December 1, 2025 - Hattiesburg, Miss. - Quail Forever (QF) is proud to introduce the newest chapter in Mississippi. The Mississippi Longleaf Chapter is based in Hattiesburg and welcomes new members from any surrounding communities. This group plans to recruit new volunteers and increase awareness about how crucial wildlife habitat conservation is to quail and many other species.

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. QF's Mississippi regional representative, Mike Acker, will work closely with the new chapter to support the organization's vision to sustain abundant populations of wild quail, pheasants and other wildlife.

"Mississippi Longleaf has a core group of passionate conservation-minded folks with a variety of backgrounds and talents," Acker said. "I'm excited to see the impact the chapter will have in the community and in conservation."

Throughout history, Mississippi has had some of the finest quail habitat and highest quail densities in the Southeast. This upland habitat continues to dwindle, motivating chapter volunteers to work together to restore the region's full wildlife habitat potential. The group plans to host education and outreach events, and a banquet next fall.

To learn more about the Mississippi Longleaf Chapter and upcoming events, contact chapter president Wesley Graham at wgraham@cooperativeenergy.com. For more information about Quail Forever in Mississippi, contact Mike Acker at MAcker@quailforever.org.

About Quail Forever

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 500,000 members, supporters and partners is dedicated to the protection of our uplands through habitat improvement, public access, education and advocacy. A network of 754 local chapters spread across North America determine how 100 percent of their locally raised funds are spent — the only national conservation organization that operates through this grassroots structure. Since its creation in 1982, the organization has dedicated more than $1 billion to 580,000 habitat projects benefiting 31 million acres.

Media Contact
Mikayla Peper
715-294-0688
mpeper@pheasantsforever.org