Peter Butchko

Peter Butchko serves as an Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. With a BS in Natural Resources from The Ohio State University (1974) and 38 years of field experience at USDA Wildlife Services until his 2015 retirement, he brings practical expertise in resolving complex wildlife-human interface challenges across agricultural, aviation, and conservation contexts.

His educational background includes:

• BS in Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 1974

Professionally focused on applied wildlife management, Butchko specializes in mitigating agricultural damage, enhancing airport safety through wildlife control protocols, managing zoonotic disease vectors, and restoring native fisheries populations. His instructional approach emphasizes real-world problem-solving techniques honed during statewide directorship roles in Michigan, Ohio, California, and Mississippi.

While specific research outputs aren't documented, his career demonstrates consistent engagement with critical wildlife policy frameworks. He maintains active mentorship commitments for students entering fisheries and wildlife careers, leveraging extensive government agency networks developed during his tenure as Michigan State Director for Wildlife Services.