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 a suitable substitution for actual items. Exhibitors must show evidence of their personal field experiences, study or observations that relate to their exhibit. This helps judges understand what the 4-H'er did and learned in the process that led to the exhibit. Show proper credit by listing the sources of plans or other supporting information used in exhibits. Board exhibits can hold objects such as fishing equipment or casts of animal tracks. Mount all board exhibits on ¼” plywood, Masonite, or similar panel no larger than 24” high by 24” wide. Poster exhibits should be on regular poster sheets, no larger than 22”x28” but half size, 22”x14”, is recommended. Exhibits other than poster/display board should not exceed 48”x48” and be able to be moved by two people. The exhibitor's name, county and age must be on the back or bottom of all exhibits.
"Animal" or "wildlife" in the following classes includes wild fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, or mammals. Make sure to follow all wildlife 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.
Displays may show any aspect of wildlife, wildlife habitat or related conservation. No domestic livestock, pets or insects allowed. Scoresheets, forms, contest study materials, and additional resources can be found at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hconservation-wildlife-shooting.
Division 340: Wildlife and How They Live
Classes 1-4 are display boards or poster exhibits. Examples: life history or other facts about one type of wildlife; how to manage wildlife on a farm or in town; managing habitat for one kind of wildlife; life requirements for one kind of wildlife during one season or through the year; wildlife behavior and habitats.
D340001 Mammal Display
D340002 Bird Display
D340003 Fish Display
D340004 Reptile or Amphibian Display
D340005 Wildlife Connections board or poster exhibit which shows 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 make observations through a season or year, keep notes of interactions, then make a display of what you saw.
D340006 Wildlife Tracks board or diorama-type box exhibit. Make a display of animal tracks using plaster-of-Paris casts. There are three options. For all options, include a brief description of your experiences in making the tracks so the judge better understands what you did and learned. Positive casts (impressions as they would be in nature) are preferred. Option 1 should show plaster-of-Paris tracks of five or more kinds of wildlife along with a picture or illustration of each kind of animal. Option 2 should show two or more plaster-of-Paris 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. 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.
D340007 Wildlife Knowledge Check use electrical circuits, pictures, or other methods of teaching wildlife identification or other wildlife related knowledge. Plan size and shape to fit transportation and display; maximum size 24”x24”.
D340008 Wildlife Diorama no larger than 24"x24". The exhibit might show a grassland, prairie, agricultural, woodland, riparian (stream or river corridor), wetland, and/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 blue jays. Label the habitats displayed and show at least five kinds of wildlife in their proper habitats.
D340009 Wildlife Essay 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 is typed, double spaced on 8½”x11” paper. You may use books, magazines, or personal interviews as resources, but you must give credit to all sources by listing them.
D340010 Wildlife Values Scrapbook about the various values of wildlife. This would include aesthetic, scientific, commercial, game, genetic and/or ecological. One resource would be the Wildlife Conservation project booklet (4-H 125).
D340011 Wildlife Arts are 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 exhibitor. Entries must be appropriate for fair display and no larger than 24"x24". 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
D341001 Poster 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, how “Leave No Trace” was followed while camping, plan a camping trip, camping essentials, environmental issues/protecting natural resources, park or trail clean up, sanitation/hygiene while outdoors, or use of GPS.
D341002 Journal/Binder containing written report of virtual or actual 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”x16”.
D341003 Camping/Hiking Safety exhibit must include explanation of purpose/use of item and why selected, how it fits hiking/camping needs. May include, but not limited to, one of the following: travel-sized poisonous plants guide, camping first aid kit, weather/water safety or hand hygiene kit.
D341004 Digital Media 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 report cover or notebook.
D341005 Other Camping Items must include what inspired the creation of the item and its purpose. May include, but not limited to one of the following: nature art, nature haiku poem, spider web sketches or knot display.
D341006 Poster. Topics may include, but not limited to 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.
D341007 Journal/Binder containing written report of actual, 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”x16”.
D341008 Expedition Safety must include an explanation of use of items, why selected/purpose of item, how it meets hiking/camping/expedition needs. May include but not limited to travel-sized edible plants guide, creepy crawly guide, tent repair kit, travel first aid kit or weather/water safety.
D341009 Digital Media 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.
D341010 Other Expedition Items exhibit must include what inspired the creation of the item, and the purpose of the item. May include, but 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 displayed in a re-sealable plastic bag with ingredients, instructions, and nutritional facts included). Exhibits measure no larger than 18” X 24”.
Division 342: Wildlife Habitat
D342001 Houses Make a house for wildlife. Examples: bird house (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.
D342002 Feeders/Waterers Make a bird bath or wildlife feeder. (Examples: seed, suet, or nectar feeders. Squirrel feeder okay; no insect feeders.) Include the following information: 1) the kinds of animal(s) for which the waterer/feeder is intended, 2) where and how the waterer/feeder 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 feeding birds.
D342003 Wildlife Habitat Design 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
D343001 Fish Harvesting Equipment 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: the purpose of each item, when or where each item is used, and any personal experiences you've had with the item(s).
D343002 Build a Fishing Rod Rod building kits with instructions are available for this purpose. A fishing rod educational exhibit may not exceed 96” in length. Exhibit must be mounted on a board. Include with the exhibit: 1. explanation of cost of materials/components, where materials/components were purchased, and number of hours required for construction; 2. 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.
D343003 Casting Target made for exhibit and use. Target must be under 48”x48”. The bullseye must be 2’, outer band must be 1’ in diameter and can have up to 3 rings. Exhibit must be easy to store, durable and weather resistant. Include the purpose and rules of using your casting target.
D343004 Wildlife Harvesting Equipment 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, list the purpose of each item, when or where each item is used, and any personal experiences you've had with the item(s).
D343005 Invented Wildlife/Fish Harvesting Equipment, Aid or Accessory. Use engineering principles to invent or adapt equipment that helps you harvest fish or wildlife. Could include wildlife calls, adapted fishing pole for shallow water, a blind, decoy, etc. Share your drawings (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
D346001 Tanned Hides A wild animal hide properly processed by the member. No requirement as to mounting but must meet the size requirement listed for Conservation and Wildlife exhibits. Include the animal's name and information about the exhibitor's personal field experiences, study, or observations that relate to the exhibit.
D346002 Taxidermy Any legal fish, bird, or other wild animal properly processed by the member. No requirement as to mounting but must meet the size requirement listed for Conservation and Wildlife exhibits. Include the animal's name; and information about the exhibitor's personal field experiences, study, or observations that relate to the exhibit.
Division 347: Shooting Sports
Youth must be under direct leadership of a certified 4-H Shooting Sports Leader. No firearms or live ammunition can be entered as an exhibit; however, information can be shared through pictures. Classes 004-009 can be entered by anyone in the conservation and wildlife area.
D347001 Shooting Aid or Accessory which helps the shooter/hunter better perform their sport. (ex: rifle sling, kneeling roll, arm guard, shotgun vest, target boxes, shooting stick) Include your design, or plans you adapted, what the item is and used for.
D347002 Storage Case designed to safely hold a firearm, bow, ammunition/arrows (ex. soft-sided shotgun case, quiver, firearm safe). Include your plans, or plans you adapted, and what the storage case is used for.
D347003 Practice Game or Activity invented or adapted to practice or teach a project skill. Include pictures of youth playing the game, testimonials for 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.
D347004 Science, Engineering, Technology Advancements of Shooting Sports, Conservation or Wildlife Essay or Display Share how a specific area of shooting sports has advanced. Include a timeline and photos or illustrations. Keep your topic narrow and manageable. Essays are limited to 1000 words and should be on 8½” x 11” paper.
D347005 Healthy Lifestyles Plan Include a shooter’s, hiker’s, camper’s or angler’s diet and exercise plan, and how the 4-H member will benefit or improve from following the plan. Ideally, the 4-H member would follow the plan and include some journal entries about adaptions or improvements made while following the plan.
D347006 Citizenship/Leadership Project Share a display on a citizenship project or leadership project the 4-H member took on individually or with a group to improve some aspect related to 4-H Shooting Sports, Conservation or Wildlife. Examples could be range development, conservation planting to attract wildlife, a camp, 4-H recruitment event. Include who benefitted from the project, what the 4-H member’s role was, and any results.
D347007 Career Development/College Essay, Interview or Display 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 1000 words and should be on 8½” x 11” paper. Interviews need to include a picture of the interviewee in their work setting, questions asked, and a transcript of answers.
D347008 Community Vitality Display Explore the difference shooting sports, conservation, fishing and hunting make in keeping Nebraska vibrant, especially in rural areas. Present facts and research in an interesting way for the public to learn from.
D347009 Ag Literacy-Value Added Agriculture Interview or Research Project Explore how traditional ag producers add value to their production agriculture operations through conservation efforts, hunting, raising pheasants, shooting sports related tourism, etc. Present findings in an interesting way for the public to learn from.
Division 361: Other Natural Resources
D361001 Design Your Own Exhibit in Natural Resources, Conservation, Geology or Ecology educational exhibits about natural resources, conservation, wildlife, or ecology only. Entries must be appropriate for fair display and no larger than 24”x24”. 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 exhibitor’s personal experiences and learning.