FISH & WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT MERIT BADGE
Protect What Matters!
Discover the important role conservation plays in protecting fish, wildlife, and the habitats they depend on. Through hands-on learning at Allatoona Aquatics Base, Scouts explore how healthy ecosystems are maintained and how responsible management helps preserve natural resources for future generations.
From studying wildlife populations to understanding habitat conservation, the Fish & Wildlife Management Merit Badge encourages Scouts to think like conservationists and discover how their actions can make a lasting difference.
Merit Badge: Fish & Wildlife Management
Location: Allatoona Aquatics Base
Focus: Conservation, wildlife habitats, and natural resource management
Discover the Science of Conservation
Fish and wildlife conservation is about understanding the relationships between animals, their habitats, and the environment. Scouts will explore how human activities affect wildlife populations and why responsible management is essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems.
During the course, Scouts will identify significant threats to local fish and wildlife resources, discuss conservation practices, and discover how individuals and communities can help protect natural habitats.
Hands-On Conservation Activity
Scouts will complete a spider block activity during class to satisfy merit badge requirement 5. This activity is conducted onsite, and no advance preparation is required for this particular requirement.
Prepare Before Class
Scouts should read the Fish and Wildlife Management Merit Badge pamphlet before attending and be prepared to answer questions and discuss conservation topics with their counselor.
Additional prerequisites or discussion assignments may be emailed by the merit badge counselor approximately one week before class.
Before You Arrive: Required Preparation & Safety
Come prepared to explore the natural world! Scouts and parents should review these important requirements before attending Fish and Wildlife Management Merit Badge Day at Allatoona Aquatics Base.
Annual Health and Medical Record
Every Scout must bring a completed and parent- or guardian-signed Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A and B). Incomplete forms must be corrected before class begins, and Scouts cannot participate without the required documentation. Bring a printed copy for check-in.
Download the Annual Health and Medical Record
Required Footwear
Closed-toed shoes are mandatory for Scouts, parents, and visitors at Allatoona Aquatics Base. Flip-flops, sandals, Crocs, and open-toed footwear are not permitted. Choose comfortable shoes suitable for walking around camp and participating in outdoor activities.
Swim Classification & Waterfront Safety
Fish and Wildlife Management is a conservation-focused course, and the published course description does not identify swimming or boating as required activities. A Swimmer classification is therefore not listed as a course prerequisite.
Scouts must remain within designated program areas, follow the buddy system, and observe all waterfront safety instructions. Any additional swimming or boating activities require the appropriate swim classification.
What to Bring
- Completed and signed Annual Health and Medical Record, Parts A and B
- Closed-toed shoes suitable for outdoor activities
- Refillable water bottle and sunscreen
- Packed lunch and snacks — food is not sold at the base
- Hat and weather-appropriate clothing
- Fish and Wildlife Management Merit Badge pamphlet
- Completed prerequisites or discussion assignments, if provided
- Notebook and pencil for observations and class activities
Check-In & Arrival
Check-in begins at 8:00 AM at the Main Pavilion. Please arrive on time with your required forms and supplies.
Allatoona Aquatics Base
200 Lovingood Drive
Woodstock, GA 30189
Follow posted camp directions, observe the 12 MPH speed limit, and remember that pets are not permitted.
Take Conservation One Step Further
The Fish and Wildlife Management Merit Badge is also one of three merit badges required for Scouting America's Complete Angler Recognition, which celebrates fishing skills, conservation knowledge, and service.
Earn the Complete Angler Recognition
Scouts who earn the Fishing, Fly Fishing, and Fish and Wildlife Management Merit Badges can pursue this additional recognition by completing at least one qualifying activity.
Options include teaching fishing skills, helping Cub Scouts learn about fishing or fishery management, participating in a fishing tournament, or completing a conservation project benefiting a local fishery.
Registration & Important Policies
Advance registration is required, and class sizes are limited. Review the current schedule and registration details before selecting a class.
Class Changes & Cancellations
Under the published event policy, final payments and attendance numbers are due 10 days before the event. Substitutions and class changes are not permitted after this deadline.
Refund Policy
Cancellations made at least 12 days before the scheduled class qualify for a full refund. Refunds for cancellations within 11 days of the event are subject to Council discretion.
All class changes, cancellations, and refund requests must be submitted by email. Requests cannot be accepted by telephone.
Email: aacaquaticsmbdays@gmail.com
Be Part of the Solution!
Discover how conservation protects the natural world and how your actions can make a difference. Build your knowledge, develop practical skills, and take the next step toward earning your Fish and Wildlife Management Merit Badge.
