Pat Durkin column: Pheasants Forever taps youthful energy | Green Bay Press-Gazette

By Pat Durkin

Wisconsin’s modest pheasant population might appear to make Madison an unusual host for the National Pheasant Fest, but Pheasants Forever believes the state’s passion for ringnecks and conservation will send hunters flocking to the capital Feb. 6-8 for the annual event

That’s because Wisconsin’s wildlife passion can be measured. The state consistently ranks near the top in conservation memberships in Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

That’s also true for its pheasant lovers. Of Wisconsin’s 70,000 pheasant hunters, more than 7,300 belong to Pheasants Forever. Those familiar with hunting organizations know a membership rate exceeding 10 percent is phenomenal. For example, one of Wisconsin’s most influential groups, the Wisconsin Bowhunters Association, has about 8,000 members among the state’s nearly 250,000 licensed bowhunters, a 3 percent rate.

Wisconsin also ranks No. 6 in Pheasants Forever’s national membership, which totals 125,000. The state has 30 chapters in Pheasants Forever, and their members account for nearly 6 percent of PF’s total membership. Click Link Below for Full Story!

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