New Pheasants Forever Chapter Formed

Gillette, Wyoming - Hunters and conservationists from Campbell County, Wyoming have formed the state's newest Pheasants Forever (PF) chapter, known as the Thunder Basin Chapter of PF. The chapter is dedicated to improving habitat for pheasants and other wildlife, as well as providing ways for youth to become involved in outdoor activities.

"One of our tops goals is bringing children to the outdoors through education and participation," said Paul Connelly of Gillette, the Thunder Basin chapter's newly-elected president, "By holding youth outdoor days, working with local schools and also partnering with other organizations in conservation efforts, we feel we can enhance Pheasants Forever's No Child Left Indoors initiative." Launched last year, No Child Left Indoors is part of a national movement aimed at getting youth unplugged from electronics and turned on to the outdoors, nature and wildlife.

"With over 45 people at the chapter's start meeting alone, it's evident there's a spirit for conservation in Campbell County," said Bob Hix, PF Field Representative in Wyoming, "With Pheasants Forever's local model, there's a tremendous opportunity to better wildlife habitat for pheasants, but also sage grouse, chukars, antelope and mule deer." Pheasants Forever and its quail division, Quail Forever (QF), are the only national conservation organizations that empower local chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent. As a result, chapter volunteers are able to see the fruits of their efforts locally, while belonging to a larger national organization with a voice on federal and state conservation policy.

Hix also sees the chapter continuing PF's strong support of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission's Access Yes program, which provides public hunting opportunities on private lands. On average, every dollar donated to the Access Yes program results in about 4.2 acres of hunting access. Wyoming's PF chapters have donated a total of $39,100 to the program, which translates into over 164,000 acres that PF dollars have helped open up for public access in the state.

The Thunder Basin Chapter of PF has also elected Adam Mathes of Gillette as vice president, Michelle Smith of Gillette as secretary, Greg Smith of Gillette as habitat chair, James Smith of Gillette as youth/education chair and Jaci Mathes of Gillette as treasurer. The chapter will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, May 27th at 7 PM. For more information about the chapter and its upcoming meetings and events, contact Paul Connelly at (810) 614-1672 or via email atcrazie4gsp@yahoo.com.

Wyoming is home to six PF chapters and over 1,000 PF members. Those chapters have historically spent $675,000 to improve Wyoming wildlife habitat, completing 600 habitat projects benefitting over 13,000 acres for wildlife. For more information about Pheasants Forever in Wyoming, to start or join an existing chapter, contact Bob Hix, PF Field Representative in Wyoming at (303) 743-8957 or via email at BHix@pheasantsforever.org.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 130,000 members in 700 local chapters across the continent.

Press Release found at the Outdoor Wire