East Knox FFA recently competed in the State Wildlife Management Career Development event on April 2 at Hocking College in Nelsonville, where it placed eighth out of a field of teams from across Ohio.
The team consisted of Andrew Poff, Hayden Baker, Dylan Springer, Hailey Frazee, Alexandria Magers, Braylon Evans and Molly Totten. The top four scores from each FFA chapter make up the team score for the final state placing. Individually, Poff finished 21st, Baker placed 49th, Springer finished 56th, Frazee placed 61st, and Magers was 70th out of 178 competitors.
In the event, contestants had to identify 100 specimens of mammals, game birds, fish, food and cover plants, reptiles and amphibians, and equipment. They also had to complete three practicums and take a general information test on wildlife management. The practicums consisted of reading and interpreting topographical maps, controlling nuisance animals, and aging and sexing wildlife. Team members also completed a 50-question test over wildlife management.
The purpose of the event is to promote instruction in the areas of fish and wildlife management, as well as to provide recognition for those who have demonstrated skills and competencies as a result of natural resources instruction. The top 10 teams and top 10 individuals in the state receive awards.
This is the fourth year in a row that East Knox FFA has placed in the state top 10 in the Wildlife Management Career Development event and the 10th time overall. The team will receive a plaque for the state top 10 placing.
