K-State Research and Extension

Wildlife

Kansas wildlife is an important part of our state heritage and environment ranging from buffalo to birds to fish to deer and more. In this project you will learn about wildlife behavior, habitat requirements, how wildlife species fit into nature's scheme, how they are managed, and how they relate to humans.

Things to Learn/Do in the Project

Wildlife
Ages 7-8

• Characteristics of reptiles and amphibians
• What is habitat
• Unique features of birds

Ages 9-11

• Identify wildlife dwelling
• Importance of the insect/flower relationship
• Identify seed shapes and how they are dispersed

Ages 12-14

• Characteristics of mammals, carnivores and omnivores
• Significance of wetlands
• Protective coloring of wildlife

Ages 15 and Older

• How wildlife adapt to urban environments
• Effect of humans on wildlife habitat
• Learn about the prairie as an ecosystem

Sport Fishing
Ages 7-9

• Learn to tie fishing knots
• Identify types of fishing tackle
• Identify types of fish
• Identify the parts of a fish

Ages 10-13

• Learn the techniques of spin, bait and fly casting
• Enjoy cooking and eating what you catch
• Learn how to tie an artificial fly

Ages 14 and Older

• Share fishing with a friend
• Clean a fishing reel
• Refurbish old equipment
• Investigate fishing careers

Project Materials

Reasonably priced materials are available for every project in Kansas 4-H. You can order the materials for your project online or contact your local Extension Office.

Wildlife (WL100)

• Birds Around You
• Kansas Birds: Species List for Kansas

Sportfishing (WL101)

• Take the Bait (ages 7-10)
• Reel in the Fun (ages 11-13)
• Cast into the Future (ages 14+)

General Wildlife Resources

• Kansas 4-H Wildlife Member Guide and Annual Report
• Kansas 4-H Generic Record Form

Project Leader Resources

• Kansas 4-H Wildlife Project Leader Notebook
  - Level I (ages 7-8)
  - Level II (ages 9-11)
  - Level III (ages 12-14)
  - Level IV (ages 15+)
• Sportfishing Helper's Guide
• Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Leader's Guide

Awards and Recognition

County Level
Award: Medal presented at your 4-H Achievement Banquet
Donor: Kansas 4-H Foundation Patron Sponsor Fund

State Level
Award: Medallion
Donor: Kansas 4-H Foundation Patron Sponsor Fund

National Level
Award: $400 National 4-H Congress Scholarship
Donor: Kansas 4-H Foundation Patron Sponsor Fund

Career Connections

• K-State Wildlife Outdoor Enterprise Management