"Our number one mission has been, and always will be, the protection and improvement of upland bird habitat. But that work reverberates far beyond the bird itself. In top upland states across the country, access initiatives are providing a vital boost to rural economies, while simultaneously protecting top notch pheasant and quail habitat." Click on the link below to read "Walk-in Access Means a Win-Win for Everyone" and how public hunting access brings more birds, hunters and dollars to rural communities. https://pheasantsforever.org/Walk-in-Access

Pheasants Forever chapters deliver habitat wins while building community. Volunteerism drives the Pheasants Forever mission, and chapters serve as the core of that function. Following are six classic stories from the dozens of chapters doing important habitat work during Hands-On Habitat events this year. Read more and keep an eye out for more Hands-On Habitat information coming soon: https://bit.ly/3Xo6ZpV

National Volunteer of the Year Finalist: Stuart Anderson Anderson is a longtime member who helps spearhead conservation in Nebraska. https://bit.ly/3F7LHGM

Catch this week’s edition of On the Wing podcast for a preview of National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic coming up March 6-9 in Kansas City. During the conversation, the group shares stories of favorite moments from past events and provides a rundown of the weekend’s attractions and exhibitors. Listen here: https://bit.ly/4bjDcoc or wherever you download your podcasts. #pheasantsforever #onthewingpodcast #pheasantfest #quailclassic

State hunting access programs go by many names, but one common thread is that VPA-HIP makes much of that access possible. Yesterday, bipartisan legislation was introduced to increase funding for this critical program in the next farm bill. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4bfS4Uq

Pheasant Fact Friday 💡 A pheasant's typical winter day — The pheasant will spend its nights in grassy cover or wetlands. About 30 minutes before sunrise, he and his rooster friends move out to feed in harvested grain fields or, better yet, unharvested food plots. Pheasants prefer to feed in areas within 300 yards of the loafing cover, but will venture longer distances to find food. Longer trips require more energy. The pheasant will make numerous trips between the shrub and food cover all day. He will use the solar properties of good loafing cover to bask in the sun, avoid predators and moderate his energy. His last feeding trip may last up to a hour after sunset, as he prepares for the long 16-hour night. #pheasantsforever #pheasants #pheasantfactfriday

Thanks to Forbes and Sporting Classics TV for highlighting Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic. The biggest upland gathering in the country is almost here, see you in Kansas City!

ICYMI: Last week, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Pheasants Forever, and Quail Forever came together to launch “The Truth About Conservation.” This public awareness campaign is the vision of renowned outdoorsman and conservationist Will Primos. Listen to Primos explain this vision and his one-of-a-kind, custom Purdey shotgun collection serving as the inspiration behind this fundraising collaboration for wildlife habitat conservation on episode #299 of On the Wing podcast with host Bob St.Pierre. Listen here https://bit.ly/41nTUzm or wherever you download podcasts. #pheasantsforever #onthewingpodcast

Banquet season is heating up across pheasant country, and you're invited! Get your bids ready and find a local chapter event near you at the link below! https://events.pheasantsforever.org/events

Pheasant Fact Friday 💡 With the strong winds, snow and cold temperatures of January and February, the big, strong, bold and independent rooster must use all his cunning and resources to ensure survival. But while struggling one day to the next, he already has his eye on spring — and mating season. By mid-February his testes begin enlarging, and motile sperm can be found in all parts of his reproductive system. Growth of the testes is slower and begins one month earlier than growth of the hen's ovary. Come Valentine’s Day, spring is right around the corner! #pheasantsforever #pheasants #pheasantfactfriday

The Bird Dog Parade is the grand opening of the nation’s largest upland hunting event, and displays the incredible diversity of sporting dog breeds. We are still looking for a handful of breeds to help us fill out our roster of bird dogs for the parade, including: Airedale Terrier, American Cocker Spaniel, American Water Spaniel, Bracco Italiano, Braque, D’Auvergne, Braque du Bourbonnais, Deutsch Kurzhaar, Golden Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Portuguese Pointer, Standard Poodle, Spinone Italiano, Blue Picardy Spaniel, Braque Francais, Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Curly Coated Retriever and Irish Setter. Head to the link below for more information on the Bird Dog Parade, sponsored by Purina Pro Plan and Travel South Dakota, or to help fill one of these breed slots by getting your dog registered. Time is running out for parade entries, registration closes on Monday, February 17th. https://bit.ly/3X2kw6t

What’s your longest tailfeather? On this week’s episode of On the Wing podcast, PF Journal Editor Tom Carpenter tells the story of bagging this rooster with a 27 5/8” tailfeather. Click the link below or find our On The Wing podcast on any of your favorite podcast streaming platforms to listen today. https://bit.ly/4jUhvPk The On The Wing Podcast is proudly fueled by Purina Pro Plan.