There's something for everyone at the Public Lands Pavilion at Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic
By John Laux
The Public Lands Pavilion at National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic will feature an exciting lineup of dynamic speakers on the stage, and an exhibitor area celebrating our country's 800 million acres of publicly accessible land that are open to all Americans for hunting, hiking and exploring.
The 2026 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic will take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota on February 20-22, 2026.
Here's a preview of the impressive roster of speakers and panel discussions we have scheduled on the Public Lands Stage.
Jump to Stage Schedule
Panel Discussion: More Public Lands in Minnesota
Ever wonder what's being done in PF's home state to permanently protect upland bird habitat, create more public hunting access, and improve habitat on public lands? During this panel discussion, Minnesota conservation leaders join together to highlight key partnerships and initiatives that are working to do just that in the North Star State.
Panel Discussion: Podcasters Talk Upland Birds
Join some of the biggest names in the industry as they circle up to "talk shop" and by that, we mean upland bird hunting. With topics from their favorite upland hunting adventures, to the latest and greatest hunting gear, to (of course) bird dogs — there's something for everyone. Please check the stage schedule as we have an exciting (and different) line-up of speakers during the Friday and Saturday sessions.
Panel Discussion: America's Public Lands: Action, Advocacy and the Path Ahead
PF & QF and our many conservation advocacy partners were critical to ensuring that your voice was heard regarding the Spring 2025 legislative proposal aimed at selling our federal public lands. Many of us recognize what's at stake, but this panel will dive deeper into the history of public lands, what current protections are in place, and why our voices must remain unified.
OnX Hunt 101 MasterClass
Now a household name, the onX Hunt App offers advanced GPS tracking, detailed land ownership maps, and offline capabilities, and has quickly become an essential tool for hunters and anglers across the country. Geared for novice onX users, this 1-hour seminar will provide an introductory tutorial on how to use the Hunt App to its full potential both at home and in the field.
Come celebrate YOUR public lands at this year's Public Lands Pavilion — where there is truly something for everyone. We'll see you there!
John Laux is Permanent Habitat Protection Programs Manager for PF & QF, and quarterback of this year's Public Lands Stage at National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic.
2026 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic:
Public Lands Pavilion Seminar Lineup
| Time |
Topic |
Speaker(s) |
| Friday |
1:00 |
onX Hunt 101 Master Class |
Jack Hedlund (onX Hunt) |
| 2:00 |
Anatomy of a Public Land Pheasant Hunt: 7 Tips for Success |
Tom Carpenter (PF) |
| 2:30 |
Podcasters Talk Upland Birds |
Travis Frank, Tyler Webster, Ron Boehme, Billy Hildebrand, Bob St. Pierre and moderated by Kali Parmley |
| 3:30 |
Public Land Hunting Strategies for Bobwhite Quail |
Kyle Hedges and Frank Loncarich (Missouri Dept. of Conservation) |
| 4:00 |
More Public Access to Habitat (PATH) |
John Laux, Emily Spolyar, Tanner Swank and Matt Gottlob (PF & QF) |
| Saturday |
10:30 |
Public Land Hunting Strategies for Bobwhite Quail |
Kyle Hedges and Frank Loncarich (Missouri Dept. of Conservation) |
| 11:00 |
America's Public Lands: Action, Advocacy and the Path Ahead |
Ariel Wiegard, David Willms, Michael O'Casey and moderated by Ben Brettingen |
| 12:00 |
Anatomy of a Public Land Pheasant Hunt: 7 Tips for Success |
Tom Carpenter (PF) |
| 12:30 |
Lessons Learned: Plan Your Own Upland Road Trip |
Katie Willis, Tyler Webster, Bob St. Pierre and moderated by Andrew Vavra |
| 1:30 |
Minnesota "State-of-the-State" for Upland Birds |
Sabin Adams (PF) |
| 2:00 |
More Public Lands in Minnesota! |
Sabin Adams, Rick Walsh, Nick Bancks, Emilee Nelson and moderated by Jared Wiklund |
| 3:00 |
Podcasters Talk Upland Birds |
Reid Bryant, Mike Neiduski, Scott Linden, Nick Larson, Ryan Callaghan and moderated by Kali Parmley |
| 4:00 |
onX Hunt 101 Master Class |
Jack Hedlund (onX Hunt) |
| Sunday |
9:30 |
Public Land Hunting Strategies for Bobwhite Quail |
Kyle Hedges and Frank Loncarich (Missouri Dept. of Conservation) |
| 10:00 |
Anatomy of a Public Land Pheasant Hunt: 7 Tips for Success |
Tom Carpenter (PF) |
| 10:30 |
onX Hunt 101 Master Class |
Jack Hedlund (onX Hunt) |
| 11:30 |
Build a Wildlife Area: Protecting Habitat and Increasing Public Access in Minnesota |
Jacob Granfors (PF) |
