State Fair Eligible. Conservation, wildlife and shooting sports gives 4-H members and opportunity to share their knowledge and field experience about conservation, wildlife, and shooting sports. All exhibits must follow respective state and national laws relating to conservation, wildlife, and shooting sports. Each individual is limited to a total of four exhibits, each in a different class.
SHOW WHAT YOU DID AND LEARNED: All exhibitors must show evidence of their personal field experiences, study or observations that relate to their exhibit to help judges understand what the 4-H’er 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.
WHOSE EXHIBIT: The exhibitor’s name, county and age must be on the back or bottom of all displays.
WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE LAWS: “Animal” or “Wildlife” in the following classes includes wild fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, or mammals. Please make sure you are following all wildlife laws. Domestic animal (i.e. domestic livestock or house pets) and insect exhibits are not appropriate for this area.
PROJECT MATERIALS: Related project booklets include Exploring Your Environment Series, 4-H Shooting Sports, Amphibians, Bird Behavior (EC 59381), Fishing For Adventure Project Manuals, Wildlife Conservation (4-H 125), Geology, and Outdoor Adventure. Other resources include: Outdoor Skills: Learning Science in the Outdoor series (Science Signature Outcome Program) outdoornebraska.gov/afterschool/ and www.whep.org.
BOARD AND POSTER EXHIBITS: Mount all board exhibits on 1/4” plywood, Masonite, or similar panel no larger than 24” high by 24” wide. Poster exhibits should be on regular poster sheets, no larger than standard size (22” x 28”) but half size, 22” x 14”, is recommended. Exhibits other than poster/display board should not exceed 48” x 48” and be able to be moved by two people.
Premium: Purple $4.50; Blue $4.00; Red $3.50; White $3.00
WILDLIFE AND HOW THEY LIVE
Classes D3401– D3404 are BOARD or POSTER EXHIBITS – Display may show any aspect of wildlife, wildlife habitat, or related conservation. 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. For more ideas, refer to project booklets. Refer to General Rules at beginning of Department.
Class No.
D 340 1 MAMMAL DISPLAY
D 340 2 BIRD DISPLAY
D 340 3 FISH DISPLAY
D 340 4 REPTILE OR AMPHIBIAN DISPLAY
D 340 5 WILDLIFE CONNECTIONS - Board or poster exhibit - The purpose of this display is to show inter-connections and related aspects among animals, plants, and other habitat components. All displays should show two or more interactions 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: 1) 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. 2) Show the role of predators, scavengers, insect eaters, or others in nature. 3) Show how wildlife numbers (populations) change through the year. 4) Show predation, competition, or other behavioral interactions of wildlife. 5) 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.
D 340 6 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 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-of-paris tracks of five or more kinds of wildlife along with a picture or illustration of each kind of animal or 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 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.
D 340 7 WILDLIFE KNOWLEDGE CHECK - Use electrical circuits, pictures or other methods of teaching wildlife identification or other wildlife conservation and shooting sports related knowledge. Plan size and shape to fit transportation and display; maximum size 24” x 24”.
D 340 8 WILDLIFE DIORAMA - Exhibit must be no larger than 24" x 24". 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.
D 340 9 WILDLIFE ESSAY - 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" x 11" paper. You might use books, magazines, or personal interviews as resources, but you must give credit to all sources by listing them.
D 340 10 WILDLIFE VALUES SCRAPBOOK - Make a 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).
D 340 11 WILDLIFE ARTS - 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 exhibitor. Entries must be appropriate for fair display and no larger than 24" x 24". 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).
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES – LEVEL 2
Refer to General Rules at beginning of Department. Display posters must be made of material, e.g. foam board or poster board and measure no larger than 22”x28”. Poster material should be sturdy enough to hold display items. Display exhibits other than posters to be no larger than 18”x24”. Consider neatness and creativity.
D 341 1 POSTER - Create a poster display no larger than 22”x28”. 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 essentials, environmental issues/protecting natural resources, park or trail clean up, sanitation/hygiene while outdoors or use of GPS.
D 341 2 JOURNAL/BINDER - 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). Feather/leaf/flower pressings must be securely attached, if included. Photos of drawings of observations encouraged. Exhibits measure no larger than 16”x16”.
D 341 3 CAMPING/HIKING SAFETY - 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. Exhibits measure no larger then 18”x24”.
D 341 4 DIGITAL MEDIA - 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 report cover or notebook.
D 341 5 OTHER CAMPING ITEMS - 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. Exhibits measure no larger than 18”x24”.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES – LEVEL 3
Refer to General Rules at beginning of Department. Display posters must be made of material, e.g. foam board or poster board and measure no larger than 22”x28”. Poster material should be sturdy enough to hold display items. Display exhibits other than posters to be no larger than 18”x24”. Consider neatness and creativity.
D 341 6 POSTER - Create a poster display no larger than 22”x28”. Topics may include but not limited to one or more 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.
D 341 7 JOURNAL/BINDER - 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”.
D 341 8 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 are not limited to: travel sized edible plants, creepy crawly guide, tent repair kit, travel first aid kit or weather/water safety. Exhibits measure no larger than 18”x24”.
D 341 9 DIGITAL MEDIA - 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 slideshow inside report cover or notebook.
D 341 10 OTHER EXPEDITION ITEMS - 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 displayed in a re-sealable plastic bag with ingredients, instructions, and nutritional facts included). Exhibits measure no larger than 18”x24”.
WILDLIFE HABITAT
Classes 1 – 4 are board or poster exhibits. Refer to General Rules at beginning of Department. 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.
D 342 1 HOUSES - Examples: house for wren, bluebird, wood duck, kestrel, barn owl, bats, etc. (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) kind/s of animal/s for which the item is intended; 2) where and how the house should be located for best use; 3) any seasonal maintenance needed. Tips: check NebGuide on bird houses and shelves.
D 342 2 FEEDERS/WATERERS - Make a birdbath or 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 water/feeder is intended; 2) where are and how the water/feeder should be located for best use; 3) any seasonal maintenance needed; 4) any evidence of your personal observations or experiences. Tips: check NebGuide on feeding birds.
D 342 3 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.
HARVESTING EQUIPMENT
D 343 1 FISH HARVESTING DISPLAY - Display of equipment used in fish harvesting. 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 in relation to other equipment, and 3) any personal experiences you’ve had with the item/s.
D 343 2 BUILD A FISHING ROD - Rod building kits with instructions are available for this purpose. A fishing rod educational exhibit may not exceed 96 inches length. Exhibit must be mounted on a board. Include with the exhibit: Explanation of cost of materials/components, where materials/components were purchased, and how many number of hours required for construction. 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.
D 343 3 CASTING TARGET - Make a casting target for exhibit and use. Target must be under 48”x48”. 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.
D 343 4 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, the purpose of each item, when or where it is used, and any personal experiences you’ve had with the item(s).
D 343 5 INVENTING WILDLIFE/FISH HARVESTING EQUIPMENT, AID OR ACCESORY - 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.
TAXIDERMY
D 346 1 TANNED HIDES – Exhibit of a wild animal hide properly processed by the member. No requirement as to mounting but must meet size requirement listed under General Rules. Include the animal’s name and information about the exhibitor’s personal field experiences, study, OR observations that relate to exhibit.
D 346 2 TAXIDERMY - Any legal fish, bird, or other wild animal properly processed by the member. No requirement as to size or mounting. Include the following information: the animal’s name, information about the exhibitor’s personal field experiences, study, or observations that relate to the exhibit.
OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES
D 361 1 DESIGN YOUR OWN EXHIBIT IN NATURAL RESOURCES, CONSERVATION, GEOLOGY OR ECOLOGY - This class is for educational exhibits about natural resources, conservation, wildlife, or ecology that do not fit into other categories. Entries must be appropriate for fair display and no larger than 24” x 24”. 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 mean to show. Think about accuracy, creativity, educational value for viewers and evidence of exhibitor’s personal experiences and learning.
SHOOTING SPORTS
Premium: Purple $4.00; Blue $3.50; Red $3.00; White $2.50
4-H Shooting Sports requires youth 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 can be entered as an exhibit nor live ammunition, however information can be shared through pictures. Classes D347004-D347009 can be entered by anyone in the conservation and wildlife area. Refer to General Rules at beginning of Department.
Class No.
State Fair Eligible Static Exhibits:
D 347 1 SHOOTING AID OR ACCESSORY - 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, or plans you adapted, what the item is and used for.
D 347 2 STORAGE CASE - An item with the purpose to safely hold a firearm, bow, ammunition and/or arrows, examples: soft sided shotgun case, quivers, firearm safe, include your design, or plans you adapted. Explain how the storage case is used.
D 347 3 PRACTICE GAME OR ACTIVITY - Invent or adapt an activity 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 members.
D 347 4 SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENTS OF SHOOTING SPORTS, CONSERVATION, OR WILDLIFE ESSAY OR DISPLAY - 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 1000 words and should be on 8 ½ x 11 paper.
D 347 5 HEALTHY LIFESTYLES PLAN - Include a shooter’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.
D 347 6 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. 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.
D 347 7 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 8 ½ x 11paper. Interviews need to include a picture of the interviewee in their work setting, questions asked, and a transcript of answers.
D 347 8 COMMUNITY VITALITY DISPLAY - Explore the difference shooting sports 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.
D 347 9 AG LITERACY-VALUE ADDED AGRICULTURE INTERVIEW OR RESEARCH PROJECT - 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 findings in an interesting way for the public to learn from.
D 347 10 EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT OR DISPLAY - 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.