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For
Immediate Release
Bob St.Pierre (866)457-8245
First Oklahoma Quail Forever Chapter Forms!
St. Paul, Minn. – October 25, 2005 – Residents from central Oklahoma gathered in Oklahoma City last week to form the state’s first chapter of Quail Forever. The new chapter will focus their efforts on improving quail habitat to help stop the continuing decline of the state’s quail population. The chapter’s first official meeting is set for next Tuesday, November 1st. The public and media are invited to attend.
Next Tuesday’s meeting will be held at Coach’s BBQ & Pizza at 6PM. Coach’s is located at 3005 S. Broadway; Edmond, Oklahoma. Chapter leaders plan to finalize a date and location for the chapter’s first banquet at the meeting. They also plan to discuss habitat and youth conservation education initiatives for the chapter’s first year.
“I really want quail hunters to know that we want and need their help,” said James Dietsch, the chapter’s newly elected president. “It’s time for everyone to get involved and help insure stable quail populations for future generations to hunt and enjoy. We’re looking for volunteers, financial support, donated products, services; whatever you can offer will go toward our Oklahoma quail habitat efforts.”
The state’s overall quail harvest has fallen from 2.7 million bobwhites taken in 1986 to 1 million last year. While roadside surveys have Oklahoma quail hunters excited for this fall’s hunting season, there is a lot of habitat work necessary before hunters can expect a year like 1986.
“I have quail hunted in Oklahoma for over 30 years, but I’m city folk,” added Dietsch. “I’m not a landowner that can incorporate habitat beneficial for wildlife. Leading this chapter and raising funds for upland habitat conservation is my way of giving back to the natural resources that have provided me so many great memories with family and friends.”
To RSVP, or for more information about the meeting, please contact Dietsch at (405)721-9405 or via email at jamesd@villagepress.com . To learn more about starting a Quail Forever chapter in Oklahoma, contact Sara Bales at (479)200-4711 or via email at sbales@quailforever.org . Or, contact the Quail Forever national office toll free at (866)457-8245 or via email at contact@quailforever.org .
Quail Forever is a national non-profit conservation organization that is comprised of local chapters dedicated to the protection and enhancement of quail and other wildlife populations in North America. The Quail Forever mission is accomplished through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, education, and conservation advocacy. Founded in 2005 by Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever applies the successful Pheasants Forever model of empowering local chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100% of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent.