Wildlife Management

Wildlife Management Wildlife

Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Contest (WHEP)

Wildlife Study Guides

4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation (WHEP) 101

Wildlife Links

Entemology

Environmental Stewardship

In a comparison of state natural resources, Alabama is first for most navigable streams; first for most species of saltwater and freshwater fish; fourth in overall biodiversity; and fifth in species diversity. This abundance of natural resources directly impacts Alabama's economy. For example, 1.4 million of the nation's 18 million white-tailed deer and 350,000 of its four million wild turkeys are located in the state. Hunting and fishing by 360,000 in-state and 30,000 out-of-state hunters generate over $600,000 annually in taxes, license fees, hunting rights and sales of equipment and supplies.

4-H wildlife programs provide opportunities for youth to learn the skills necessary to manage and conserve habitats necessary to support those resources. Those who participate on county teams at the state wildlife habitat evaluation contest demonstrate their ability to identify wildlife foods and habitats, make management recommendations, and write urban management plans. Since 1987, Alabama's teams have won the national invitational five times and consistently placed in the top ten.