One of the important aspects of the program for the youth is recordkeeping. They document everything they do in the program. They record field notes, take pictures and sometimes videos, and submit a report of their project in February. These reports are judged on the county level, and those winners go on to state competition. Participants are also encouraged to share the knowledge gained in their project through talks to groups such as youth groups and civic clubs, and through media articles and programs.
Outstanding awards are available to county and state winners.
Plaques, savings bonds, Ducks Unlimited artwork, shotguns, and trips to waterfowl management areas in North Dakota have been some of the awards presented in past years. Matthew Stark, Amanda McGaughey, and Stephanie Stark of Jackson County have been among these award winners. Managing Rice for Ducks benefits a lot of people. Youth benefit by learning about postharvest rice management, providing wildlife habitat, working with farmers, recordkeeping, and extending information to others. Farmers benefit from farming practices that support waterfowl along with other conservation and agronomic principles, and from educating youth about farming practices.