Conservation and Wildlife | Nebraska Extension

General Rules:

This section gives 4-H members an opportunity to share their knowledge and field experience about conservation, wildlife, and shooting sports. All exhibits must follow all respective state and national laws relating to conservation, wildlife and shooting sports.
No Firearms, items with a blade (broad heads, knives, saws, etc.) or related items of any other kind, may be exhibited. This applies to actual items, replicated items and item parts. Photos are suitable substitution for actual items.
Show what you did & learned-All 4-H members must show evidence of their personal field experiences, study, or observations that relate to their exhibit. This helps judges understand what the 4-H member did and learned in the process that led to the exhibit.
Proper Credit-Show proper credit by listing the sources of plans or other supporting information used in exhibits.
Exhibitor Info: The 4-H member’s name, county, age must be on the back or bottom of all displays
Wildlife & Wildlife Laws- “Animal" or "wildlife" in the following classes includes wild fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, or mammals. Domestic animal (i.e. domestic livestock or house pets) and insects exhibits are not appropriate for this area.4-H members must comply with current state and federal laws. It is illegal to possess threatened, endangered, or protected wildlife, or the feathers, nests, or eggs of non-game birds. These items cannot be part of an exhibit. Game birds and game animals taken legally during an open season may be used.
Project Materials-Related project booklets include Exploring Your Environment Series, 4-H Shooting Sports, Amphibians, Bird Behavior, Fishing for Adventure Project Manuals, Wildlife Conservation, Geology, and Outdoor Adventure. Other resources include: Outdoor Skills: Learning Science in the Outdoors series (Science Signature Outcome Program) outdoornebraska.gov/afterschool/ and www.whep.org.
Exhibit Size Guidelines:
- Board & Poster Exhibits- Mount all board exhibits on ¹/₄” inch plywood, Masonite, etc. no larger than 24 inches high x 24 inches wide. Poster exhibits should be on regular poster sheets, no larger than standard size (22 inches x 28 inches) but half size (22 inches x 14 inches is recommended).
- All Other exhibits – Exhibits other than poster/display boards should not exceed 48 inches x 48 inches and be able to be moved by two people. Large exhibits (larger than listed above) must be suited and prepared for outdoor exhibition. If large exhibits are not suited for outdoor exhibition, youth have the option to create a poster or another suitable substitute for the exhibit, instead of exhibiting the project itself.

Division 340 – Wildlife & How they Live

Classes 1-4 are board or poster exhibits. Display may show any aspect of wildlife, wildlife habitat, or related conservation. No domestic livestock, pets, or insects allowed. For more ideas, refer to project booklets.

^sfD340001 Mammal Display –(SF157A) - Choose one mammal from the wild and share on your display about the mammal. Examples include life history, behavior, habitat or other interesting facts.

^sfD340002 Bird Display-(SF157A) - . Choose one bird from the wild and share on your display about the bird. Examples include life history, behavior, habitat or other interesting facts.

^sf D340003 Fish Display – (SF157A) – Choose one fish from the wild and share on your display about the fish. Examples include life history, behavior, habitat or other interesting facts.

^sfD340004 Reptile or Amphibian Display – (SF157A) - Choose one reptile or amphibian and share on your display about the reptile or amphibian. Examples include life history, behavior, habitat or other interesting facts.

^sf D340005 Wildlife Connections – (SF157A) - Board or poster exhibit. The purpose of this display is to show interconnections and related aspects among animals, plants, and other habitat components. All displays should show two or more interactions (connections) that occur between/among animals or between animals and their habitat. Displays might show how animals interact with other animals, with people, or with their habitat.

Examples:

Food chain display. Use pictures, drawings, or other items to illustrate the source of food energy and where it goes - who eats whom or what. Use arrows to show the direction of the energy (food) flow.
Show the role of predators, scavengers, insect eaters, or others in nature.
Show how wildlife numbers (populations) change through the year.
Show predation, competition, or other behavioral interactions of wildlife.
Choose one kind of wildlife and observe through a season or year, keep notes of interactions, then make a display of what you saw.

^sfD340006 Wildlife Tracks – (SF158A) - Board or diorama-type box exhibit. Make a display of animal tracks using casting plaster. There are 3 options. For all options, include a brief description of your experiences in making the tracks so the judges' better understand what you did and learned. Positive casts (impressions as they would be in nature) are preferred, but not required.

Option #1 should show plaster tracks of five or more kinds of wildlife along with a picture or illustration of each kind of animal. (OR)
Option #2 should show more two or more plaster tracks of one specific kind of wildlife and should include a picture or illustration of the animal, what the animal may eat, and what may eat the animal. (OR)
Option #3 should show two tracks and include the animal’s habitat needs including preferred food, shelter, water, and space in addition to picture or illustration of the animal.

^sf D340007 Wildlife Knowledge Check – (SF154) - Use electrical circuits, pictures, or other methods of teaching wildlife identification or other wildlife conservation or shooting sports related knowledge. Plan size and shape to fit transportation and display; maximum size 24 inches x 24 inches.

^sf D340008 Wildlife Diorama – (SF160A) - Exhibit must be no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches. The exhibit might show a grassland, prairie, agricultural, woodland, riparian (stream or river corridor), wetland, or other area with wildlife habitat. Example: show an area interspersed with several habitats such as windbreaks, farm fields, woods, waste areas, ditches, and pastures for edge-adapted species such as white-tailed deer, Northern Bobwhite, Mourning Doves, Cottontail Rabbits, fox, squirrels, Northern Cardinals, or Bluejays. Label the habitats displayed and show at least five kinds of wildlife in their proper habitats. Remember to include supporting information about the wildlife and habitat that is on display.

^sfD340009 Wildlife Essay – (SF161A) - Learn how to share educational information by writing. Choose a conservation or wildlife topic that interests you and write an essay about it. For example, write about a particular species of wildlife that you have observed or about the values of wildlife. You might write about wildlife on a farm, in town, in a backyard, at a backyard feeder; or at other places. You might write about ethics, proper behavior in the outdoors, hunting, or fishing. The essay is between 100 and 1000 words long and typed, double spaced on 8.5 inch x 11 inch paper. You might use books, magazines, or personal interviews as resources, but you must give credit to all sources by listing them.

^sf D340010 Wildlife Values Scrapbook – (SF162A) - Make a scrapbook about a value of wildlife. . Value could include aesthetic, scientific, commercial, game, genetic, and/or ecological topics.

^sf D340011 Wildlife Arts – (SF163A) - The purpose of this class is to allow artistic exhibits that contain educational information about conservation and wildlife. Examples might include paintings, photographs, wood carvings, painted duck decoys, or songs or poems written by the 4-H exhibitor. Entries must be appropriate for fair display and no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches. For example, paintings or photographs should be displayed in notebook format or mounted on a sturdy display panel. All entries must include a title and brief explanation of the purpose or message (what is the exhibit meant to show).

Division 341 – Outdoor Adventures – Level 1 (No State Fair)

D341011 Poster –(SF281) - Topics may include one of the following, but not limited to; trail maps(s) you have hiked, hiking essentials, your hiking adventures, wildlife or plants observed while hiking ( birds, animals prints, butterflies, etc.), plan a hike, explain “Leave No Trace” and how this was followed during hiking, collection of photos from your hikes.

D341012 Journal/Binder –(SF281) - Written report of actual, virtual or imagined trail(s) hiking with observation, OR field journal (notes of actual experiences, sights, sounds, smells, etc.). OR camping trip diary. Feathers/leaf/flower pressings must be securely attached if included. Photos or drawings of observations encouraged. Exhibits measure no larger than 16 inches x 16 inches.

D341013 Camping/Hiking Safety – (SF281) - Must include explanation of use of item and why selected/purpose, how it fits hiking/camping needs. May include, but are not limited to, one of the following: a compact hiking safety kit, homemade compass or homemade water purifier.

D341014 Hiking Adventure Game – (SF281) - Create a game of trails of outdoor adventures Must be educational on one or more aspects of hiking, must include clear instructions as to the purpose and what can be learned by playing the game.

D341015 Other Hiking Item(s) –(SF281) - Must include what inspired the creation of the item(s) and its purpose. May include but are not limited to one of the following: hiking backpack, nature art, nature poem or story, homemade hiking snack mix displayed in a resealable plastic bag (include why ingredients were selected and nutritional value).

Division 341 – Outdoor Adventures – Level 2

^sf D341001 Poster –(SF281) - Topics may include, but not limited to one or more of the following; how to pitch a tent, knot tying, cooking over a campfire, how to start a campfire, wildlife and plants identified while camping, how to set up emergency shelter, dealing with weather, collection of photos from camping trips, “Leave No Trace” and how that was followed while camping, plan a camping trip, camping essential, environmental issues/protecting natural resources, park or trail clean up, sanitation/hygiene while outdoors or use of GPS.

^SfD341002 Journal/Binder –(SF281) - Written report of actual, virtual or imaginary camping/hiking trips with observations OR field journal (notes of actual experiences, sights, sounds, smells, etc.), OR camping or hiking trip diary. Explain growth in project, leading the hikes, planning the camping trip, now being able to identify the wildlife and nature around you and how identified (sight/sound/shape/smell/color). Feathers/leaf/flower pressings must be securely attached, if included. Photos of drawing of observations encouraged. Exhibits measure no larger than 16 inches x 16inches.

^Sf D341003 Camping/Hiking Safety –(SF281) - Must include explanation of use of item and why selected/purpose, how it fits hiking/camping needs. May include, but are not limited to, one of the following: travel sized poisonous plants guide, camping first aid kit, weather/water safety or hand hygiene kit.

^Sf D341004 Digital Media – (SF281) - Use digital media to show video/slideshow/presentation of setting up a tent (include why site is chosen) or protecting natural resources or environmental issues or computer video camping/hiking game. Submit a USB drive or DVD inside a report cover or notebook. If using a slideshow, include printed slides inside a report cover or notebook.

^Sf D341005 Other Camping Items –(SF281) - Must include what inspired the creation of the item, and its purpose. May include but are not limited to one of the following; nature art, nature haiku poem, spider web sketches, or knot display.

Division 341 – Outdoor Adventures – Level 3

^sf D341006 Poster –(SF281) - Topics may include but not limited to one of the following; Topographic map, backpacking trip plan, camp layout, plan an expedition (can be dreamed or lived), collection of photos from your expedition, trails hiked, cost comparison of rental vs purchase or using GPS/compass.

^Sf D341007 Journal/Binder –(SF281) - Written report of actual, or virtual or imagined expeditions/camping/hiking, OR field journal (notes of actual experiences, sights, sounds, smells, etc.). Explain growth in project, challenges in leading a group, teaching others about wildlife and nature identification and “Leave No Trace.” Exhibits measure no larger than 16 inches x 16inches.

^Sf D341008 Expedition Safety –(SF281) - Must include an explanation of use of items, why selected/purpose of item, how it meets hiking/camping/expedition needs. May include but are not limited to; travel sized edible plants, creepy crawly guide, tent repair kit, travel first aid kit or weather/water safety.

^SfD341009 Digital Media –(SF281) - Use digital media to show video/slideshow/presentation of one of the following but not limited to; building a non-tent shelter (include why needed), packing your backpack/equipment and getting it onto you, teaching others about environmental issues or a computer video backpacking expedition game. Submit a USB drive or DVD inside a report cover or notebook. If using a slideshow, include printed slides inside report cover or notebook.

^Sf D341010 Other Expedition Items –(SF281) - Must include what inspired the creation of the item, and the purpose of the item. May include but are not limited to; nature art, nature cinquain poem, backpacking food recipes, hiking/expedition conditioning plan, charcoal etching, dehydrated meal or snack (at least 1 cup display in a resealable plastic bag with ingredients, instructions, and nutritional facts included). Exhibits measure no larger than 18 inches x 24inches.

Division 342 – Wildlife Habitat

^sf D342001 Houses – (SF165A) - Make a house for wildlife. Examples: Birdhouse (bluebird, purple martin, wood duck, kestrel, barn owl, etc.) or bat house; no insect houses. Make the house functional so that dimensions, hole size, etc. are appropriate to fit the intended species' needs. Include the following information: 1) The kinds of animal(s) for which the house is intended, 2) Where and how the house should be located for best use, 3) Any seasonal maintenance needed, and 4) Any evidence of your personal observations or experiences. Tips: check NebGuide on bird houses and shelves.

^sf D342002 Feeders/Waters – (SF165A) - Make a bird bath or feeder. Examples: seed, suet, or nectar feeders. Squirrel feeders are acceptable; no insect feeders. Indicate the kinds of animal(s) for which the feeder or waterer is intended. Make the feeder or waterer functional so that it fits wildlife needs. Include the following information:1) Where and how the feeder or waterer should be located for best use, 2) How it should be maintained. Tip: check NebGuides on feeding birds.

^sf D342003 Wildlife Habitat Design – (SF167A) - Board or poster exhibit. Choose a backyard, acreage, or farm, and design a habitat plan to meet the food, water, shelter, and space needs of at least three kinds of animals you would like to attract. Draw an outline of the area and show what plants or other habitat will be provided. Indicate how the various parts of your plan provide the desired habitat needs. You might include an aerial photo of the area if you have one.

Division 343 – Harvesting Equipment

^sf D343001 Fish Harvesting Equipment – (SF168A) - Board exhibit. Display of equipment used in fish harvesting. Examples: fishing knots, hooks (with corks over ends for safety), lures. Label all items displayed. Include in your exhibit the following information: 1) The purpose of each item, 2) When or where each item is used, 3) Any personal experiences you have had with the item(s).

^sfD343002 Build a Fishing Rod – (SF169A) - Rod building kits with instructions are available for this purpose. A fishing rod educational exhibit may not exceed 96 inches in length. Exhibit must be mounted on a Include with the exhibit: 1) Explanation of cost of materials/components, 2) Where materials/components were purchased, 3) How many number of hours required for construction. 4) Label all parts: Necessary components which must be included are grip, line guides (based on manufacturers specifications), guide wraps, and hook keeper. Reel seat needs to be aligned with guides, and guides aligned accurately down rod. Guide wraps of size A to D, nylon or silk thread.

Exhibit will be judged on: workmanship, labeling of parts information, and neatness.

^sf D343003 Casting Target – (SF170A) - Make a casting target for exhibit and use,. Target must be under 48” x 48”. The bullseyes must be 2 feet, outer band must be 1 foot in diameter and can have up to 3 rings. The exhibit must be easy to store, durable, and weather resistant. Include the purpose and rules of using your casting target.

^sf D343004 Wildlife Harvesting Equipment– (SF168A) – A Board Exhibit. Display of equipment used in harvesting wildlife. Examples: expended ammunition casings (no live ammunition permitted), steel traps, hide stretchers, fleshers, etc. For displays of shotguns, rifles, or bows, use drawings or pictures. Label all items displayed. 1) The purpose of each item, 2) When or where it is used , and 3) Any personal experiences you have had with the item(s).

^sfD343005 Inventing Wildlife/Fish Harvesting Equipment, Aid or Accessory – (SF168) - Use engineering principles to invent or adapt equipment that helps you harvest fish or wildlife. This could include wildlife calls, adapted fishing pole for shallow water, a blind, decoys, etc. Share your drawing (or adapted plans), how the equipment works, how you tested it, and the results of testing your prototype and any adjustments you made.

Division 346 – Taxidermy

^sf D346001 Tanned Hides– (SF172) – Exhibit of a wild animal hide properly processed by the member. No requirement as to mounting but must meet the size requirement listed under General Rules. Must include the animal’s name and the following: information about the 4-H member’s personal field experiences, study, or observations that relate to the exhibit.

^Sf D346002 Taxidermy – (SF172) – Any legal fish, bird, or other wild animal properly processed by the member. No requirement as to mounting but must met size requirement listed under General Rules. Must include the animal’s name and the following: information about the 4-H member’s personal field experiences, study, or observations that relate to the exhibit.

General Rules:

4-H Shooting Sports requires 4-H members to be under the direct leadership of a certified 4-H Shooting Sports Leader in either shotgun, rifle (bb gun), archery, pistol, black powder/muzzleloader, and/or hunting skills.
NO FIREARMS may be entered as an exhibit, nor live ammunition; however information can be shared through pictures. Classes 04-09 can be entered by anyone in the conservation and wildlife area.

Division 347 – Shooting Sports

^sf D347001 Shooting Aid or Accessory – (SF253A) - Any item which helps the shooter/hunter better perform their sport, examples: rifle sling, kneeling roll, arm guard, shotgun vest, target boxes, shooting stick, etc. Include your design, plans you adapted, what the item is used for.

^sf D347002 Storage Case – (SF253A) - any item with the purpose to safely hold a firearm, bow, ammunition, and/or arrows, ex: soft sided shotgun case, quivers, firearm safe. Include your design, or plans you adapted. Explain how the storage case is used.

^sf D347003 Practice Game or Activity – (SF255A) - invent or adapt an activity to practice or teach a project skill. Include pictures of youth playing the game, testimonials of 4-H members who played the game, what skill is being worked on, and directions for the game. Explain how you came up with the game or adapted it to fit the needs of your group members.

^sfD347004 Science, Engineering, Technology Advancements of Shooting Sports Essay or Display – (SF256A) - Choose a specific area of shooting sports and share how it has advanced, include a timeline and photos or illustrations. Keep your topic narrow and manageable. Essays are limited to 1,000 words and should be on 8.5 inch x 11 inch paper.

^sf D347005 Healthy Lifestyles Plan – (SF257A) - Include a shooter’s (hiker’s, camper’s, angler’s) diet and exercise plan, and how the 4-H member will benefit or improve from the following the plan. Ideally, the 4-H member would follow the plan and include some journal entries about adaptations or improvements made while following the plan.

^sf D347006 Citizenship/Leadership Project – (SF258A) - Share a display on a citizenship project or leadership project that the 4-H member took on individually or with a group to improve some aspect related to 4-H Shooting Sports, Conservation, or Wildlife. Ex: could be range development, conservation planting to attract wildlife, a camp, or 4-H recruitment event. Include who benefited from the project, what the 4-H member’s role was, and any results.

^sf D347007 Career Development/College Essay, Interview or Display – (SF252A) - Research opportunities for careers related to this area or opportunities for college majors or college activities to help discover using project skills beyond a person’s 4-H career. Essays are limited to 1,000 words and should be on 8.5 inch x 11 inch paper. Interviews need to include a picture of the interviewee in their work setting, questions asked, and a transcript of answers.

^sf D347008 Community Vitality Display – (SF251A) - Explore the different shooting sports, conservation, fishing, and hunting methods in keeping Nebraska vibrant especially in rural areas. Present facts and research in an interesting way for the public to learn from.

^sf D347009 Ag Literacy-Value Added Agriculture Interview or Research Project – (SF250A) - Explore how traditional ag producers are adding value to their production agriculture operations through conservation efforts, hunting, raising pheasants, shooting sports related tourism, etc. Present finding in an interesting way for public to learn from.

^sfD347010 Shooting Sports Educational Exhibit or Display – (SF254A) -Create an educational exhibit or display relating to a topic about Shooting Sports. Displays involving firearms or bows may be exhibited as a photographic display on a poster or in a notebook. Handmade items must include information explaining how the item was made and its intended use. Photos are encouraged.

Division 361 – Other Natural Resources

^sf D361001 Design Your Own Exhibit in Natural Resources, Conservation, Geology, or Ecology – (SF164) - This class is for educational exhibits about natural resources, conservation, geology, or ecology ONLY! Entries must be appropriate for fair display and no larger than 24 inches x 24inches. All entries must include a title and should be clear (a brief explanation or other method) about the intended purpose or message – what the exhibit is meant to show. Think about accuracy, creativity, educational value for viewers, and evidence of 4-H member’s personal experiences and learning.