Sevier County Kids Go to Regional Wildlife Judging Competition

Sevier County 4-H Wildlife Judging Team Members recently brought home honors in the Eastern Regional 4-H Wildlife Judging Team Competition held at the University of Tennessee Holston Research Farm in Knoxville.

Sevier County teams placed fifth in the Junior High Division and sixth in the Senior High Division. Overall, ten Sevier County 4-H members participated in the Regional event.

At the Senior Level, Sevier County was represented by Rachel Jenkins of Pigeon Forge High School; Daniel Powers of Sevier County High School; and Olivia Browning, Justin Conner and Nate Sams of the Homeschool Club. Nate Sams placed 8th high in the individual contest.

The Junior High Team included team members Keeara Barbee, William Barbee, Anthony Jose and Colin Tillman – Homeschool and Claire Jenkins of Pigeon Forge Middle. As individuals, William Barbee placed 8th high overall.

In wildlife judging, 4-H members learn the fundamentals of wildlife and fisheries science and management. This includes managing land, water and populations of common wildlife species and making recommendations for on-site wildlife practices for landowners. Wildlife judging gives young people the opportunity to develop their decision-making skills, while learning to identify common wildlife species in Tennessee.

The University of Tennessee Extension offers educational opportunities like these to anyone in Sevier County regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion or veteran status and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Photo: 4-H Wildlife Judging Team Members (front row, from left) Daniel Powers, Anthony Jose, Collin Tillman, Keeara Barbee, Claire Jenkins, Olivia Browning, Rachel Jenkins. (back row) William Barbee, Nate Sams, Justin Conner