Quail Fact Friday!💡 Did you know bobwhite quail are an indicator species? Indicator species are a gauge for the quality and health of an ecosystem. For example, a decline in the population of an indicator species can signal environmental degradation or habitat destruction while a thriving population indicates a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Indicator species are essential tools in conservation efforts, as they provide insight into the broader health of an ecosystem. For this reason, bobwhite quail are also an “umbrella” species, meaning that improving their habitat can also benefit other species like turkeys, whitetail deer, songbirds, and pollinators. #quailforever #quail #bobwhitequail #quailfactfriday

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) today announced the future expansion of recreational opportunities, including hunting, at a number of National Wildlife Refuges across the country. The announcement provides consumptive users across the nation with thousands of acres of new access, including opportunities for upland hunting. The announcement proposes 53 new distinct hunting and sport fishing opportunities on 12 refuges — totaling approximately 211,000 acres. The refuges are located in Kentucky, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Get the full details at the link below. https://quailforever.org/Newsroom/2024-August/U-S-Fish-and-Wildlife-Service-Expands-Hunting-Opportunities-on-National-Wildlife-Refuges.aspx

Last call for the Birds and Bucks on-line auction, time is of the essence if you’re hoping to claim the prize of your dreams. Auction end tonight at 8PM CST, go place your bids! Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have secured some amazing hunts and experiences and they could be yours. Chances to win a nonresident Iowa deer tag or a new Polaris Sportsman 570 don’t come around very often and your time to act is limited! Head to the link below to place your bid now and win big for conservation! https://pheasantsforeverquailforever.uplandfundraising.org/birdsandbucks24/Campaign/Details

On The Wing Podcast Ep. 275: Marilyn Vetter Recaps First Year as President & CEO and Unveils New Strategic Plan, is live. Listen now at the link below, or wherever you get your podcasts. https://bit.ly/46sDMNT Host Bob St.Pierre is joined by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever President & Chief Executive Officer Marilyn Vetter for a conversation in which she reflects on her first year in the organization’s top leadership role. The pair also detail the vision, mission, values, and four strategic priorities comprising the organization’s new strategic plan themed “Building Forever.” Episode Highlights: St.Pierre asks Vetter to share stories from her first year as “The Habitat Organization’s” leader; including the significant moments, times of frustration, best advice received, and favorite hunt. Despite the organization already having a strategic plan in place, Vetter explains her philosophy behind initiating a revitalized strategic plan with a larger collection of PF & QF employee executives focused on the following quote from business leader and inspirational speaker Simon Sinek, “If a movement is to have an impact, it must belong to those who join it not just those who lead it.” Vetter goes on to explain why the organization’s wildlife habitat mission isn’t changing, but how increasing a reliance on science-based decision-making and improving accountability sharpened the organization’s focus on four strategic priorities, which include: a. Increase & improve wildlife HABITAT on public and private lands b. Advance conservation POLICIES and program funding c. Expand public ACCESS to upland wildlife habitat d. Expand, educate and engage the upland conservation COMMUNITY

Entering a new fiscal year, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s National Board of Directors officially voted to instate new officers at the beginning of July including passionate conservationists and avid upland hunters Jerrod Burke (chairman), Dan Forster (vice chair), Brett Reber (treasurer), and Keith Schopp (secretary). The foursome brings a combined 23 years of PF & QF National Board experience to their new roles, helping guide a 16-member council which meets quarterly and oversees the operations of The Habitat Organization. “We are thrilled to have a new slate of dedicated officers helping guide the operations of the nation’s largest and most trusted upland conservation group,” said Marilyn Vetter, president and CEO of Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever. “Jerrod, Dan, Brett, and Keith embody the strengths of PF & QF and our volunteers throughout the pheasant and quail ranges. Their backgrounds as landowners, farmers, biologists, and most of all, downright advocates for our habitat conservation mission, ensure the success of The Habitat Organization.” Learn more at the link below https://quailforever.org/BlogLanding/Blogs/Quail-Forever/New-Officers-Instated-for-Pheasants-Forever-and-Quail-Forever’s-National-Board-of-Directors.aspx

Quail Fact Friday!💡 Bobwhite quail are born to die! … well, sorta. Biologists call bobwhites “r-selected species,” meaning they experience high annual mortality rates. Bobwhites counterbalance this high mortality with prolific reproduction, known as fecundity. Factors like habitat quality, weather conditions, nest predator populations, and hunting pressure can influence their survival rates, with mortality sometimes reaching 70 to 80% annually. This is why bobwhites can seem sparse one year and bounce back the next. By ensuring high-quality habitat year-round, we can significantly reduce predation on bobwhites and support their population. Let’s work together to create habitat where bobwhites can thrive! #quailforever #quail #bobwhitequail #quailfactfriday

Helping to expand the upland conservation community, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are proud to announce new team member Karl Binns! In his role as community and inclusion program manager, Karl will work in collaboration with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and the organization’s employee team, volunteers, members, supporters, and future conservationists to attract a broader audience into upland wildlife conservation. He’s a proven leader with a seasoned résumé in agriculture and conservation including previous experience serving companies like Cargill, Merck Animal Health, and others. Learn more about Karl, and his new position at the link below. https://bit.ly/4foekgP

The Upland Newsroom, where we cover all things upland, Pheasants Forever, and Quail Forever. Here’s the latest from this past month. Topics discussed: - CDC regulations for importing a dog into the United States - Pheasant Nesting and Brooding Report - Quail Nesting and Brooding Report - New products and products for the summer Update: Since the time this was filmed, the CDC has made a change in the dog import regulations that go into effect on Aug 1st. You no longer need physical proof of rabies vaccine when coming into the US from countries that are considered rabies-free or low-risk in the past 6 months, the only new document you now need is verification of completion of completion of a CDC Dog Import Form online.