DATE: 3/8/06

CONTACT: Rick Willey, (864) 656-3090; rwlly@clemson.edu

WRITER: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741; spalmer@clemson.edu

Wildlife Food Plot Contest accepting entries for 2006

CLEMSON -- 4-H FACE for Wildlife Project is now accepting entries for 2006 for youths 5-19 years old.

“Interested youths should contact their local Clemson Extension Service 4-H coordinator by April 1,” said Rick Willey, Clemson Extension 4-H natural resource specialist and 4-H FACE coordinator.

The FACE (Food and Cover Establishment) for Wildlife program works through 4-H clubs to educate youngsters in wildlife habitat needs and encourages the planting of wildlife food plots.

The project is sponsored by the Clemson Extension Service, S.C. Quail Unlimited and S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The program is beginning its 26th year.

All food plots must be planted by June 15. Junior contestants, 9-13 years old, and senior contestants, 14-19 years old, must complete a record book in order to compete for scholarships and cash awards. Cloverbuds, 5-8 years old, only have to complete a short record sheet to receive a recognition certificate and ribbon.

Seed packets containing an annual seed mixture are furnished free of charge to participating 4-H members by the DNR. Clemson Extension 4-H coordinators are responsible for conducting sign-ups of interested youth and offering help and guidance to participants. S.C. Quail Unlimited and local Quail Unlimited chapters provide cash awards and trophies for junior and senior age division winners. In addition, the South Carolina 4-H Program awards a choice between a $500 academic scholarship or a trip to 4-H National Congress for the senior state winner.

Participants need only have an interest in wildlife and a willingness to devote some of their spare time to wildlife habitat enhancement to take part in the program, according to Willey.

“This is an excellent opportunity for youths to participate in hands-on wildlife management, learn more about wildlife, and benefit wildlife populations all at the same time,” said Jay Butfiloski, DNR wildlife biologist.

Each contestant is encouraged to keep detailed records on site preparation, fertilization, wildlife sightings and other observations.

“The contest is designed so 4-H members may enter no matter where they live,” Butfiloski said. “Participants don’t have to live on a farm or even in a rural area. Food plots can be planted on the farm of a relative or a friend, in a vacant lot or wherever landowner permission can be obtained.”

Assistance is available in finding places to plant food plots by contacting the local Clemson Extension Service office or the DNR Small Game Project. Individual food plots need only be one-quarter to one-eighth of an acre in size.

For more information, contact Willey at (864) 656-3090 or email at rwlly@clemson.edu or by visiting the web site at http://www.clemson.edu/4H/programs/agnatres/face.htm.

Youths who are not currently members of 4-H and are interested in the FACE program will automatically become 4-H members through their participation in 4-H FACE.

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