UK FNR Extension and UK 4-H Co-Host Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program FFA/4-H National Competition

Authors: Matthew Springer, Ph.D, Ashley Osborne, Laurie Thomas

Collaborators: Stacy White, Whitley County Cooperative Extension Service, Eric Comley Garrard County Cooperative Extension Service, Dr. Steve Price FNR University of Kentucky, United Trappers of Kentucky, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, USDA Wildlife Services KY/TN, WHEP National Planning Committee

Over three days in July 2022, University of Kentucky’s Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Team and 4-H Natural Resources Ashley Osborne hosted the 4-H/FFA Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program National Competition at Feltner 4-H Camp in London Kentucky.  A total of 73 competitors representing, 17 teams from 11 different states including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah were at the event.

 As part of the program the first full day of the event included an educational component covering various tools, skills, and potential career options within the wildlife profession. The guest instructors included the United Trappers of Kentucky covering wildlife trapping techniques, Dr. Steve Price who provided a program on reptiles and amphibians and their management, Zak Danks Turkey and Grouse biologist for Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources who discussed forest and turkey management and careers within state agencies, and USDA Wildlife Services personnel who discussed wildlife damage management and federal wildlife careers.   The morning education program was followed up with learn to fish opportunities at the camp lake with Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources aiding in this event.

On the second day of the event, various agents from several counties aided in the logistics of conducting the competition as well as providing a tour of Kentucky for coaches/chaperons who are not allowed to be on site during the competition. This tour provided information to the coaches on the natural resources present within the Commonwealth and included a hike at Kentucky Natural Bridge State Park.