Midwest Chapter WSF “Careers in Conservation” Scholarship
2025 Recipient – Jeff Tillery, SDSU
Jeff Tillery is pursuing a M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science (Wildlife Specialization) at South Dakota State University under Dr. William Severud. Jeff’s plan is to continue as a PhD student under his guidance after defending his thesis in December. His research focuses on the implementation and results of an ongoing test and removal project on bighorn sheep in Badlands National Park and the Pine Ridge Reservation. In the short to medium term, his priority is to see this project through to completion— fulfilling the research objectives and conservation partner’s management objectives. This includes contributing to the scientific literature on Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae management, and subsequently working towards augmenting the herd in the future. While working towards his degree, Jeff served 2 years as President of the TWS Student Chapter, University of Minnesota. Focusing on professional development through field activities with professionals, fostering networking opportunities, organizing events and running bi-weekly meetings. He also was the 2024 recipient of the Charles R. Peterson Scholarship in Natural Resource Management from South Dakota State University. It is his view that hunting is the cornerstone of wildlife conservation that plays an essential role in funding, population management, and fostering a deep connection between people and the land.
Mike Bouton & Jeff Tillery
Since 1979, the Midwest Chapter WSF has stayed true to its mission, becoming recognized as leader in wild sheep conservation and advocating for youth in the outdoors and conservation. The Midwest Chapter’s CIC Scholarship Program was developed to academically support young adults that aspire to have a career in conservation. The Midwest Chapter CIC scholarship program symbolizes and honors a legacy steeped in decades of wild sheep conservation. A legacy built by passionate and committed Midwest Chapter members and supporters driven to “Put and Keep Wild Sheep on the Mountain” for future generations. Supporting students that are passionate and committed to developing a career in wildlife conservation enhances our Midwest Chapter’s legacy and is an investment into the preservation of North American wildlife.
Careers in Conservation Scholarships are to be awarded to students in a field related to Midwest Chapter WSF’s missions and values. Preferably, degrees in wildlife management, wildlife biology, and wildlife pathology. Areas of education focused on wild sheep are desired, but not mandatory. Scholarship awards are based on scholastic proficiency, commitment to conservation of wildlife or natural resources, character, and service. Applicants must clearly demonstrate the ability and desire to contribute to North American wildlife conservation.
Please fill out the application or print the pdf and submit to
midwestwildsheep@gmail.com
Applications can also be mailed to
Midwest Wild Sheep
PO Box 80
Chaska, MN 55318
