National Volunteer of the Year Finalist: Maverick Fisher Fisher helps restore quail habitat in Southern Illinois.

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, including the new quail-oriented attractions to highlight Quail Forever’s 20th anniversary celebration. Listen here: https://bit.ly/41jyClm or wherever you download your podcasts. #quailforever #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/3CWq8bN

Quail Fact Friday 💡 As sub-zero temperatures swept across many areas of the country this week, you might wonder – how do bobwhites survive? The answer: quality winter habitat. Bobwhites can endure very cold temperatures, but only if they have good winter habitat. In winter, bobwhites rely on dense native grasses for roosting, thickets for loafing and predator protection, and nearby food sources to fuel their energy needs – which increase by 25% in extreme cold. But winter is unforgiving. Freezing rain, deep snow, and prolonged cold snaps can be deadly, especially if food is buried or scarce. That’s why strong winter habitat is critical for bobwhites. This time of year is a true test of quality wildlife habitat. 📷: Judene Gardner #quailforever #quail #quailfactfriday

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 at https://bit.ly/4b9DRIA or wherever you download podcasts.

We want your story! Quail Forever Journal is searching for stories where the uplands meet the road-less-traveled. Whether it’s chasing quail in a unique location, an adventure for a lesser-known game bird, or a once-in-a-lifetime hunting experience, we’re looking for stories that capture the wild, the unexpected, and the unforgettable. Share your tale and inspire fellow upland hunters! Check out past issues of QFJ for inspiration, then submit your “Upland Horizons” story (500-1,500 words) to editor Ryan Sparks at rsparks@quailforever.org.

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