Minnesota's August Heats Up With Pheasants Forever

2006 Build a Wildlife Area Campaign – Dedication of New WMA – Since its inception in 2003, Minnesota's Build a Wildlife Area partnership has generated over $760,000 and acquired six new Wildlife Management Areas

WMA Honoring 25th Anniversary of Minnesota Pheasant Stamp – PF has teamed up with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and all who purchase Minnesota pheasant stamps to acquire 167 acres of new habitat and public hunting opportunity in Lac qui Parle County. This project was completed in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Minnesota Pheasant Stamp, and to celebrate Pheasants Forever’s incorporation 25 years ago (August 5, 1982). The dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 4th at 11:30 AM in Lac qui Parle County. PF purchased the parcel, located two miles southeast of Madison, and completed a bargain sale to the DNR last November. Named the 25th Anniversary Wildlife Management Area (WMA), the tract contains about 100 acres of rolling grassland and a 50-acre partially drained wetland. The majority of the purchase was funded with proceeds from Pheasant Habitat Stamp sales with the Lac Qui Parle County Chapter of PF and critical habitat license plate funds making up the balance. The $7.50 Pheasant Stamp is required of all Minnesota pheasant hunters ages 18 through 64. Stamp sales generate money for habitat enhancement efforts on both public and private lands in the pheasant range of Minnesota. PF's first goal as an organization in 1982 was passing the Minnesota pheasant stamp. All who attended PF’s first banquet on April 15, 1983 in St. Paul witnessed Governor Rudy Perpich sign the Pheasant Stamp into law as passed by the Minnesota Legislature.

CONTACT: Anthony Hauck – PF's Public Relations Specialist – (651)209-4972

Pheasants Forever's 25th Anniversary – PF was officially incorporated on Aug. 5, 1982. "The Habitat Organization" now celebrates 25 years as one of the leading and most efficient non-profit conservation organizations in the country. Over 650 PF chapters have spent nearly $200 million on wildlife habitat projects and education, benefiting wildlife on 4.4 million acres across the continent. Here in Minnesota, the state is home to 73 chapters and over 23,000 members. Those chapters have spent more than $23.8 million to complete over 20,000 habitat projects since the first Minnesota chapter formed in 1982. Those projects have benefited wildlife on more than 170,000 acres. Pheasants Forever will be celebrating these accomplishments this coming January 18-20, 2008 at National Pheasant Fest. The Fest is expected to draw over 25,000 attendees from across the continent to Saint Paul’s RiverCentre for three days filled with puppies, tractors, shotguns, habitat tips, seminars, and art. In fact, National Pheasant Fest promises to be the country's largest event for upland hunters, sport dog owners, and wildlife habitat conservationists. For a breakdown of habitat accomplishments, chapters, members, National Pheasant Fest, or PF information specific to your county or local area, please contact:

Anthony Hauck – PF's Public Relations Specialist – (651)209-4972

Pheasants Forever Day at Game Fair - The 26th annual Game Fair – the nation's largest outdoors, pre-hunting, family event - takes place August 10th, 11th and 12th and 17th, 18th and 19th in Ramsey, Minnesota, from 9 AM to 6 PM daily. Saturday, August 18th has been designated Pheasants Forever Day and will feature a host of seminars and youth events. Game Fair is held at Armstrong Kennels Ranch, six miles northwest of Anoka.

CONTACT: Anthony Hauck – PF's Public Relations Specialist – (651)209-4972

For additional information about Pheasants Forever, please visit www.pheasantsforever.org