If you’re on the fence about attending National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic, hop off and get your booty there.
By Tom Carpenter, Editor at Pheasants Forever
When folks ask me about what National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic is like, my response is always simple: “There’s nothing else like it in the world.” And it’s true.
It’s not your stock, do-it-all sports show. It’s all about upland hunting, wildlife habitat conservation, bird dogs, shotguns and gear, public lands and places to hunt … things that matter to you, me and the entire upland family.
Up and down, across and back-and forth along every aisle, you’ll find booths and vendors filled with happy, kind folks interested in what you are: the wonders of upland birds and bird hunting, and the magic of prairie habitat.
And if that isn’t enough, the presentations on each seminar stage every day are nothing short of spectacular. It’s an all-star array up there, and they are there to help you become a better hunter, bird dogger, habitat manager, wildlife lover and wild game cook.
Let us count off 7 more reasons to get off that fence and go:
- A Quail Focus Like Never Before
The location (Kansas City March 7-9) and year (2025 is Quail Forever’s 20th anniversary) have combined to create a special quail flair at this year’s show. Yes, yes, I am the pheasant guy. But I love quail, and am going to be spending all my spare moments at The Quail Stage. Love those little guys. Gonna learn from the experts. It’s going to be a true Quail Classic, all around.
- Pheasant Lore
The show is still going to have plenty of exhibits and vendors for the pheasant hunter this year, so no need to despair if you are a rooster rouser. If pheasants are your main game, you’re going to have plenty of opportunities to learn from the seasoned pros on the seminar stages, and meet fellow pheasant aficionados on the floor. I can talk pheasants all day.
- Bird Dog Fun
One of the most popular spots at the show is what I call “Bird Dog Row,” where pointing dog and flushing dog breeders, and every bird dog vendor imaginable, is ready to show you their stuff. You’ll see bird dogs, puppies, food, training accessories and collars … not to mention the ever-busy Bird Dog Stage that literally hums with energy.
- Kid and Family Friendly
National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic makes families a priority. Kids just love it! Kids love the Youth Village too, and that’s a great place to keep them entertained and learning for an hour. Visit Bird Dog Row too. In fact, why not come to the show on Family Day, Sunday March 9, when kids under 16 get free admission!
- Bird Dog Parade
If you can swing it, get to the Kansas City Convention Center by 11:00 opening day, Friday March 7, to witness the spectacle of the show’s annual Bird Dog Parade kickoff. See beautiful bird dogs of almost every breed under the sun. Hear a couple silly guys talk about them all and yell “Rooster!” and such.
- Path to the Uplands Stage
Thinking about getting into bird hunting? That’s what the Path to the Uplands Stage is all about. Take in some presentations and get yourself primed for upland adventures. The all-star lineup of presenters on this stage will show you how and make it all simple and within reach.
- Women on the Wing Brunch
There’s a revolution going on in the upland world, and it’s all about getting more people involved in upland hunting and conservation. A great place to get excited and meet like-minded folks is at Saturday morning’s (March 8) Women on the Wing Brunch from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. In addition, a variety of seminars on the stages are meant for the uplands’ newest fans and supporters.
The 2025 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic will take place at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, MO on March 7-9. Passes and more information can be found at: PheasantFest.org.