I didn't grow up on a farm, but anyone who is raised in a small town across North Dakota is likely influenced by those who have toiled in the soil for a few years or even generations.

While I was not technically a farm kid, that didn't deter me from taking an active roll in the Future Farmers of America.

We always joked that FFA was about more than just “cows and plows.” Living in a rural community, the FFA experience was a building block for understanding the matrix involving the land and our local rural economy. I eventually put my FFA efforts into wildlife management, which to this day sometimes raises the question of "where does wildlife management fit into FFA?"

The short answer is that FFA includes many areas that might not be considered “mainstream” farming. Indeed, the crossover between wildlife and farming is evident everywhere and very visible in the FFA where wildlife management remains a popular activity for past and current FFA participants.

The Game and Fish Department understands this and is an active supporter of the FFA, sponsoring a Wildlife Production and Management Proficiency Award for the better part of a decade. This award recognizes a commitment to the practices and fundamentals of wildlife management.

Wildlife Production and Management Proficiency projects strive to improve the availability of fish and wildlife through practices such as land and water habitat improvement, development of new land and water habitat, trapping, or working for various natural resource agencies.

Participants include not only those members with an interest in pursuing a wildlife management, but also FFA members with a commitment to understanding the foundation of wildlife within the farming and ranching community. Students track and document their efforts over the course of years. The winners in each of the eight FFA districts then competes on a statewide level against similar wildlife projects, with input from other FFA staff and even Game and Fish personnel The North Dakota winner then competes against other state winners in a national event.

In developing a project, FFA members not only gain a better understanding of the role of healthy wildlife habitat and how it can benefit farming and ranching practices. Depending on the area of focus, students can learn on the job, working for an agency such as the Game and Fish Department in a seasonal role, or within the parameters of their own project. I documented time hand-planting trees on my dad's land, and helping with an assortment of habitat and enhancement projects within our local wildlife club.
Last year, Brandon Koenig of Carrington received the state award for his work as a summer temporary with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge in Stutsman County, learning the ropes and getting a taste of a career in the wildlife management field. He returned again this year and continues to put his knowledge, skills and abilities from FFA into the wildlife management field.

This year, Teah Frye of Watford City won the competition for her efforts to improve local pheasant populations and habitat near Watford City in McKenzie County. For her efforts Teah received a cash prize, plaque and will be considered as the North Dakota's entry for the national competition.

FFA is not the only rural-based youth leadership organization that involves outdoors-related activities. 4-H has served decades of students and since 2001 has included a growing shooting sports program, which involves training and competitions for rifle, archery, pistol, shotgun and blackpowder in 37 North Dakota counties.

Living in rural areas, whether as a farmer or rancher or simply a homeowner, means interacting with wildlife. Conflicts occasionally arise, but most rural residents enjoy waking up to see a deer wandering across the back yard, or hearing a rooster pheasant crowing.
As students gear up for another school year, if they've an interest shooting sports, wildlife management or both, check out the local 4-H or FFA chapter. They both offer opportunities to develop a stronger appreciation for our wildlife resources and outdoor recreation. It worked for me.

Leier is a biologist for the Game and Fish Department. He can be reached by email: dleier@nd.gov