Why Kansas State University is The School For Outdoorsmen

If you are a young hunter or angler seeking to continue your education, look no further; Kansas State University is the school for you.

When I was in my last year of high school, the inevitable fact of graduation drew closer and closer, resulting in my scrambling to find the perfect college for me.

Going to a university is a big deal, so I really wanted to be sure to find one that I loved. I wanted a college that not only had a program that I felt I could truly learn and grow in, but also had activities around that matched my interests as an outdoorsman. Well, K-State had just the answer for me.

After searching lots of schools and programs, I settled on Kansas State University’s Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management degree.

What Does Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management Entail?

Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management, according to Kansas State’s website, is “a unique college program that trains individuals to be leaders in both natural resources management and the outdoor industries. We stand apart from most natural resources management programs at other universities by incorporating business, hospitality management, and shooting sports training in the program.”

As a Junior in the degree, I can confidently say that there could not be a better program to be in as someone who wants to pursue a career in the outdoor Industry.

The classes I have taken have allowed me to attain a knowledge of the industry and outdoors that I never even thought possible before attending. Whether this is from classes explaining big game management (a personal favorite of mine) or plant identification that allows for a better understanding of how to manage and restore native foliage, the lessons taught provide so much insight that is so valuable in the industry.

I also must mention the shooting classes, as they are very important when pursuing a job in a field where firearms are commonplace. In these, you will learn the ins and outs of handguns, shotguns, and rifles.

If you are more of an archer, there are bowhunting classes as well. Another part that I must mention is that in this program, I find myself surrounded by like-minded individuals who all share a passion for the outdoors. This doesn’t just apply to the students, either; the professors share all the same passions as well.

Overall, for the outdoorsman looking to pursue a career in the field, there is no better degree.

Why Else Is This The Perfect School For The Outdoorsman?

While having a degree tailored to the hunter or angler is an amazing opportunity, it’s not the only opportunity for the outdoorsman that Manhattan, Kansas, offers.

Nestled in the Flint Hills, you are surrounded by thousands of acres of the best hunting or fishing that you can find. Personally, I have loved hunting on public lands surrounding K-State.

I have, on multiple occasions, sat in the woods waiting for a buck to walk out, hearing the call of a bobwhite quail and the flutter of wings as wood ducks soar by. Never being a waterfowl hunter, Kansas State University’s location smack in the middle of the central flyway ought to keep the most avid birdhunter up early and entertained! Not only is the hunting great (although it cannot be stated enough that no matter your quarry, you can chase almost any game you please nearby), I would be remiss to not mention the fishing.

I’ve spent many hours relaxing after a long day of school by driving the short jaunt to Tuttle Creek Lake or  the Rocky Ford Fishing Area and getting a few lines wet, to great success.

The fishing is more than fair most of the year, and I have landed crappie, bass, catfish, carp, gar, saugeye, and a plethora of other species in these aforementioned spots.

So no matter what type of fishing gets you to throw a rod in the car, there is more than enough opportunity to get out there and wet a line.

So, Why Head to K-State?

To conclude, if you are truly interested in pursuing a degree that, as an outdoorsman, will not only enlighten you to the possibilities in the industry, but offer a lifelong job you love, then I could not endorse a better school than Kansas State University.

During your four years here, you will refine and sharpen your skills, and those skills you will carry with you for the rest of your life.

Plus, there is always the bonus that during those four years, you will never run out of recreational activities to grow your love of the outdoors. I hope that if you decide to pursue a continued education here that you end up enjoying this program as much as me and my peers do.

Although I do have a bit of a suspicion you will.