Kansas City, Mo. – February 10, 2012 – Pheasant Forever will host 165 high school students from around the greater Kansas City area at its first-ever Youth Conservation Experience and Career Day on Friday, February 17. The event is part of Pheasants Forever's 3-day National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic being held at the Kansas City Convention Center on February 17, 18 & 19.

The event, made possible in part by a generous donation from Larry and Brenda Potterfield of Midway USA, will give youth the opportunity to learn about wildlife ecology, meteorology, service learning projects, nature photography, proper wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation and careers in conservation. In conjunction with the educational workshops, students will have the opportunity to meet former shooting sports Olympians, and practice their shooting skills on state of the art training simulators.

“This event is a unique experience for high school students in the Kansas City area,” says Janine Kohn, Pheasants Forever National Education Specialist, “High school is a pivotal time for young adults, and we want to introduce those youth, who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity, to the outdoors and the growing career opportunities in conservation and outdoor recreation.”

The event will take place Friday, February 17 at the Kansas City Convention Center in downtown Kansas City, Mo.  At 8:45am, students will be welcomed by keynote speaker Chad Pregracke, Founder & President of Living Lands & Waters. As the founder of America’s only “industrial strength” river cleanup organization, Chad will tell his compelling and funny story about growing up on the Mississippi River and how his love for and experiences on the river led to his unique vision to clean it up. Other speakers include; Dick Leeper, Executive Director of Midway USA Foundation and Janine Kohn, Pheasants Forever National Education Specialist and coordinator of MidwayUSA’s Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience and Career Day.

Throughout the day, multiple conservation career sessions will take place, including; “Behind the Scenes with a Conservation Agent” by Travis M. Goreham, “How to Blend Your Passion into a Life-long Adventure and Career” by Curt Carter, “Life in the Animal Emergency Room and lots of other career choices in Veterinary Medicine!” by John T. Payne DVM, MS, “Olympic Shooting Sports” by Theresa DeWitt & Shawn Dulohery, “Conservation Careers, Dependent on Guns, Ammunition and Hunting – Taxes and Conservation,” by Ryan Bronson, “Set Your Career on Fire,” by Chris Woodson & Jim Krizman,  and “Get Caught Up in Fisheries,” by Andy Jansen.

“We want to extend a special thanks to Larry and Brenda Potterfield of MidwayUSA,” said Kohn, “Without their support and belief in Pheasants Forever’s youth education mission, none of this would be possible. Their generosity will allow another generation of youth to carry the torch and protect our outdoor heritage.”

Transportation to and from the students' schools will be provided, along with complimentary lunch for the students. For more information, please contact Janine Kohn, Pheasants Forever National Education Specialist, at 651-209-4971 or via Email.  For more information on National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic 2012, please contact Rehan Nana, Pheasants Forever Public Relations Specialist, at 651-209-4973 or via Email. 

Attend National Pheasant Fest 2012

The country's largest event for upland hunters, sport dog owners and wildlife habitat conservationists, combining a national outdoor trade show, wildlife habitat seminar series, and family event complete with puppies, tractors, shotguns, and art. The event is presented by Cabela's.

Adults - $10 Daily
Ages 6-16 - $5 Daily
Ages 5 and Under - FREE
Weekend Special - $35 (Includes annual Pheasants Forever membership & hat, $80 value)

Pheasants Forever is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs.