Smith County 4-H’ers Compete at Regional Wildlife Judging Contest

Front Row (L to R): Sammy Potapov, Lucas Potapov, Christina Wilson, Peter Chartier, Jake Myers, Titus Chartier ; Middle Row (L to R): Emmy Bibbings, Luke Chartier, Katie Wilson, Evie Wilson, Kylee Allmon, Josie Harville, Tana Harville, Avery O’Brien ; Back Row (L to R): Easton Bibbings, Turner Harville, Owen Meeks, Kyler Yerge

Recently, 17 Smith County 4-H’ers got a little wild at the 2026 Central Region 4-H Wildlife Judging Contest, which was held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. 4-H’ers spent the day at the beautiful Cheatham Lock and Dam Campground in Ashland City, Tennessee, enjoying nature and testing their knowledge.

By participating in 4-H Wildlife Judging, 4-H’ers learn how to identify native species of Tennessee wildlife by appearance, as well as tracks, skulls, pelts, scat, and calls. They also learn best practices for conserving and managing habitat for wildlife while practicing their listening skills, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.

At the Central Region Wildlife Judging contest, 4-H’ers were asked to identify and answer questions about 20 different wildlife species as well as apply the appropriate wildlife management practices for 6 different species based on verbal scenario during an observational hike through the woods.

Our Senior High Team, made up of Easton Bibbings, Emmy Bibbings, Turner Harville, and Owen Meeks, placed 1st in their division and earned a bid to the State 4-H Wildlife Judging Contest in June. Turner was the overall 1st Place High Individual, with Easton placing a close 2nd. Owen was the 4th place individual, and Emmy placed 10th overall. Also competing in the Senior High Division were Tana Harville and Avery O’Brien.

In the Junior High Division, our Smith County Team A, made up of Titus Chartier, Luke Chartier, Josie Harville, and Kyler Yerge, placed 3rd in their division, with Luke placing 8th individually. Our Junior High Team B, made up of Kylee Allmon, Evie Wilson, and Katie Wilson, placed 6th in their division.

The Smith County Junior Team, made up of Peter Chartier, Lucas Potapov, Sammy Potapov, and Jake Myers, placed 5th in their division. Christina Wilson also represented Smith County in the Junior Division.

4-H Wildlife Judging allows 4-H’ers to embrace the great outdoors as a classroom, and we could not be prouder of these 4-H’ers for the way they represented themselves and Smith County!

We hope that by participating in Wildlife Judging through 4-H, our 4-H’ers are more conscious of their environment and practice and rely on these skills throughout their lives as they birdwatch, hunt, fish, enjoy nature, or even go on to pursue careers in the natural resources sector.

Special thanks to volunteer coach and 4-H Alumni Carson Meeks for sharing his time and knowledge with our group this season!

Best of luck to our Senior High team as they prepare for the next level of competition this summer.

For more information about 4-H Wildlife Judging or any other 4-H activities offered in Smith County, please call 615-735-2900 or email rpetty@utk.edu.