Missouri 4-H
4-H Center for Youth Development

Wildlife & Conservation Programs

Teaching Wildlife and Fisheries Management…

…to Our Future Land Stewards

Wildlife - 724

The 4-H Wildlife program is designed to teach youth about the fundamentals of wildlife science and basics of wildlife management. Youth will learn that to manage wildlife means to manage habitat and populations.

The Missouri 4-H Wildlife project is in the development phase. Lesson plans, curriculum guides, incentive and award programs, and resource materials have been and will continue to be developed. Contact your county extension office for a copy of these materials. The national 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) will serve as the base from which to build the program. WHEP utilizes a national manual and contest format to encourage the study of wildlife concepts and basic management practices. Youth are also encouraged to do “hands on” habitat improvement projects, large or small, in an urban or rural setting, as individuals or small groups.

Some Objectives

Identify common birds, mammals, and fish of Missouri
Identify common wildlife foods
Understand basic wildlife management concepts
Interpret wildlife habitat from aerial photographs
Understand the differences found in Missouri’s three eco-regions: Eastern Deciduous Forest, Great Plains Grassland-Tallgrass/Mixed Prairie, Southeast Mixed Forest
Know the recommended wildlife management practices for selected species

Activities

· Demonstrate knowledge and skills learned by a variety of “hands on” activities or projects.

· Establish and/or improve wildlife habitat.

Habitat Plan

4-H members are encouraged to initiate and complete wildlife habitat projects, either as individuals or groups…on private or public lands…in urban or rural settings.

Components of a habitat project

· Written Plan

Background

Objectives

Habitat Assessment

Practices Planned

How Project will be Evaluated

Aerial map/sketch

· Implementation Log/Journal

· Photos – before and after

· Evaluation

· Costs

· Story – lessons learned, skills developed, knowledge gained, personal growth, etc

Habitat projects are to be the work of the youth. Adult help is permitted as appropriate but activities completed by the youth and those by cooperating adults must be delineated. Adult assistance is more appropriate for the junior division that the senior.

Other 4-H Projects with Wildlife/Conservation components

Conservation Frontiers – 911

Missouri Conservation Frontiers logo

Learn about Missouri’s natural resources and how to enjoy and protect through hands-on activities. Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation, 4-H members may enroll and participate in this conservation project. MDC provides awards for each of the 13 achievement levels. Adult leader required.

MDC provides free educational resources, but it must be ordered by an adult leader. Activities guide is available online at: http://mdc.mo.gov/programs/frontiers

Hunting and Outdoor Skills – 749

Understanding wildlife and habitat from a hunter’s perspective.

· Wildlife Identification

· Hunting’s role in wildlife management

· Understanding hunting regulations

· Understanding habits and habitat of specific game species

· Observation and concealment skills

· Part of the 4-H Shooting Sports program, requires a certified leader

Virtual Parks and Wildlife – 912

Uses computer simulations to understand wildlife and the interrelationships of nature. Suggested software include:

· SimPark

· Habitatics (MDC)