No PF/QF Merchandise Shipped 6/25-29

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1 June Means Hatching Chicks! To the hen, a nest is successful even if only one egg hatches. Once she sees a chick, her brooding instinct takes over and thoughts of starting another nest vanish. Most eggs hatch from June 16 to 30, after 23 days of incubation. This peak hatch can vary one to two weeks depending on weather. Nebraska research found that February through June weather significantly affect peak hatch. Above normal temperatures caused early hatches, while above normal precipitation delayed hatching. Precipitation caused 66% of the variation in hatching peaks, while temp caused 34%. Because the hen does not start incubation until the nest is full, all the eggs will hatch within two hours of each other. Of her 12 eggs, 9 or 10 will be fertile. But all fertile eggs may not hatch. If the hen neglected to turn the eggs several times a day during incubation, or if air humidity levels were low (as during hot, dry springs), the embryo may stick to the inside of the egg shell. If stuck, the chick can not turn a complete circle to pip away the top of the shell. It will die trying to hatch. No PF/QF Merchandise Shipped 6/ This year s inventory count dates have been scheduled. Counting will begin on Monday, June 25 th and expected to finish on Friday, June 30 th. If everything goes well, picking and shipping will resume on July 4 th. No merchandise will leave the warehouse from June 25 nd through June 29 h. Any merchandise needed by July 4th must be ordered prior to Friday June 15 th to ensure the order is processed and shipped before the inventory process begins. Phones in the merchandise department will be set to go directly to voice mail while counting is taking place. A message will direct chapters and individuals, that would like to place an order, to the business portal and website, respectively. This will allow them to put their order in queue without affecting inventory counts. Understandably, shutting down the warehouse for a week may be inconvenient and cause some hardship, however with advance planning, we hope most hardships can be avoided. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience. Turn in Your Ford Raffle Tickets! The Grand Prize drawing for the Northland Ford Dealer s 2012 Ford F-150 4x4 XLT SuperCab will take place on June 15, 2012 at the PF/QF National Office. Don t delay. Send your Raffle Ticket stubs NOW to: Karlene Carlson, Pheasants Forever, Inc., 1783 Buerkle Circle, St. Paul, MN MN PF/QF JUNE 2012 NEWSLETTER PAGE 1

2 Dates to Remember June 14..Last day to place orders for merchandise needed prior to July 4th. June T.U.N.E. Camp. Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Lansboro, MN. Call Pete Soukup or see page 4 & 5! June Focus on Forever Conference, Peninsula, Ohio, call Rich Wissink at (715) June NO MERCHANDISE TO LEAVE NATIONAL OFFICE Inventory June 25...Last day to turn in FY2012 Grant Funded Invoices July PF/QF Staff in Training & Unavailable Aug 6... SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Best Western, Plymouth, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug 7... SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Gander Mountain, Rochester, 6:30-8:30 p.m. SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Bowe s, Mora, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug 8... SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Horse Barn & Hunt Club, Lakefield, 6:30-8:30 p.m. SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Oh s Barn, Pelican Rapids, 6:30-9 p.m. Aug 9... SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Red River Sporting Clays, Marshall, 6:30-8:30 p.m. SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Old #1, Morris, 6:30-9 p.m. Aug. 10 SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Buffalo Wild Wings, Downtown Mankato, 6:30-8:30 p.m. SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Kandi Entertainment Center, Willmar, 6:30-9 p.m. Aug Game Fair, 9 am to 6 pm daily, 6 mi NW of Anoka-see Aug Game Fair, 9 am to 6 pm daily, 6 mi NW of Anoka-see August 16..NCSRCC PF Banquet, call Sean at (651) Sep. 1.. MN Bear Season Opener MN Dove Season Opener MN Early Goose Season Opener Sep. 3.. DEADLINE for FY12 Chapter Habitat Summaries Sep. 15 MN Small Game, Archery & Sharp tailed Grouse Seasons Open Sep. 22 MN Waterfowl Season Opener Sep. 29 MN Fall Turkey Season Opener Oct. 13 MN PHEASANT SEASON OPENER! Oct th Annual 2010 DNR-PF Youth Mentor Hunt Nov. 3. MN Deer Season Opener Nov MN Muzzleloader Deer Season Opener Dec. 1.. DEADLINE for MN State PF/QF Award Nominations Mark Your Calendars! SportDOG Brand Conservation Fund Pheasants Forever chapters or members with a wildlife habitat project or program in need of support are encouraged to apply for a $25,000 grant from the SportDOG Brand Conservation Fund program. Applications must be submitted by August 1st, For more information about the grant application process please click on the weblink: The selection process for this year s applications has changed so that fans and conservation supporters will have the final say..on September 1, 2012, we will announce seven (7) qualifiers selected by the SportDOG Conservation Committee. At this point, we will turn the voting over to you. You all will have the chance to vote for your favorite of these seven projects. MN PF/QF JUNE 2012 NEWSLETTER PAGE 2

3 Minnesota Farm Bill Biologists Kandiyohi County Alex Nelson Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist 1005 High Ave Willmar, MN Office: x3 Cell: Douglas County Josh Meissner Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist 900 Robert Street, Suite 102 Alexandria, MN Phone: Clay County Tony Nelson Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist th Ave South Moorhead, MN Phone: Stearns County Jason C. Selvog Farm Bill Biologist 110 2nd Street South (Suite 128) Waite Park, MN Office: Ext. 3 jselvog@pheasantsforever.org Meeker/McLeod County Caleb Papenhausen Farm Bill Biologist 916 East St. Paul Street Litchfield, MN Office: cpapenhausen@pheasantsforever.org Ottertail County Aaron Larsen Farm Bill Biologist 506 Western Ave Fergus Falls, MN Office: (218) alarsen@pheasantsforever.org MN PF/QF JUNE 2012 NEWSLETTER PAGE 3

4 Farms and Fields: MN Farm Bill Biologist Article 85% CRP Acceptance Rate Leads to Nearly 4 Million Acres of Habitat Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will accept 3.9 million acres offered under the 43 rd Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign-up. During the extended five-week signup, the Department received nearly 48,000 offers on more than 4.5 million acres of land, demonstrating demand for CRP as our nation s most successful voluntary program for conserving land and improving our soil, water, air and wildlife habitat resources. USDA selected offers for enrollment based on an Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) comprised of five environmental factors plus cost. The five environmental factors are: (1) wildlife enhancement, (2) water quality, (3) soil erosion, (4) enduring benefits, and (5) air quality. The minimal acceptable EBI level for this sign-up was 209. The average rental rate per acre for this sign-up is $ On one hand, we are pleased to see such a substantial number of offers from this spring s CRP general signup, considering external factors such as record high land values and commodity prices, said Dave Nomsen, Pheasants Forever s Vice President of Governmental Affairs. Nomsen added, On the other hand, we are concerned about the significant decline of CRP acres across the Northern Plains states. In total, the Northern Plains will lose in excess of one million acres of CRP through the 2012 re-enrollment process. The continued loss of CRP from this region will have far reaching wildlife and environmental ramifications. These acres represent America s pheasant and duck factories, as well as the starting point for the Mississippi and Missouri River watersheds impacting water quality all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. While Pheasants Forever is concerned about the current status of CRP, Nomsen did address opportunities to work toward in the coming months. Recent USDA announcements for new CRP initiatives focusing on 750,000 acres of highly erodible, or HEL lands, and for 1 million acres of targeted CRP buffer practices may be very helpful to address resource concerns from areas experiencing loss of overall CRP. In addition, Congress can address these habitat and natural resource concerns by quickly passing a 2012 Farm Bill with a strong overall conservation title including CRP, and new policies like the Sodsaver provisions that will help protect valuable native prairie grasslands. This past CRP signup, MN PF Farm Bill Biologist accounted for over 7,300 acres of land, within their 9 counties, throughout Minnesota s pheasant range. For more information on the availability of CRP programs in your area contact one of MN s Farm Bill Biologists MN PF/QF JUNE 2012 NEWSLETTER PAGE 5

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7 Summer District Meetings! In early August, we are holding our Summer District Meetings around the state. These give us a chance to get together and talk about important PF/QF issues and updates. There is information you will miss if you re not at these meetings! Plan to send one or more people from your chapter. Please let Eran or Chad know how many folks from your chapter are planning to attend. NEW Land Acquisition/Restoration Opportunities for Your County NEW MN PF Sponsor Program Legislative Updates & Issues We Need Your Input! PF s 30th Anniversary Celebration, PF FEST MN PF Gun-A-Week Raffle Getting Involved in the 5th Annual PF/DNR Youth Mentor Hunt PF/QF Merchandise Preview & Philosophy for the Coming Year PLUS MUCH, MUCH MORE!!! Aug 6... SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Best Western, Plymouth, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug 7... SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Gander Mountain, Rochester, 6:30-8:30 p.m. SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Bowe s, Mora, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug 8... SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Horse Barn & Hunt Club, Lakeville, 6:30-8:30 p.m. SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Oh s Barn, Pelican Rapids, 6:30-9 p.m. Aug 9... SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Red River Sporting Clays, Marshall, 6:30-8:30 p.m. SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Old #1, Morris, 6:30-9 p.m. Aug. 10 SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Buffalo Wild Wings Downtown, Mankato, 6:30-8:30 p.m. SUMMER DISTRICT MEETING, Kandi Entertainment Center, Willmar, 6:30-9 p.m. Focus on Forever: Peninsula, Ohio June 22nd-24th Chapter Leaders, How would your chapter like to recruit enthusiastic leaders to join your committee? Are you looking for ways to invest in your communities and create awareness for your chapter? Would you like to raise more dollars and build a stronger chapter? Chapter sponsored youth programs and events are not only one of the most effective tools in doing all of those; but they are also a lot of fun! Don t miss the opportunity to send several chapter leaders and volunteers to the 2012 Focus on Forever Conference scheduled for June 22 nd 24 th at the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center near Peninsula, OH. They will learn best practices for a variety of events and programs that engage families in the outdoors and promote your local chapter. It s a great way to welcome new committee members or inspire those old savvy veterans. Don t send just one! Please see the attached registration, agenda and summary of sessions. I m certain you will agree that this is a can t miss opportunity. The registration deadline has been extended to Saturday, June 9 th don t delay; send in completed registrations asap. If you have any questions please feel free to Rich Wissink, PF & QF National Youth Program Specialist, at rwissink@pheasantsforever.org or give Rich a call at MN PF/QF JUNE 2012 NEWSLETTER PAGE 6

8 MN Land and Legacy Initiative Progress Update Chapter Success Stories The Nobles County Pheasants Forever Chapter has helped build an endowment for the Worthington Trojans High School Clay Target Team that will help fund the team for as long as they are in existence. Nobles Co PF purchased the $ gun adopt-a-team package for the shooting team and the team members along with Nobles Co PF s support have sold more then $17,000 in tickets to help perpetually fund the team. When the Worthington Trojans turn in there proceeds to the Pheasants Forever National Shooting Sports Coordinator, John Lindquist, their proceeds will be matched 3:1 by the Midway USA Foundation bringing their total to $68,000. The team will receive more then $3000 from their endowment every year for their team. Thanks to Nobles Co PF for making this happen for these students and all yet to come. Chapter Success Stories Congratulations to Wright County PF (WCPF) for organizing a truly grassroots partnership and creating an additive hunting opportunity for disabled veterans. WCPF is working with the Wright County Commissioners, Capable Partners and Wright County Parks to offer a special disabled veterans hunt on land owned by the Wright County Park System. The support by all the partners has been overwhelming and were excited to be part of giving an opportunity like this back to those who served our Country and afforded us the freedoms we enjoy today said Brandon Murphy, Wright County PF President. If you would like more information on this hunt please contact, Bob Peterson at (612) MN PF/QF JUNE 2012 NEWSLETTER PAGE 7

9 The Regional Perspective It is shaping up to be another great year for habitat projects in our state because of all the grant funding we ve received. Earlier in May, the Governor signed into law the $11,360,000 dollars that PF/QF was recommended for by the LSOHC Council. We add to these dollars through other grants, partnership contributions, donors and chapter contributions to do the best habitat work in Minnesota. Because of our chapters initiative to work within their communities and with local partners we continue to have great projects that we can request funding for. PF & QF are bringing a proven track record to the table and continuing to work on innovative ways to help enhance, restore, and acquire sensitive land that is crucial for habitat. The grant dollars we receive come through the hard work of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever employees. We have that team stretched to the limits. Last week we sent a letter to all chapter presidents in MN asking them to approach their respective chapter boards to request a donation for the Minnesota Land and Legacy Fund. So when you are contacted, Please help us continue delivering the maximum amount of grant dollars to do the most good for habitat in our state by donating to the Minnesota Land and Legacy Fund. On another note, school is out for most of the young people in Minnesota. Please consider reaching out to your local 4H Shooting Team, Scholastic Clay Target Team, or any other organized shooting group to put on a family shooting night at a local gun club so family members from 9 to 90 can get out and experience the fun of the shooting sports. This kind of community outreach will help your chapters attract the attention of potential new committee members as well as potential sponsors and local partners. If you want help planning please contact Eran or Chad and we will be glad to offer our help. Thanks for all you do to help ensure our outdoor way of life today and into the future! Joe Pavelko Director of Conservation 7975 Acorn Circle Victoria, MN Office: Matt Holland Senior Field Coordinator 679 West River Drive New London, MN Office: (320) Chad Bloom Regional Representative 1242 Meadow Parkway Mayer, MN Office: cbloom@pheasantsforever.org Eran Sandquist Regional Wildlife Biologist 410 Lincoln Ave S Box 91 South Haven, MN Office: Fax: esandquist@pheasantsforever.org MN PF/QF JUNE 2012 NEWSLETTER PAGE 8