Hunting Forecast for 2025

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever is excited to announce a new Build a Wildlife Area® project in Harrison County, Missouri. Situated near Pawnee Prairie Conservation Area and the Nature Conservancy’s Dunn Ranch, the 80-acre property will increase the connectivity of upland habitat in the area while providing increased public hunting access.

Title example

This parcel is in the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Grand River Grasslands Priority Geography, an area of core focus for bobwhite quail conservation. It also lies within a core region of the Working Lands for Wildlife – Northern Bobwhite, Grasslands and Savannas Framework for Conservation Action through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. According to the MDC, less than 1 percent of the state’s original prairie remains. It is therefore vital to not only protect existing upland habitat, but to expand it in these unique eco-regions. The property builds on the existing voluntary efforts of private landowners to create a hub of well-managed quail habitat in the region.

According to Eric Sytsma, Habitat Protection Officer for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, parcels of interest are identified with the help of partners, chapters, and members, and are evaluated to ensure they fall within core upland areas. Parcels are also evaluated based on connectivity to existing upland habitat, whether access is created for land-locked public land, and a variety of other factors.

Title example

This recent acquisition of 80 acres significantly contributes to the expansion of the network of protected lands within this ecologically sensitive and threatened grassland habitat,” says Andrew White, Missouri State Coordinator for Pheasants and Quail Forever. “We take great pride in the collaborative efforts that have gone into safeguarding this area and others, ensuring their preservation for the enjoyment of future generations of both people and wildlife."

Title example

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s acquisition strategy provides solutions for rural economic development and the nation’s most complex sustainability issues including improved biodiversity, soil health, and water stewardship— while simultaneously prioritizing maximum impact for pheasants, quail, and associated wildlife.