​Wildlife Habitat Career Development Event

The primary purpose of this event is to increase youth understanding of wildlife ecology, habitat and management practices. Several other skills will also be enhanced. These include team work, oral and written communication, decision making, leadership and interpersonal/social skills. Participants must be 4-H or FFA members at the time of the event. Regional events will qualify individuals​ for the state competition. Regional events are open to all teams​​​.​ Activities include wildlife challenge and wildlife management practices. The state contest will take place at Martel Forest at Purdue University. Contestants qualifying to compete at the state contest will complete activities in the wildlife challenge, wildlife management practices, and a team wildlife management plan exercise.​

The 2025 wildlife management practices and wildlife management plan ecoregion will be Urban. Wildlife identification specimens and exam questions will include the Eastern Deciduous Forest, Urban, and Wetland ecoregions.

Regional Qualifying Event: Saturday, April 12, 2025

Location of Regional Events:

• North: Salmonie Interpretive Center - Andrews, IN
• Central: Vermillion County 4-H Fairgrounds, Cayuga, IN
• South: Southeast Purdue Agricultural Center - Butlerville, IN

WHEP Results

Date of Indiana 4-H/FFA WHEP State Event: Saturday, May 10, 2025

Location of State Event: Wright Center, Martel Forest, West Lafayette

• State Ag Judging Committee Handbook
• Wildlife Habitat Education Program CDE Rules
• Payment/Cancellation/Late Fee/Refund Policy
• 4-H CDE Coach Expectations
• Coach Information Letter

Registration Due Date: Friday, March 28, 2025

Coaches registering a 4-H team/individual must do so using their 4-H Online account. Instructions for registering in 4-H Online. 

Coaches registering a FFA team/individual must do so using their FFA chapter account.

Any adult coaching both 4-H and FFA teams/individuals will need to use both online systems.