Black Hawk County Pheasants Forever - About Us Page
Welcome to our page!
We are Black Hawk County's local chapter of Pheasants Forever (PF), a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasants and other upland bird populations in North America.
Pheasants Forever is the only national organization with a model of chapters keeping 100% of the funds they raise. While belonging to a larger national organization that has a voice on federal and state conservation policies, chapters are tasked with finding projects for their funds. The Black Hawk County Chapter takes full advantage of this model using funds raised for projects locally as well as other areas in the state of Iowa.
Our Chapter Mission
The mission of the Black Hawk County (IA) Pheasants Forever Chapter #58 is to assist in the development of wildlife habitat in the Black Hawk County area, to protect and enhance pheasant and other wildlife populations in Black Hawk County through public awareness, adult and youth education, habitat restoration, development and maintenance, and improvements in land and water management policies.
One of our Chapter's main activities is assisting in the development of nesting cover, food plots, and winter cover on both public and private land.
Whether you're going out hunting for the first time with your son or daughter in Black Hawk County, or are an experienced hunter looking forward to your next chance to "bag" a few roosters somewhere in Iowa or in a surrounding state, the Black Hawk County (IA) PF Chapter has a wealth of information for you on this website. Be it informational links to state natural resource offices, information about the most recent pheasant surveys for some of the best pheasant states, or a lively discussion on the most recent happenings in the world of pheasants, we've got it all right here!
ABOUT BLACK HAWK COUNTY PHEASANTS FOREVER
THE BLACK HAWK COUNTY [IA] CHAPTER #58 OF PHEASANTS FOREVER BEGAN IN 1985.
At this point, no history of our chapter seems to have been written. Therefore, an attempt will be made to recreate that history through long-time members' "recollections" from those mid-1980's. This process will take time but should also evolve into what is hoped to be "the way it was."
Current Chapter Members
Earl Van Sickle - Steve Grimm - Glen Sears
These three gentlemen were among the charter members of the Black Hawk County Chapter back in 1985. Steve, Glen, and Earl have continued their work with the chapter over the past 25 years and have been instrumental in the chapter's success, plus can boast 75 years of combined banquet fund-raising expertise! They will be helping write our chapter's history.
Additionally, the chapter will be attempting to track its membership numbers over the years, habitat projects, and the amount of money raised for education and conservation.
Our local chapter in Iowa was founded amongst those upland hunters and sportsmen and women in your community. Our goal is to provide those avid outdoorsmen and women an opportunity to assist in the protection and enhancement of pheasants and other upland bird populations around the local area.
Pheasants Forever was co-founded in 1982 by co-workers at the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Dispatch, outdoor editor Dennis Anderson and national advertising director Jeff Finden. Both recognized a need for habitat restoration and preservation to ensure the future of pheasants and other wildlife.
PF's first publication entitled "Rooster Tales," published in February 1983. This became the forerunner of today's Pheasants Forever Journal of Upland Conservation. The fledgling PF held its first banquet on April 15, 1983, drawing 800 people at the inaugural banquet. In January 2007, PF's third-ever National Pheasant Fest in Des Moines, Iowa, became the largest event in PF history, drawing over 24,500 attendees over a three-day span.
Twenty-five years after its inception, Pheasants Forever has become a grassroots, nationwide upland conservation movement - a national conservation powerhouse. The organization has grown to 110,000 members with over 600 chapters across the U.S. and Canada. Nationwide, Pheasants Forever has spent $260 million on program expenditures, which have helped fund 347,000 habitat projects affecting 4.4 million acres across North America. Along the way, PF has continued to employ the same unique organizational model of empowering local chapters to determine how 100 percent of their locally-raised conservation funds are spent. This local control allows chapters to see the fruits of their chapter efforts in their own communities.
OUR LOCAL HABITAT PROJECTS
We actively partner with other chapters and Iowa organization of natural resources on many habitat projects.
- Habitat field days are conducted when opportunities arise.
- We involve young people through activities such as youth hunts and habitat projects.
- Habitat projects and efforts to restore and preserve public lands.
- Contribute to funding purchasing and restoration of local land throughout our community.
Our Fundraising
- Our annual fundraising banquet, which is attended by more than 240 people, generates thousands of dollars. The banquet is held in early February each year.
Who is Pheasants Forever?
A national organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of habitat for upland game and wildlife throughout the nation.
- Over 145,000 grassroots members and volunteers who have developed more than 10 million acres of pheasant and other wildlife habitat since inception.
- 600 chapters completing over 35,000 projects annually.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
Please explore our website and discover more about the Black Hawk County Chapter. You'll find detailed information on all our activities and upcoming events. Let us know what you think; we appreciate your feedback. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact us. We welcome people interested in the Pheasants Forever mission to attend our monthly meetings, listed on our events page.
- Become a Pheasants Forever member or sponsor
- Volunteer your time or resources to our chapter
