From the Chairman’s Desk: Another season of conservation in action

Education • Conservation Advocacy • Public Access • Habitat Improvement

Well, here we are again, heading into another season of change. The crops begin to turn, the air grows crisp, and the famous rooster begins to get weary. As the upcoming South Dakota pheasant opener grows closer, so does the anticipation for all of us, whether it be the hunter or the farmer.

It was a relatively good year for the birds. Having an easier winter last year helped keep bird survival high, and with a decently “wet” spring and summer, the birds have been able to flourish this year. Projected numbers are once again higher than ever, but they always seem to be. A few drives around the area, with some attention paid to common areas where birds like to be, seem to prove that. I have seen a lot of healthy birds all year, and after the hatch, family groups were plentiful.

This is a clear example of what it takes to have a successfulyearchasing roosters. Sure, the birds obviously have to be there, but look deeper at what it truly takes, and you can see the purpose in action. All around the area, there is conservation in action, whether it is food plots, shelter or a water source. You can see it paying off as more people realize that if you give to the land, the land will give back.

The local chapter once again had a great year. We welcomed two new board members late last year who have now had a full year on the board and are doing a fantastic job. Vice President Brady Younie and Youth Coordinator Mike Krueger came on last year and have been eager to help with chapter goals. They have also brought some great ideas as we move forward.

We had our annual Appreciation Supper in early spring, where we like to give back to all those who graciously give to help us with projects and chapter goals throughout the year. The Seed and Trap Giveaway Day was a huge success this year and contributed to some great conservation efforts throughout the area.

There have been several changes within Pheasants Forever itself, so we as a chapter board have been navigating those changes and new contacts moving forward. In the past, we have given between $5,000 and $10,000 to the Legislative Action Fund, which is used to advocate for conservationprograms and legislation that bring positive changes. This year, we backed off our contribution to $1,000 as we navigate the Farm Bill and what will come out of that in terms of conservation moving forward.

We have continued to offer the chapter assistance program cost-share incentive. If you have done or are wanting to do a project involving permanent grass seeding, trees or a water project, this is for you. The chapter will pay a portion of each of these projects, and if you have any questions, please reach out to a board member for more information.

We are always looking for feedback from our members, so if there is a project or an idea you have, let a board member know. As always, we strive to keep local dollars local and have some ideas as we go into the next year on where we can be the most beneficial. But it starts with our members first.

I would like to personally thank all of our members, volunteers and all those who make the chapter possible.

Here’s to another season of conservation in action and the privilege to take part in the tradition of hunting.

Paul Sheldon 
Chapter President 
Wessington Springs Pheasants Forever Chapter #835