Feb. 27, 2014

Fourth annual event celebrates Kansas’ tradition of upland hunting and conservation

WICHITA – Kansas Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever will host its fourth annual state habitat convention March 7-8 at the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita. The two-day event is designed for landowners, conservationists and hunters interested in improving wildlife habitat, and will also celebrate and discuss avenues to enhance the upland hunting tradition in the Sunflower State.

Open to the public, the state meeting is an opportunity for local sportsmen/women and chapters to meet and discuss concerns and opportunities regarding upland wildlife in their area. The habitat-heavy event will also focus on youth, women, and dog enthusiasts within the state.

“We have an outstanding event this year thanks to our volunteers and our partners,” said Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Western Kansas regional representative, Chris Blackledge. “I am greatly looking forward to meeting with individuals from across the state who are ready and willing to help ensure Kansas’ upland hunting heritage.”

Saturday’s keynote speakers include:

Dave Nomsen, vice-president of governmental affairs for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, will discuss issues in Washington D.C. that affect conservation. Additionally, he will update attendees with news about the Federal Farm Bill.

Jake George, private lands coordinator for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism,will be on hand to discuss Walk-In Hunting Access programs that are opening up more great locations to the public each year around the state.

Jim Pitman, small game coordinator for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, will be discussing bag limits and population dynamics for hunting regulations.­

Nadia Marji, associate editor forKansas Wildlife & Parksmagazine, will share her journey of transitioning from a “city girl” to an “accidental huntress” in an effort to engage more women and youth in the outdoors. 

Speakers will also be on hand to discuss the importance of pollinators and insects in increasing upland bird populations, new ways to engage youth through chapter outreach, issues with stocked birds, landowner success stories, managing deer and upland birds at the same time, taxidermy, and management implementation.

All sessions at the Great Plains Nature Center and the Wichita Marriott are open to the public for a price of $65. Ticket price includes Friday’s Pheasants Forever Kansas Hall of Fame Reception, State Habitat Convention Saturday and the Partners in Conservation Banquet Saturday evening.

For more information, contact Chris Blackledge at (620) 767-2121, cblackledge@pheasantsforever.org or visit www.kansaspfqf.org to register.

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