More than 250 FFA and 4-H students from across Texas gathered on April 28, 2025, at the Welder Wildlife Center in Sinton to compete in the highly anticipated State Wildlife Recreation Management Career Development Event.
This year’s top individual honors went to William Wright of the Ag Science and Tech Academy Chapter, who earned high point individual in the FFA division. In the 4-H division, Chloe McCarroll of Fort Bend County claimed the top spot.
Wight received a $500 scholarship from the Wildlife Alliance for Youth (WAY), in recognition of his outstanding performance. Additionally, he received a $1,000 scholarship from Ducks Unlimited.
The Ag Science and Tech Academy FFA Chapter took home the top team award in the FFA division with a total score of 369, while Kerr County 4-H Club led the 4-H division with a collective score of 277.
“The state contest is the culmination of regional competitions and showcases the best of Texas youth in wildlife and habitat conservation,” said Terry Blankenship, Chairman of the Wildlife Alliance for Youth. “It’s inspiring to see these students demonstrate such depth of knowledge and passion for the natural world.”
The event brought together the top five teams from each of the twelve FFA areas, as well as the top two 4-H teams from each of the five Texas regions. Students were tested on plant identification, wildlife food preferences, biological facts, habitat evaluation and management, fish and game laws, outdoor safety, and species identification.
According to Molly Christensen, Communications and Outreach Coordinator with the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB), “This annual contest is made possible through the support of the Wildlife Alliance for Youth, a collaboration of state, federal, and private organizations dedicated to educating the next generation of conservation leaders.”
The contest aligns with the Agricultural Science 381 Wildlife and Recreation Management curriculum, as well as Range Management and Ecology (AGSC 382), providing students with practical knowledge and real-world applications.
The Wildlife Alliance for Youth includes the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Ducks Unlimited, Texas 4-H, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas FFA Association, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Welder Wildlife Foundation.
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