Big Rock Chapter of Quail Forever Gets Rolling in Arkansas for Quail Conservation

Upland hunters and conservationists in Arkansas have formed the third chapter of Quail Forever in the state. Officially known as the Big Rock Chapter of Quail Forever, local volunteers have set their sights on public and private land partnerships to positively influence bobwhite quail numbers, while providing opportunities for youth to experience the great outdoors.

“At the heart of our chapter is a passion for upland hunting, habitat, and creating outdoor opportunities for future generations,” stated Daniel Epperson, president of the Big Rock Chapter of Quail Forever. “We look forward to growing our chapter in the coming year and providing support for programs and initiatives that will help return bobwhite quail to Arkansas’ landscape.”

The formation of Quail Forever’s third chapter in the state comes at the heels of a recent announcement from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regarding a new Strategic Quail Management Plan. Extensive efforts are already underway at Pea Ridge National Military Park in northwest Arkansas to restore the landscape to its 1862 appearance and with it, reestablish bobwhite quail. This joint effort between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, and the National Park Service exemplifies partnership opportunities that Quail Forever chapters are eager to support.

“Arkansas has a vast amount of potential for bobwhite quail populations, and it is very exciting to witness the momentum for this iconic bird evolve into local chapters of Quail Forever,” explained John Wallace, regional representative for Quail Forever in Arkansas. “Kudos to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for elevating bobwhite quail to a priority species; upland hunters are taking notice and want to offer their volunteer support, as is the case with the formation of the Big Rock Chapter of Quail Forever.”  

Big Rock Chapter of Quail Forever

The Big Rock Chapter of Quail Forever has elected Daniel Epperson of Greenbrier as president, Daniel Baker of North Little Rock as banquet chair, Hamilton Bitely of Little Rock as habitat chair, Marc and Suzanne Hirrel of Little Rock as youth chairs, and Bruce Rew of North Little Rock as treasurer.

The chapter will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, August 19, at 6:30 p.m. in Bass Pro Shops. (1 Bass Pro Dr. - Little Rock, AR 72210).

Hunters and conservationists interested in joining the chapter as volunteers are encouraged to contact chapter president, Daniel Epperson, at (501) 725-1262 / email for more information.

Arkansas is home to three Quail Forever chapters and over 400 members of "The Habitat Organization." For more information about Quail Forever in Arkansas or to start a chapter, contact John Wallace at (937) 459-8085 / email.

About Quail Forever

Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division, Quail Forever, is the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 140,000 members and 700 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Chapters are empowered to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds are spent; the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure. Since creation in 1982, Pheasants Forever has spent $577 million on 489,000 habitat projects benefiting over 12 million acres nationwide.

Photo Credit: Roger Hill
 

Media Contact
Jared Wiklund
(651) 209-4953
jwiklund@pheasantsforever.org