Chapter becomes 10th in Kansas; chapter meeting to be held April 6
HIAWATHA — Brown County is home to the nation's newest Quail Forever chapter and the 10th in Kansas. Bobwhite conservationists and hunters formed Brown County Quail Forever to help reestablish and enhance quail habitat in the region.
As a Quail Forever chapter, the Brown County group will use Quail Forever's local approach to wildlife habitat conservation, where the local chapter decides how 100 percent of its funds are spent. This control gives chapters and members the ability to benefit wildlife locally while belonging to a national organization that gives wildlife and conservation a voice in Washington, D.C.
"Some of the members of our new chapter have more than 28 years experience with quail management projects," said Bill Vonderschmidt, president of the Brown County group. "Our dedication to wildlife habitat will hopefully restore bobwhite quail populations to our region, as well as provide benefits for many other wildlife species."
Not only is Brown County Quail Forever involved with habitat conservation, they also provide opportunities for the younger generation. "On the August 21st, we'll host a youth hunting workshop for boys and girls between the ages of 11-16. This is a great opportunity to introduce kids to the outdoors," said Vonderschmidt. "We'll also provide two scholarships for high school students as a way to support our hunting communities throughout the region."
Larry Weast of Hiawatha has been named the chapter's youth/education chair, and Randy Fee of Hiawatha has been named the chapter's treasurer. The chapter's first annual banquet fundraiser is scheduled for Nov. 12 at the Fisher Center in Hiawatha. The next chapter meeting will be held April 6 at 7 p.m. at the Gas Service Center in Hiawatha. To join Brown County Quail Forever or for more information about the chapter, phone Vonderschmidt at 785-224-0816 or email wvonderschmidt@gmail.com.
-30-
