“Scissortails are among the first summer migrants to return to the plains. Their breathtaking skyborne antics bring more joy to me with each passing spring as I feel the tug of warming earth, lingering daylight, and thoughts of long, restless walks on a prairie I have all to myself. Just the birds, the sky, and my own thoughts. And, of course, the music. Because a springtime walk on the prairie is an aural wonder, a concert that requires only the purchase of time and appreciation and memory. Each song that reaches my ear takes me somewhere, as all good music does. this summer, as dreams of autumn still crowd your head, try taking a long lonely, listening walk across your favorite part of the uplands; free of dog, training pistol, or agenda. Hear what the land is saying in its music. If you let it, it’ll teach you a song.” Read the full article "For the Love of Quail: The Music of the Uplands" by QF Journal Editor Chad Love, at the 🔗 link below.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas A. Harris to its National Board of Directors. Harris, the founder of Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association and an ardent quail conservationist, joins the 16-member board which meets quarterly and oversees the operations of Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever. “I’m excited to welcome Thomas Harris to our National Board of Directors and look forward to his contributions to grow our mission impact throughout America’s pheasant and quail range,” said Marilyn Vetter, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s president and CEO. “Thomas brings many years of business expertise to his new role, as well as a personal passion for conserving bobwhite quail in his home state of Alabama. A bird dog owner and upland hunter at heart, he shares many of the same values as our membership and is ready to help propel the organization to new heights.” 🔗 Link below to learn more about Thomas and his new role. https://quailforever.org/getdoc/2f2df1c4-72be-4f48-99da-7b2f62f473f5/Pheasants-Forever-and-Quail-Forever-Appoint-Thomas.aspx Alabama Black Belt Adventures Quail Forever in Alabama

"I was so driven to attend the adult Learn to Hunt program organized by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR). They partnered with Quail Forever and the Minority Outdoor Alliance (MOA) to organize a weekend full of learning, shooting, hunting, and wild game cooking. This unique partnership brought together passionate professionals inspired to share the special tradition that is quail hunting. Ashley and Durrell Smith founded MOA to bring unity and opportunity to the outdoors, and their successful journey led Durrell to a classroom with 8 adults who have never quail hunted. Durrell walked us through the North American conservation model, highlighted upland hunting etiquette and firearm safety, reviewed rules and regulations, and then focused on what it means to be an ethical hunter. What I remember most is the joy shared between the local game warden and Durrell as they re-lived moments in the field. I started to get the sense that hunting is more than taking an animal." Read the full story "Empty Shells and Full Hearts: A South Carolina Quail Adventure" by Maggie O'Neil, at the 🔗 link below. https://quailforever.org/BlogLanding/Blogs/Quail-Forever/Empty-Shells-Full-Hearts.aspx

Back by popular demand, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are proud to announce the second annual Hands-On Habitat initiative, but this time we're taking over a whole MONTH. If you ever wanted to get your hands dirty while helping with a local habitat project, here’s your chance. Local chapters and employees across the country are hosting workdays during the month of June that feature critical upland habitat projects that will make a positive impact in their communities – and they need your help! No experience is necessary, simply find a project near you, register for the event, and show up with a willingness to learn and have fun with other passionate upland conservationists, hunters, and bird dog lovers. Find a local project, share this opportunity with your friends and family, and register to help today at the 🔗 link below! https://pheasantsforever.org/handsonhabitat

Here we GROW again! Career opportunities in wildlife habitat conservation: * AZ Strip Partner Wildlife Ecologist - St. George, UT *OH Farm Bill Biologist I or II - 2 positions *Membership Services Specialist - Chapter & Event Support *IL Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist II or III - Taylorville *TN Grasslands and Grazing Coordinator - middle Tennessee *SC Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist II - Columbia *IL Seasonal Technician - Vegetation Assessments *TX CRP Coordinating Wildlife Biologist - Lamesa *TN Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist II - Manchester *SD Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist - Faulkton or Miller *WI Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist - Menomonie *NE Habitat Partnership Specialist II - location negotiable *Corporate Partnerships Account Executive - Remote * Vice President of Government Affairs Location: Washington, DC area preferred Learn more & apply at https://pheasantsforever.org/Careers.aspx

Pollinator plants and insects are crucial to our environment on many levels. Not only do pollinators support the global food production chain, but they provide food sources for our favorite birds and insects while capturing carbon, purifying water and holding soil in place. Planting pollinator habitat at all scales help support this crucial ecological cycle. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever recognizes that good pollinator habitat is good upland bird habitat, which drives our support of pollinator conservation. Head to the 🔗 link below to learn more on why good pollinator habitat is good upland bird habitat, and also how to purchase your own pollinator plant kits and state seed mixes through our Habitat Store.

On The Wing Podcast Ep. 214: A Mother's Day Takeover of the Uplands is live! 🔗link below to listen now! In this episode, PF & QF’s Marissa Jensen and Rachel Bush are taking over the podcast for a special Mother’s Day edition. Joined by Susan Felege, PF & QF Board of Directors member and Professor of Wildlife Ecology at the University of North Dakota, and Kata Miller, North Carolina Women on the Wing Quail Forever Chapter president, they celebrate the ups, downs, and in-betweens of raising a family with a love and appreciation for the outdoors, hunting, and conservation. Episode Highlights: - Kata and Susan share the ways they get their families outdoors. - We all know that getting kids outside can be challenging at times, but the rewards are worth it. Our guests share some of the challenges they’ve faced as well as those “ah-ha” moments. - Even when you think kids aren’t listening or learning, they surprise you with astute observations of nature when you’re least expecting it… And sometimes kids say the funniest things! - Secrets and snacks, our guests share what works best for them through the good times and the bad.