It’s an event I’ve wanted to attend ever since I heard about it – the National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic. Hosted by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, this year’s gathering took place at the Kansas City Convention Center. Along with the seminars, exhibitors and bird dogs with their “humans” everywhere, the event also offered a brunch for women, titled “Women on the Wing.”
This affiliate program began in 2018 in response to the burgeoning interest of women in the world of upland hunting. According to Marissa Jensen, Education & Outreach Program Manager, it has four main priorities:
My daughter, Jackie Richardson, and I only had a short time to be able to take in the Fest this year, and we wanted to make sure we included the brunch. We headed to Kansas City on Saturday and arrived in time to visit with several vendors on the floor. I liked seeing all the women depicted in advertisements and photographs – wearing upland gear.
Perhaps the most noticeable set-aside for women, though, could be found in the “Women on the Wing” lounge area, which lay close to all the action on the floor and made it easy to slip in to hear a speaker, such as Syren’s pro-staffer Kate Ahnstrom, who talked about “Gun Fitting and Readying for Your Hunt.” Kate should know, as a shotgun instructor through Virginia Shooting Sports, an avid hunter, dog trainer and falconer. Her presentation held women captive, and also got a lot of nods and smiles along the way. She’s a natural in the outdoors, and I believe, a great instructor on the range, as well.
The lineup in the lounge included notables, too, such as Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, senior veterinarian for Nestle and Purina PetCare; Tina Dokken, professional dog trainer; and Dr. Clairissa Maples, DVM and founder of Paradigm Sporting Dog. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever female staff members added their knowledge and expertise to not only the lounge for additional presentations, but also for the breakfast that we attended the next morning.
The brunch set-up seemed similar to other conservation-type banquets that I’d attended, except for women being the overwhelming majority of attendees. Sara Parker Pauley, former director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and first-ever female director of the Missouri Department of Conservation (retired last year) was the keynote speaker. I have known Sara for a couple of decades, and have admired her passion for the outdoors and abilities to work with people to accomplish goals within Missouri regarding our state’s approach to conservation – making it a nationwide model. She titled her speech “Bright Spots in Conservation,” and told us about women who had impacted conservation efforts in this country, and she ended with this thought: “Mother Nature needs you now more than ever before.”
Four panelists (Dr. Jessica McGuire – PFQFWLFW Frameworks, Dallas Ingram – Georgia State Quail Coordinator, Sr. Susan Felege – Associate professor at the University of North Dakota and Bridget Costanzao, WLFW Coordinator – East/Central US) joined a panel, moderated by Brittney Viers, Tennessee State PFQF Coordinator, and discussed a variety of topics, which included helpful takeaway advice such as the following:
The ladies at our table boasted impressive pedigrees, as well. Conversation bounced around the chairs, each woman filling in the others about her background and involvement in the upland world. Our table mates ranged from a PFQF biologist, to hunting dog breeders – with all women being active in the outdoor shooting sports. This led to lively exchanges in our group, while we waited for the brunch to begin.
My daughter had never attended a conservation-focused event such as this one, coming from the world of interior design. I could see that she was impressed, and also, a bit excited about getting back outdoors with her kids when she got home.
She also won a Marsh Wear silent auction item, which I know will be put to great use, and she shopped at their booth on the floor as well and bought a beautiful all-weather jacket for the hubby. It was nice to have so many different outdoor products at our fingertips to try on before committing to a purchase. There was an impressive turnout for vendors at this year’s Fest.
Perhaps one of the best ways to get involved with Women on the Wing before next year’s Fest and Classic is to either find a chapter or start a chapter in your area. Here’s more information about Women on the Wing.
Next year’s event will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Publisher/Editor Barbara Baird is a freelance writer in hunting, shooting and outdoor markets. Her bylines are found at several top hunting and shooting publications. She also is a travel writer, and you can follow her at https://www.ozarkian.com. View all posts by Barbara Baird
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