What the Natural Resources Contest Is
The Natural Resources Contest is an individual knowledge contest at Oklahoma State 4-H Roundup. Contestants study wildlife and are tested on what they know. In the current guidelines the focus is Oklahoma mammals, and the questions combine identification, true/false, matching, fill-in-the-blank and multiple choice. Pictures or physical examples used in the contest may look different from the ones in the study resources, so a contestant needs to know the animal, not just one photo of it.
The 2026 contest was held Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in room 288 of Agricultural Hall on the Oklahoma State University campus in Stillwater. The next date has not been announced.
Who Can Enter
The contest is one of the Thursday competitive events at State 4-H Roundup. To attend Roundup a 4-H member must have completed 7th grade, be at least 12 years old by June 15 of the year, and have an active status in ZSuites. The contestant competes as an individual, not on a team, and picks one competitive event for Thursday. Anyone who does not choose a competitive event attends workshops instead, ranking five workshop choices, with no guarantee of a first pick.
How to Enter
- Complete the Roundup Registration Form and select the Natural Resources Contest as your Thursday competitive event.
- Return the form to your county Extension office on or before the county's due date.
- Pre-registration is required for all workshops and competitive events.
- The registration fee includes a Roundup T-shirt in adult sizes.
- Anyone with food allergies or sensitivities must complete the University Dining Services form and return it with registration.
How the Contest Works
- StudyUse the posted resources and your county 4-H educator's study guide.
- RegisterSelect the contest on the Roundup form through your county Extension office.
- Check in for RoundupEarly registration is Tuesday, July 21, 4 to 6 p.m., and regular registration is Wednesday, July 22, 9 to 10:30 a.m., both in the University Commons West Lobby. Day registration only is available on Thursday, July 23.
- CompeteBe at room 288, Agricultural Hall, for the 1:30 p.m. start on Thursday.
What to Study
- 4-H Wildlife Science, Levels 1 to 3. Only chapters 1 and 2 of the Level 1 and Level 2 manuals are required. Check with your county educator before buying from shop4-h.org, since the county may already have access.
- The Oklahoma Field Guide. Learn the mammal section produced by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
- Bats of Oklahoma Field Guide page. Only bat species listed in the field guide's mammal menu are included.
- Other species of interest are listed on the contest page.
Roundup in Brief
State 4-H Roundup, July 21-24, 2026, centers on the OSU campus, with County Night Out on Tuesday and the full Roundup running July 22-24. Delegates also take part in workshops, spirit contests and other competitive events, and other Thursday contests that day began at 1:30 p.m. across campus, including Cloverbowl, Fashion Review, Job Readiness and Livestock Quizbowl. Because a delegate picks only one Thursday event, a member who wants Natural Resources gives up the other 1:30 p.m. contests.
Where
288 Agricultural Hall, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. Registration is in the University Commons West Lobby. Anyone needing disability accommodations should contact the Roundup organizers at least two weeks before the event.
Questions
Is this a team contest?
No. Contestants compete as individuals.
Do I have to buy the whole wildlife series?
No. Only chapters 1 and 2 of the Level 1 and 2 manuals are needed, and your county educator may already have copies.
Can I enter this and another Thursday contest?
No. Roundup asks each delegate to choose one Thursday competitive event.
Who do I ask for details?
Your county 4-H educator at the county Extension office.
Official Links
- Natural Resources Contest: contest format and study resources
- Tentative Roundup agenda: 2026 time, room and registration hours
- 2026 Roundup youth registration: eligibility, event choices and forms
- Natural Resources guidelines: question types and wildlife resources
Oklahoma 4-H Roundup and County 4-H Events: The Essentials
Oklahoma 4-H events run from local clubs and county fairs up to district and state levels. Traditional membership is open to youth ages 5 to 19 as of January 1, and Cloverbuds ages 5 to 8 are noncompetitive.
State 4-H Roundup
Roundup is held on the Oklahoma State University campus in Stillwater. The 2026 schedule runs July 21-24 and includes contests such as Tractor, Food Showdown, Cloverbowl, Fashion Review, Livestock Quizbowl and 4-H Has Talent, plus workshops and an Honor Night. For 2025 the page said youth must have completed the 7th grade by July 1.
County events
Counties set their own calendars. Ottawa County, for example, lists a county fair in August, day camps in June and July, and March contests in public speaking, photography, design and food. Ask your county Extension office for dates, costs and deadlines.
Learn more
See the State 4-H Roundup agenda or call the State 4-H Office at (405) 744-5394.
Read the full guide: Oklahoma 4-H Roundup and County 4-H Events: A Guide for Families
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- OCA Steer Carcass Challenge
Feedout and carcass contest from the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation and Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen's Association: steers delivered Nov. 13, 2026 in Stillwater are fed out, harvested April-June 2027 and scored on feedyard performance and carcass merit.
- OSU Winter Crop School
Three-day Oklahoma State University winter crop school for producers, held in Stillwater.
Stillwater, OK | Organizer: Oklahoma State University Official event details - Payne County Junior Livestock Show
2026 show days Feb 21-25 with the Premium Sale on Feb 26 at the Payne County Expo Center. The 2025 show ran Feb 22-27, so it recurs annually.
4518 Expo Circle E, Stillwater, OK 74075 | Organizer: Payne County OSU Extension Official event details - Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen Summer Preview Show
OJCA junior beef cattle show held at the Payne County Expo Center, hosted by the Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen Association board of directors.
- Oklahoma State 4-H Horse Show
Statewide 4-H horse show using the Green Arena and White Arena, held July 9-11, 2026;.
Stillwater, OK Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.