# Choose a Hands-On Project

Part of the Fish and Wildlife Management Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/fish-and-wildlife-management/guide/index.md)

*5. Hands-On Field Projects*

> **5.** Do ONE of the following:

Requirement 5 asks you to complete one of four hands-on field projects. These aren't just activities — they're real wildlife management and observation techniques used by professionals. Choose the option that fits your situation, interests, and the wildlife in your area:

- **[Req 5a — Nest Boxes](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/fish-and-wildlife-management/guide/req5a/)**: Build, install, and monitor at least two nest boxes (wood duck, bluebird, squirrel, etc.) for one nesting season. Best if you have access to open country, woodland edges, or a wetland.
- **[Req 5b — Bird Feeders](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/fish-and-wildlife-management/guide/req5b/)**: Build and install bird feeders, then keep a daily written record of visiting birds for two weeks. Works well in any backyard, urban or rural.
- **[Req 5c — Habitat Improvement Project](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/fish-and-wildlife-management/guide/req5c/)**: Design and carry out a real-world habitat improvement — either a fishery project or a backyard/community wildlife habitat. Highly flexible; great for Scouts who want to make a lasting impact.
- **[Req 5d — Wildlife Blind](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/fish-and-wildlife-management/guide/req5d/)**: Build a blind near a wildlife attractant (water, game trail, feeder) and photograph or sketch at least 10 different wild species from it. Perfect for Scouts interested in wildlife photography or nature journaling.

## How to Choose

**Choosing Your Project** — Ask yourself these questions

- [ ] **Time available**: 5a (nest boxes) requires at least one full nesting season — several months. 5b (feeders) takes two weeks of daily observation. 5c (habitat project) varies with your plan. 5d (blind) needs repeated visits until you've documented 10 species.
- [ ] **Location**: Do you have access to a wetland or woodland edge for nest boxes? A backyard for feeders? Land that could use habitat improvement? A spot with regular wildlife activity for a blind?
- [ ] **Season**: Nest boxes should go up before breeding season begins (late winter/early spring). Feeders work year-round but attract more species in winter and migration. Habitat projects can start anytime. Blinds are most productive near dawn and dusk.
- [ ] **Resources**: Nest boxes and blinds require some carpentry materials. Feeders require seed. Habitat projects may need native plant purchases or materials.
- [ ] **Interest**: Which option genuinely excites you? You'll learn more — and produce a better result — if you're curious about what you're doing.

> **Tip**
>
> All four options require **written records**. Whatever you choose, start documenting from day one — dates, times, observations, sketches, and photos. Your counselor wants to see evidence that you actually did the project, not just a verbal description of what happened.

Select your option and head to that page for detailed guidance.

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- Previous: [Five Management Practices](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/fish-and-wildlife-management/guide/req4/index.md)
- Next: [Nest Boxes](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/fish-and-wildlife-management/guide/req5a/index.md)