Hudson Hustlers 4-H’ers compete in state wildlife contest

From Left  Alexis O’Farrell, Jacob Uptegrove and
Dawson Hoagland

On Saturday, April 18^th, three Hudson Hustler 4-H members Dawson Hoagland, Alexis O'Farrell & Jacob Uptegrove, participated in the Junior Division of the Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) in Columbia, MO.  Seventeen 4-H’ers from across the state, fourteen Juniors (Ages 8-13) and three Seniors (Ages 14-19), met at the Bradford Research Center to compete in the WHEP contest. 

This year the contest was based on the Great Plains Grasslands - Tallgrass/mixed Prairie eco-region.  The kids were required to evaluate a 100 acre site and recommend wildlife practices for specific species, write a wildlife plan and compete in the wildlife challenge testing their wildlife identification and knowledge. 

4-H’ers shown competing in the WHEP contest

The Bates County team placed 7th, 9th &10th individually and a very close 2nd as a team. The Vernon County team placed 1st and Pike County placed 3rd.