Wildlife Education
We offer many opportunities for youth to learn about wildlife science and management, including the Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP), Wonders of Waterfowl Workshop, Wildlife O-Ramas, and Food Plot Project.
Wildlife Habitat Education Program
The 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program — or WHEP — is our foundational wildlife program The state contest is held in April. The announced region for the 2026 state contest and Wildlife O-Rama is ECOREGION: Eastern Deciduous Forest. Wildlife ID includes species listed in this region, as well as species from Urban and Wetland ecoregions.
WHEN: Friday, April 24, 2026
WHERE: University of Arkansas at Monticello Campus -UAM CFANR
ECOREGION: Eastern Deciduous Forest
(Wildlife ID includes species listed in this region, as well as species from Urban
and Wetland ecoregions)
Registration deadline & other details TBA.
Select one of these areas to get started.
- National Invitational - Many of these study materials are adapted from the national WHEP contest. The winning Senior team is eligible to represent Arkansas at the national WHEP contest typically held in July. The state office will make every attempt to pay registration fees, and the winning team is responsible for travel expenses. Check the national WHEP website for updates.
Wonders of Waterfowl Workshop
The Wonders of Waterfowl Workshop is an annual event in February. This amazing hands-on experience is for 4-H youth ages 9-19 who like to get outdoors and interact with waterfowl biologists about waterfowl biology and habitat. This year's event took place Feb. 21 at Cypress Bayou Club in Saratoga, Arkansas.
Read more about this year's event, and view photos.
4-H Wildlife O-Rama
Youth compete in a portion of the WHEP state contest (including wildlife identification and ecology concepts) at the annual summer District and State Wildlife O-Ramas. Any junior or senior is eligible to compete at District O-Ramas, with the top seniors in each district qualifying for State O-Rama. For those who participate in WHEP, this contest provides another opportunity to compete. The Study Materials for the Wildlife O-Rama are available to assist with preparing for this event.
Food Plot Project
Youth receive food plot seeds and complete a project book which guides them through applying math, plant and wildlife science, agronomy, art and photography, communications, technology, and more. Competing is not required but is encouraged. Those who compete also schedule a site visit with their county agent and enter their project and video for recognition and prizes. Deadline to register is July 1. Due date for the contest materials is March 1.
WHEN: Register by July 1 to receive seed packet for fall planting.
DEADLINE: Enter project book and video by March 1 to receive recognition and prizes announced at the District O-Ramas.
Visit the food plot project website for details.
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Join the "Arkansas 4-H Wildlife" Facebook private group. Simply answer three questions verifying who you are and your agreement to follow 4-H rules of conduct.
