Pete Bauman, SDSU Extension Natural Resources and Wildlife Field Specialist, received the Wildlife Professional of the Year award from the South Dakota Chapter of The Wildlife Society at its annual meeting.
The Wildlife Professional of the Year award is given annually to a wildlife professional that has made outstanding contributions to wildlife management in South Dakota.
Bauman received the award at the annual meeting, which was held via Zoom this year.
"I thought I was calling in to help recognize a deserving colleague," said Bauman. "I was totally surprised to receive the award."
Growing up on a farm in Minnesota, Bauman points to his rural upbringing and a few conservation mentors that led him to his career path. He later received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from South Dakota State University in wildlife and fisheries sciences. After graduating with his master's degree in 1998, he started working for The Nature Conservancy and managed its programs in eastern South Dakota and southwestern Minnesota.
In 2012, Bauman joined SDSU Extension with a desire to combine his land management career with outreach and education, focusing on native grassland and wetland habitats and their retention, use and enhancement. By aiding landowners in assessing their grassland resources, Bauman aims to help achieve balance between profitability, resiliency and habitat.
"I am very grateful for true friendships in this industry," said Bauman. "Anything I've ever achieved is due to the work and effort of the quality people I get to work with every day."
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