Upland Enthusiasts Start Pheasants Forever Chapter in Ohio
Pheasants Forever 06.14.12
Pheasant hunters and conservationists in Medina, Ohio, have formed the state’s newest Pheasants Forever (PF) chapter. Known as the Medina County Pheasants Forever chapter, the group is dedicated to youth hunting education and providing youth an opportunity to experience and learn about the great outdoors.
The chapter’s newly elected president, Dave Clements, is a Medina resident and lifelong Ohio upland hunter. “Our goal is to gain more interest from young people and educate them about PF’s mission,” says Clements, “Conservation oriented youth will usher upland conservation into the 21st century, so we are focused on educating the next generation of hunters and motivating them to join conservation efforts and make a difference for Ohio.”
Aiming to make the local community aware of hunting education and PF’s conservation mission is a critical step in northern Ohio. “Unfortunately, we can’t control the weather, which has dealt Ohio a few tough upland nesting seasons recently and affected pheasant numbers. However, we are still anxious to showcase the wildlife and traditions that are a large part of Ohio culture,” says Clements, “Many members of our community have already expressed interest in reaching out to today’s youth and getting them excited about their role in our new chapter and this state’s conservation future.”
This awareness is expected to lead to wildlife habitat conservation projects, increasing quality habitat acreage in Ohio. Ultimately, the Medina chapter strives to give youth and future hunters an opportunity to appreciate and experience Ohio’s outdoors in the same capacity as previous generations.
“The Medina County Pheasants Forever chapter is dedicated to the future of pheasants, pheasant hunters, and conservation,” explained Charlie Payne, Pheasants Forever Ohio Regional Wildlife Biologist, “The chapter officers and volunteers are motived to help youngsters find a passion for the outdoors. The best way to make a difference is by getting involved, which is exactly what the Medina County chapter is doing.”
Medina County Pheasants Forever chapter
- The Medina County Pheasants Forever chapter president is Dave Clements, banquet chair is Jim Helms, treasurer is Lynne Clements and youth/education chair is Terri Campbell
- The chapter’s first banquet is scheduled to take place in October of 2012
- For more information about the chapter, contact Dave Clements at (513) 430-9522
Ohio is home to 28 Pheasants Forever chapters and more than 6,000 Pheasants Forever members. For more information on Pheasants Forever in Ohio, please contact Charlie Payne at (614) 632-8393 / Email Charlie. For all other inquiries, please contact Rehan Nana, Pheasants Forever Public Relations Specialist, at (651) 209-4973 / Email Rehan.
Pheasants Forever launched Quail Forever in August of 2005 to address the continuing loss of habitat suitable for quail and the subsequent quail population decline. Bobwhite population losses over the last 25 years range from 60 to 90 percent across the country. The reason for the quail population plunge is simple - massive losses of habitat suitable for quail. There are five major factors leading to the losses of quail habitat; intensified farming and forestry practices, succession of grassland ecosystems to forests, overwhelming presence of exotic grasses like fescue that choke out wildlife, and urban sprawl.
