Chapter members plan for habitat improvements and citizen science efforts
Quail Forever (QF) is excited to announce a new chapter start in Nevada. The Northern Nevada Red Legged Devils Chapter will be based near Reno but will include members from any county in the northern half of the state. Volunteers are thrilled to be contributing to the organization’s mission through habitat improvement projects and citizen science in collaboration with the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
Unique among national conservation organizations, chapters of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever retain 100 percent decision-making control over fundraising dollars, allowing volunteers to support impactful wildlife habitat projects, public access initiatives, and conservation education programs throughout the upland bird range. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever regional representative, Lauren Stamm, will work closely with the new chapter to support the organization’s vision to sustain abundant populations of wild pheasants, quail, and other wildlife.
Local upland hunting and habitat enthusiasts pulled together to form the chapter after hearing Stamm speak on the Upchukar podcast, hosted by Travis Warren. Once members showed interest, Stamm helped them officially sign a charter agreement, and will now help the chapter develop and execute their lofty conservation goals.
“This chapter is filled with young and highly motivated people,” said Stamm. “A lot of great habitat work in Nevada has been done by the southern chapter, but now this group has a chance to make a huge impact on northern Nevada’s wildlife habitat and populations.”
Populations of quail and other upland bird species have been declining due to habitat loss, which is why the Southern Nevada QF Chapter has been assisting the Nevada Department of Wildlife with small game population studies utilizing trail cameras. The new northern chapter will now assist with these studies by providing more people and cameras to collect data. Additionally, due to the impact of wild horses on upland cover, chapter members are motivated more than ever to deliver habitat projects such as placing fences around natural springs, protecting these precious water sources for wildlife.
The chapter will be hosting its first meeting and social evening on May 18 at the Peavine Tap House in Verdi, Nevada. Several raffle items are already prepared for this event, including prizes from MTNTough, Legacy Sports International, BPRO Kennels, Upland Institute, Gun Dog Supply and onX Hunt.
To learn more about the Northern Nevada Red Legged Devils Chapter, contact chapter president Hayden Shaw at (530) 414-5131 or haydenlshaw@gmail.com. For questions about Quail Forever in Nevada, contact Lauren Stamm at LStamm@PheasantsForever.org.