On Friday evening, October 17 at the annual Wessington Springs Chapter of Pheasants Forever banquet, I was honored with being inducted into the Wessington Springs Chapter of Pheasants Forever Hall of Fame. I want to personally thank everyone who had a hand in making this happen. It is truly humbling, and I am forever grateful. I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a minute to share my thoughts after receiving this honor.
The Wessington Springs community has had an organized group of volunteers advocating and working for wildlife habitat, youth involvement in the outdoors, and conservation education for many, many years. Most of the efforts are directed to pheasants, but with all wildlife and the community in mind. To my knowledge, these efforts have been part of this community for over 40 years. First starting out as Pheasant Country Ltd. and eventually signing a charter to become a chapter of Pheasants Forever. Throughout these many years, there have been countless individuals who have VOLUNTEERED their time to the cause. In my mind, anyone who has volunteered even 1 hour of their time to this organization is worthy of acknowledgment. I want to commend and say thank you to every person who has ever volunteered their time to the mission, this chapter, and the community.
Recently, Kenny Chesney was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He said something that hit home with me. He said, “The truth is, I never really let myself sit in accomplishment very much. I’ve always been very creative, very driven. But tonight, walking into that rotunda and taking the group shot with a lot of my heroes and a lot of my friends – it was the first time that I have ever felt accomplished in my life.” I am far from Kenny Chesney’s status, but I echo the sentiment. This was the first time I have ever really felt accomplished as well.
We all put our daily energy into things that matter most to us. Our family, our friends, our careers, our most-sought hobbies, and hopefully the community we live in. For me, I have put a lot of energy towards the Pheasants Forever mission and our beloved chapter here in Wessington Springs. Because I chose to and because I’m passionate about it. If my time has made a difference to one youth, has created one more acre of habitat, or brought in one extra dollar to a local merchant from a traveling hunter, then feeling accomplished is a good thing.
In gratitude,
Darwin Weeldreyer
Wessington Springs Pheasants Forever Member