Pheasants Forever will celebrate its 30th anniversary beginning this Friday as part of National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Like most attendees, I’m going into this year’s event with my own personal search agenda complete with dogs, shotguns and friends from the past. Here’s a look at what my eyes will be focused on at the show.
1) L’Escarbot Kennels. With a last name like mine (St.Pierre), I have always been intrigued by the idea of owning a French Brittany (Epagneul Breton). At this year’s Fest, I’m going to make a point of stopping by Booth #1540 to visit with some Minnesotans who have made a name for themselves as America’s leaders in Epagneul Bretons.
2) 28 Gauge Side-by-Side. There must be some connection to growing older and gravitating toward smaller gauged shotguns. The last couple of weeks, I’ve been on an internet and sporting goods store search for my first side-by-side and 28 gauge. I’m looking forward to checking out what Browning (Booth #s 635 & 734), Beretta (Booth #s 447 & 534), Caesar Guerini (Booth #s 1034& 935), Connecticut Shotgun (Booth #1105,1204) and CZ (Booth #s 607, 609, 611, & 613) have on display for me to shoulder.
3) Georgia Pellegrini. One of my favorite books of the last year was Pellegrini’s Girl Hunter. Although, I’ve had the pleasure of talking with Georgia on the phone and during FAN Outdoors radio interviews, I’m looking forward to actually meeting her in person and taking in one of her cooking seminars on Saturday of the Fest (11AM, 1PM & 4PM).
4) Braque Francais. With more than 300 exhibitors, I don’t even know what I may or may not find on the Pheasant Fest show floor. The current Gun Dog magazine’s feature story on the Braque Francais has piqued my interest, so my eyes will be scanning the Bird Dog Parade and kennel booths in search of this rare breed. As a current German shorthair owner, these pups strike a stunning resemblance to my GSPs. #Intrigued!
5) Ruffed Grouse Society. When your mission is conservation, no group can succeed alone. In that spirit, I am excited to visit the RGS booth (#1140 & 1142) and renew my membership with this fine conservation partner. For you elk hunters, also be sure to check out the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s booth #1719 as well.
6) Friends. Without a doubt, the best part of Pheasant Fest is seeing the good people that share in the cause of conservation. From Wild Wings to Hecla’s Dakota Hunting Farms; Focus Outdoors Television to Scott Linden; High Fly’n Kennels to Berg Brothers Setters, Pine Shadows, Casey from Aberdeen and the list goes on; I am fortunate enough to call these folks my friends in conservation. See you all soon!
Now it’s your turn. What’s on your To Do list at this year’s Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic?
The Pointer is written by Bob St.Pierre, Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever’s Vice President of Marketing. Follow Bob on Twitter @BobStPierre and listen to Bob and Billy Hildebrand every Saturday morning on FAN Outdoors radio on KFAN FM100.3.