Georgia is one of the most biologically diverse states in the nation, ranking 2nd in amphibian species, 3rd in freshwater fish species, and 7th in reptile species. Wildlife Judging challenges 4-H youth to learn about Georgia wildlife species as well as habitat, population, and fish pond/stream management practices for conservation success.
Competitions are held at the state and national levels.
Objectives
Youth participating in the Georgia 4-H Wildlife Judging contest will be able to
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- Describe characteristics of common wildlife species of Georgia.
- Identify common wildlife species of Georgia by examining specimens (pelts, skulls, feathers, calls, tracks, etc.)
- Explain different wildlife management practices (population survey, removing invasive species, etc.).
- Choose best management practices for a given species based on a scenario and site.
- Develop a species management plan based on a scenario and site.
Competition Guidelines
- Youth will be trained in wildlife-related content under the direction of a certified adult coach (employees and volunteers).
- At the state contest, each county may have a maximum of twenty Junior (4th-8th grade) contestants and twenty Senior (9th-12th grade) contestants.
- A team must consist of a minimum of three (3) participants. A county’s team score will be the sum of the top three scores from that county. Counties may designate multiple teams by the registration deadline.
- Counties cannot mix grade divisions to comprise a team. All members of the Junior team must meet the Junior grade requirements, and all members of the Senior team must meet the Senior grade requirements.
- Contestants from a county with less than three entries may participate as individuals.
Awards & Recognition
- County Extension offices have access to certificate templates for all youth.
- All participants will receive an award pin.
- Medals will be given to the top three winning Senior and Junior teams (up to four members per team placing) and the Senior and Junior Overall High Individuals at the state contest.
- The Senior Overall High Individual will be named a Master 4-H’er.
- The State Winning Senior High Individual is permitted to compete in future years as a Senior individual, as long as they are age-eligible to participate in 4-H programs.
- If the State Winning Senior High Individual is a member of the State Winning (First Place) Senior Team, they are permitted to compete in future years as a Senior individual only.
- If the State Winning Senior High Individual is a not member of the State Winning (First Place) Senior Team, they are permitted to compete in future years as a Senior individual and as a Senior team member.
- The (up to four) members of the first-place Senior team members will be named Master 4-H’ers.
- The first-place Senior team members are eligible to compete at the National 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP).
- Members of the State Winning (First Place) Senior Team are ineligible to compete as Senior team members in future years.
- State Winning Senior Team members may compete as individuals in subsequent State 4-H Wildlife Judging Contests and may be recognized as a State Winner as a Senior High Individual, as long as they are age-eligible to participate in 4-H programs.
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (working cooperatively with Fort Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the counties of Georgia) offers its educational programs, assistance, and materials to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status and is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action organization.