16-20, 2026
FIELD SCHOOL LOCATION
Madisonburg, PA
Tuition
$600
*Scholarship support available
At PA BUCKTAILS, the white-tailed deer serves as a springboard to learn about biology, ecology, habitat and deer management. After field school, armed with knowledge, leadership skills, and the support of Academy staff, students return to their communities to serve as Conservation Ambassadors.
Below are a few highlights of the PA Bucktails field school curriculum.
DEER BIOLOGY
Students learn about white-tailed deer natural history, anatomy, and their habitat.
PLANT COLLECTIONS
Students learn how to identify plants that are important to deer as well as how to preserve these plants and create a collection.
RESEARCH TECHNIQUES
Students learn how to use tools that biologists use in the field such as radio telemetry, drop nets, and more.
HABITAT EVALUATION
Students learn how to evaluate deer habitat through hand-on field exercises.
RANGE TIME
Students learn the role of hunting in wildlife management and spend time at the range learning about firearms safety and engaging in target shooting and archery.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Students build and develop their leadership skills and communication styles by engaging in mock town hall meetings, group presentations, and team building exercises.
AFTER FIELD SCHOOL
Students return home and engage, educate, and inspire others through outreach projects. Combining their knowledge with what they learned at field school, students build their skills and network by choosing and completing projects that further their educational and career goals. The Academy is here to support them every step of the way!
Explore some more!
Browse through the highlight videos below to explore the ins and outs of field school!
Are you ready to take the next step?
Apply today to become a Conservation Ambassador !