What the WHEP State Contest Is
The Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) state contest tests Arkansas 4-H teams on identifying wildlife and managing habitat. Contestants work outdoors, rain or shine, at the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 110 University Court, Monticello, AR 71656. The most recent edition was Friday, April 24, 2026; the contest is typically held the last Friday in April. Wildlife identification covers species of the Eastern Deciduous Forest ecoregion plus Urban and Wetland ecoregions.
Divisions and Teams
| Division | Who |
|---|---|
| Cloverbud | Siblings may take part in a mock wildlife ID station with county approval |
| Junior (Intermediate/Junior) | Ages 8-13 combined |
| Senior | Senior 4-H students |
Teams have 3 or 4 members from the same county. With four members, the lowest score is dropped. A student without a team may be placed on a mixed-county team, though that is not always possible. Scored events cover wildlife identification and habitat management, following the national WHEP invitational handbook.
How It Works: The Contest Day
- 9:00 a.m.: sign-in opens. There are no walk-up registrations.
- 9:30 a.m.: Junior and Senior contests begin.
- 12:00 p.m.: the Junior contest ends and lunch is provided for contestants.
- About 2:30 p.m.: the Senior contest ends.
- About 3:30 p.m.: awards ceremony.
Key Dates and Fees
- Enrollment deadline: April 1, 2026, through the online sign-up.
- $10 per student contestant; $5 per adult or non-contestant.
- Contestants, volunteers, county staff, parents and other non-contestants must register in advance.
- Adults and non-contestants may bring a sack lunch or buy the facility lunch at sign-in. Campus options include the UAM dining hall ($10.71), Chick-fil-A and Boll Weevil Bistro.
Rules and What to Bring
- Bring an unmarked clipboard and pencils with erasers; sharpeners are not provided.
- Electronics are not allowed, including phones, calculators and computer watches.
- Dress for the weather with close-toed shoes; sunscreen, a hat, rain gear and insect repellent are suggested.
- This is not a drop-off event. Parents must supervise their youth or arrange a responsible adult to do so after contest activities.
Awards and What You Get
First through fifth place are recognized for individuals and teams in both the Junior and Senior divisions, and Cloverbuds are typically recognized at the ceremony. The winning Senior team is eligible to represent Arkansas at the national WHEP Invitational.
Questions
Can I register on contest morning?
No. Advance registration is required and there are no walk-up registrations.
What if it rains?
The contest is held rain or shine, outdoors.
Who do I call?
The Arkansas 4-H state office in Little Rock lists 501-671-2000, and your county Extension office can help with team questions.
Official Links
- WHEP State Contest: schedule, rules and fees
- Online registration
University of Arkansas Extension: The Essentials
The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and has a physical office in each of Arkansas's 75 counties, per the Extension "About" page.
What it offers
Four program areas: 4-H and youth development, agriculture and natural resources, community, professional and economic development, and family and consumer sciences. Farmers get help with crop pests, soil testing, livestock and marketing, and homeowners with lawns, water quality and timber.
4-H
New members can join at any time at no cost, and returning members re-enroll September 1 through December 31, per the Division of Agriculture. The county 4-H agent matches each child to a club.
Next steps
Find your county office at uaex.uada.edu/counties, or call the state office at 501-671-2000 or toll-free 888-884-5565.
Read the full guide: University of Arkansas Extension: County Offices, 4-H and Help for Producers
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- UAM Weevil Stampede Collegiate Rodeo
Three-night collegiate rodeo hosted by the UAM rodeo team off Highway 425 South in Monticello, with 7 p.m. performances; the most recent dates were October 1-3, 2026.
- Arkansas Pecan Festival
Pecan festival on Main Street in Keo, scheduled for December 5, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Main Street, Keo, AR 72083 Official event details - Arkansas Rice Festival
Rice-themed festival in downtown Weiner, scheduled for October 9, 2027.
Weiner, AR Official event details - Arkansas Farm Bureau Annual Convention
Held each year; the most recent dates were December 3-5, 2025 (91st convention). Includes a public trade show with 180+ vendors, a farmers market, workshops and elections of state leaders.
- Four States Agricultural Expo
Annual research and best-practices expo for area growers, held at the Four States Fair and Rodeo grounds in Texarkana; the most recent date was February 12, 2026.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.