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Wrangler Guide to South Dakota Rangelands

Updated April 08, 2026
Professional portrait of Kaylee Wheeler

Kaylee Wheeler

SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist

South Dakota Rangeland Days began in the mid 1980s as a way to increase knowledge and awareness of rangelands for South Dakota youth. Youth from ages 8 to 18 could come and learn about rangeland plants and the ecosystem they are part of. Youth were split into four different age categories: “New Rangers”, “Wranglers”, “Scouts”, and “Go-getters” based on their age and experience level. Wranglers, the group this guide was developed for, are youth ages 11 to 13 (middle school aged students). While this event was first developed for 4-H and similar youth groups to attend – 4-H membership is not required for this event.