Hiawatha, Kan. –– Brown County in northeast Kansas is home to the nation’s newest Quail Forever chapter and the 10th in the state. Bobwhite quail conservationists and hunters formed Brown County Quail Forever to lead a local charge to reestablish quail habitat in the region.
As a Quail Forever chapter, the Brown County group will utilize Quail Forever’s local approach to wildlife habitat conservation. Unlike other national conservation organizations, Quail Forever gives local Quail Forever chapters the ability to decide how 100 percent of their fundraised dollars are spent. This local control gives chapters and members the ability to make things happen for wildlife in their communities, while belonging to a national organization that gives wildlife and conservation a voice in Washington, D.C.
Quail conservation isn’t a new idea to members of Brown County Quail Forever. “Some of the members in our new chapter have over 28 years of experience with quail management projects,” said Bill Vonderschmidt, president of the Brown County group. “Our dedication to wildlife habitat will hopefully restore bobwhite quail populations to our region, as well as provide benefits for many other wildlife species.”
Not only is Brown County Quail Forever involved with habitat conservation, but they also strive to provide the community with ample chapter support and outdoor opportunities for the younger generation. “On the 21st of August, we’ll host a youth hunt for boys and girls between the ages of 11-16 to provide a great opportunity to introduce kids to the outdoors,” said Vonderschmidt, “We’ll also provide two scholarships for high school students as a way to support our hunting communities throughout the region.”
Brown County Quail Forever Chapter
· Larry Weast of Hiawatha has been named the chapter’s youth/education chair and Randy Fee of Hiawatha has been named the chapter’s treasurer.
· The chapter’s first annual banquet fundraiser is scheduled for November 12, 2010, at the Fisher Center in Hiawatha, Kansas, starting at 6 PM. Contact chapter for tickets and details.
· The next chapter meeting will be held April 6th at 7 PM at the Gas Service Center in Hiawatha.
· To join Brown County Quail Forever and for more information about the chapter, contact Bill Vonderschmidt at 785.224.0816 and wvonderschmidt@gmail.com.
Kansas is home to 10 Quail Forever chapters, 41 Pheasants Forever chapters and 6,000 members of “The Habitat Organization.” For more information about Quail Forever in Kansas, contact Jordan Martincich, Quail Forever Regional Field Representative, at 785.242.3175 and jmartincich@quailforever.org.
