Students in the Fish & Wildlife Management program at Ogeechee Technical College recently got a firsthand look at the power of professional K-9 training, thanks to a visit from Ranger First Class Jack Thain and his K-9 partner, "Smoke," along with Ranger Matthew Ubbink.

The visit from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources ranger began in the classroom, where students learned about Smoke's specialized training to detect a range of items, including game animals like deer and ducks, firearms, and even people or artifacts that don't belong in the woods. 

The lesson continued outside with a live demonstration. Students watched as Smoke quickly located a hidden knife in the woods and successfully tracked down a student volunteer who had gone into hiding.

Students got to witness firsthand the dog's incredible sense of smell. Thain explained that when humans smell pizza, they just smell pizza, but that Smoke can smell each ingredient individually all at the same time.

"The hands-on experience left a lasting impression on our students," said instructor Casey Corbett. "Although class officially ended at 4:30 p.m., many students stayed well past 6, eager to ask questions and learn more from the visiting rangers."

To learn more about the Fish & Wildlife Management program, visit  www.ogeecheetech.edu/FWMT.