Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program

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Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program

• David Drake
• University of Wisconsin-Madison

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What is WHEP?

• Environmental education for youth (8-19)
• Wildlife and wildlife management
• Contest format

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History of WHEP

• Wildlife Judging Project in early 1980s
• SE Regional contest in 1987
• National contest in 1989
• TWS Conservation Education Award in 1996

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Benefits of WHEP

• Env. education Career guidance
• Critical thinking Communication skills
• Team building Travel
• Educated voters Confidence building
• Gets kids outside Fun

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The Workings of WHEP

• Each State sends
• 4 person team
• 2 coaches
• Ages 14-19

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The Workings of WHEP

• National manual
• Wildlife terms and concepts
• 16 eco-regions
• 87 wildlife species
• 34 wildlife management practices
• Explanation of contest activities
• Glossary

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The New WHEP Contest

Wildlife Identification

• Objective to ID regional wildlife species
• ID all or part of animal
• Individual activity

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The New WHEP Contest
General Wildlife Knowledge

• Objective Demonstrate general wildlife
  knowledge
• Questions may pertain to
• Wildlife foods
• Aerial photos
• Species habitat requirements
• Species ecology
• Wildlife management practices per species
• Individual activity

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The New WHEP Contest

Wildlife Management Practices

• Objective to accurately evaluate a specific
  site and recommend necessary wildlife management
  practices to maximize carrying capacity
• Individual activity

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The New WHEP Contest

Written Wildlife Management Plan

• Objective to develop a written mgt. plan based
  on a specific site and mgt. goals
• Team event

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The New WHEP Contest
Oral Defense of Written
Wildlife Management Plan

• Complements written plan
• All team members participate, but ind. event
• Appear before 2-3 judge panel

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The Future of WHEP

• Expand westward
• Increase sponsorship
• Include FFA participation?