# Choose an Observation or Research Activity

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)

*6. Wildlife Observation & Research*

> **6.** Do ONE of the following:

Requirement 6 asks you to conduct a wildlife observation or research activity — choose the one that fits your available time, interests, and resources:

- **[Req 6a — Observe 25 Species](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/fish-and-wildlife-management/guide/req6a/)**: Get outside and record 25 different species of wild mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, or fish. Document when and where you saw each one. Best for Scouts who enjoy being in the field.
- **[Req 6b — Classify State Species](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/fish-and-wildlife-management/guide/req6b/)**: Research which wildlife species in your state are classified as endangered, threatened, exotic, non-native, game species, furbearers, or migratory game birds. Discuss management practices for at least three. Excellent if you're research-oriented and want to understand how wildlife law and classification work.
- **[Req 6c — Wildlife Scrapbook](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/fish-and-wildlife-management/guide/req6c/)**: Build a structured reference collection — at least 5 articles each on mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish — with photos, organized alphabetically by species. Good for Scouts who learn by reading and collecting information.

## How to Choose

> **Tip**
>
> If you completed Req 5a (nest boxes) or 5b (bird feeders), you already have records from weeks of wildlife observation — a head start on Req 6a. If you're more interested in policy and science than field time, Req 6b lets you explore how wildlife law works in your state. If you like organizing and researching, Req 6c gives you a long-term reference you'll actually use.

Select your option below and follow that page for complete guidance.

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- Previous: [Wildlife Blind](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/fish-and-wildlife-management/guide/req5d/index.md)
- Next: [Observe 25 Species](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/fish-and-wildlife-management/guide/req6a/index.md)