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Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic stage will answer your questions, grow your confidence, and bring hunting, bird dogs and habitat into your life.

By Ashley Chance

There is no single way into the uplands — and that's exactly why the Path to the Uplands Stage exists at National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic, coming to Minneapolis February 20-22, 2026.

The Path to the Uplands Stage is designed for people who are curious about upland bird hunting and conservation, committed to the passion and cause … or somewhere in between.

Whether you are brand new to upland hunting, deep into bird dogs, or looking for fresh ways to connect conservation, food and community, the presentations on the Path to the Uplands Stage will help you take your next step.

Jump to Stage Schedule

A Stage for Real Stories and Real Takeaways

All weekend, the Path to the Uplands Stage will feature conversations and practical sessions rooted in lived experience. Expect honest stories, useful tools, and perspectives that reflect the reality of modern upland hunting.

This year's stage lineup brings together land managers, veterinarians, mentors and storytellers who all found their way to the uplands through different paths — but share a deep respect for hunting, habitat, bird dogs, and connecting with wild places.

Highlights include:

Doug Duren, Driftless Area landowner and conservation advocate, sharing insights on stewardship, access, and what it means to truly share the land.

Dr. Clair Maples and Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, veterinarians who will blend science and field experience to help hunters better care for their bird dogs at every stage of life.

Ben Brettingen of onX Hunt, offering practical strategies for using mapping tools to find birds and make the most of public land hunting opportunities.

Tina Dokken, longtime hunter, and President of the South Dakota Women on the Wing Chapter of Pheasants Forever, exploring how dogs often serve as the gateway into hunting … and how to start a pup on the right track.

Hank Shaw, James Beard Award-winning chef and founder of Hunter Angler Gardener Cook, connecting wild food, hunting and habitat in a way that resonates far beyond the field.

Make Time for the Path to the Uplands Stage

The Path to the Uplands Stage is about momentum. It's where questions get answered, confidence grows, and new ideas take root. It's where first-time hunters realize they belong, seasoned hunters gain fresh perspective, and dog people walk away better equipped to train and care for their canine partners.

If you're looking for inspiration you can actually use — and stories that feel honest and inclusive — this is a stage worth planning around. Block out some time. Grab a seat. Or just stop by and listen for a while.

See the full stage schedule below, and we'll see you there!

Ashley Chance is Hunting Heritage Program Manager for PF & QF, and quarterback of this year's Path to the Uplands Stage at National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic.

2026 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic:
Path to the Uplands Stage Seminar Lineup