Name: Sage Sherman
Field of Study: Wildlife Outfitting and Operations
Hometown: Moore, ID
What brought you to PCC?
I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do with my life, but I knew I wanted it to be something outdoorsy. I’d already given the whole college life a try before realizing the program I was in wasn’t for me. I still wanted to go to school, but had no idea what I was really looking for. I was talking to a couple of my friends who had gone to Pratt and they told me about the Wildlife Outfitting and Operations program. I did some digging and knew it was going to be the next step for me.
Why did you pursue this field of study?
I grew up hunting, fishing, and exploring the outdoors. It is something I love doing and am very passionate about.
What do you like best about the program?
I love everything about this program, but one of my favorite parts is how hands-on it is. Instead of sitting in a classroom listening to our instructor talk about guiding, trapping, fishing, etc. he takes us out and we actually experience it first hand. It leaves a lasting impression, and is a lot of fun.
Is there any particular class, lesson or hands-on activity you really liked in the program?
All of them! Deer management was one of my favorite classes. Learning how to accurately score and age deer was a lot of fun. I also love the traveling portion that comes with this program. Trout fishing at the Roaring River in Missouri and hiking through the Black Hills of South Dakota chasing Merriam’s and looking for sheds are two trips I will never forget.
What do you plan to do in your career after degree or certificate completion?
Once I graduate from Pratt I plan to go on to Emporia State University and earn my Bachelors degree in Wildlife Biology, and then to Boise State to earn my Masters of Science in Raptor Biology. After that the goal is to be a Biologist at the Birds of Prey Center in Idaho.
What advice would you give to future students interested in this program?
Have fun and stay engaged. Hang out in the bow shop! It might be intimidating at first, but that is where you will find the heart of the WOO Crew. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, we are all family and will help you along the way.
Any shout outs to instructors, staff or a mentor at PCC?
Rocky Robinson is one of the best instructors I have ever had. He is so passionate about this program, and goes above and beyond to make sure everyone understands the content and has fun doing it. The WOO program wouldn’t be what it is today without him.
Theresa Gee is the most fun, helpful, saint of a woman. She takes care of the WOO Crew, and keeps us all in line. We would be lost without her.
Barrett Smith’s lectures are ones I won’t be forgetting any time soon. He treats us WOO kids as if we are his own, and is always there for a life lesson or a laugh.
All of my professors have been so supportive and encouraging of the WOO Program. I appreciate their support and patience more than they know.
Anything extra you want to add?
My decision to join the WOO Crew was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The lifelong friendships I have formed, the outdoor experience I have gained, and the amount of fun that I have had in this program are all things that will stay with me forever. If you have any desire to learn and experience the outdoors- I highly recommend you join the family.
Visit our website for more information about the Wildlife Outfitting and Operations program.
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