Schaffer Named Pheasants Forever Youth Coordinator in Kansas
Pheasants Forever 07.19.13
Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) recently hired Brian Schaffer as the organization’s new outreach coordinator in Kansas. Schaffer will work with the 40 Pheasants Forever chapters and 7 Quail Forever chapters in the state, as well as other conservation organizations, to recruit and increase youth participation in upland hunting and other outdoor activities.
Funding for the position is made possible by the collective effort of Kansas Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever chapters, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors, and the National Wild Turkey Federation.
“We are excited to add Brian to the team in Kansas. His passion for our mission and sharing of our outdoor traditions will help build strong chapters that foster the next generation of land stewards and hunting conservationists,” says Rich Wissink, Pheasants Forever national youth program manager.
Schaffer is a Pennsylvania native, who has found a home in the Midwest. He recently finished his Masters of Science at South Dakota State University in Wildlife and Fisheries. The focus of his three-year research project was to investigate adult and fawn survival rates, movements and reproduction of white-tailed deer in North Dakota.
“At a very young age, I was introduced to the outdoors through hunting and fishing experiences with my family. As I matured, my passion for the outdoor lifestyle grew exponentially, leading me to pursue a career in wildlife management. However, it was only as an adult that I realized that not all children have the opportunity to spend significant amounts of time outdoors with close family and friends,” says Schaffer. “My new position as a youth coordinator is a rare opportunity to give back and make hunting and fishing a positive experience for children who may not have the chance otherwise.”
Schaffer started in his position last month and works from his home in Little River, Kansas. He can be contacted at (570) 994-7197 or email Brian. For all other youth inquiries, please contact Rich Wissink at (715) 722-0286 or email Rich.
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.
