Volunteers in Aitkin County plan to share their passion for upland hunting & conservation
Pheasants Forever (PF) is proud to introduce a new volunteer chapter in central Minnesota. The Aitkin County Chapter of Pheasants Forever will utilize their collective knowledge and love of wildlife habitat conservation and upland birds to impact the greater region. Volunteers hope to share their passion for pheasant hunting with others, especially as summer transitions into fall, bringing in new members just in time for hunting season.
Unique among national conservation organizations, chapters of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever retain 100 percent decision-making control over fundraising dollars, allowing volunteers to support impactful wildlife habitat projects, public access initiatives, and conservation education programs throughout the upland bird range. Pheasants Forever’s regional representative for eastern Minnesota, Will Clayton, will work closely with the new chapter to support the organization’s vision to sustain abundant populations of wild pheasants, quail, and other wildlife.
"I am thrilled to see a new chapter of Pheasants Forever launch in Aitkin County,” Clayton said. “This region is rich with opportunities to improve wildlife habitat and expand public land access. I’m confident local residents will quickly realize the benefits of a thriving Pheasants Forever chapter."
The idea of forming a volunteer committee started with a few friends who share a love for upland bird hunting. They wanted to take their passion for the outdoors a step further by advocating for wildlife habitat conservation on a larger scale. Plans are in the works for youth and novice-focused events to help newcomers foster a love for habitat conservation and Minnesota’s uplands.
The chapter will launch a fundraising raffle at the end of July, ending with a drawing and a community party in October. Contact chapter leadership for more event details.
To learn more about the Aitkin County Chapter of Pheasants Forever, please contact chapter president, Garrett Lee, at (218) 330-6147 or garrett@fulldrawconstructionllc.com. For questions about PF and QF in Minnesota, contact Will Clayton at (320) 905-0226 or WClayton@pheasantsforever.org.
Photo Caption: Aitkin County volunteers will have the opportunity to impact permanent habitat protection projects such as Grayling Marsh in Aitkin County, purchased in partnership by Pheasants Forever, the Minnesota Sharp-Tailed Grouse Society, and Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund.