Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever speak to over 190 students at Triton High School

National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic returned to its home turf in Minneapolis during the third weekend of February 2026. Before the festivities began, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever team member, Levi Day, spent a day at Triton High School, just outside Minneapolis, helping over 195 students learn about potential career pathways in the world of wildlife conservation.  

“We want to help students learn about the wide variety of job opportunities, beyond being a biologist or conservation officer, and promote the Journey to Conservation Careers Course as a wonderful resource to start students on the path of finding a career in conservation.” Day said. “Introducing students to our Journey to Conservation Careers program is a great way to get started in this field.”  

The Journey to Conservation Careers program was developed in partnership between Pheasants Forever, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bellevue University. This self-paced, online program features lessons around biology, ecology and upland habitat. Additionally, students will learn about the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, the Pittman Robertson Act and the role Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever play in conservation. 

“We want to inspire the next generation of youth to protect our environment,” Day said. “This program provides the tools and information to pave career opportunities and shape their future decisions around habitat conservation.”  

Day completed his visit to Triton High School alongside Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Emy Pangerl, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources biologist, Steven Woodley. They discussed careers in marketing and membership, education and outreach, as well as being a biologist. The wide array of opportunities really got students thinking.

“Students thought the J2CC event was a great opportunity to be exposed to options for their futures,” said Kim Swanson, a biology teacher at Triton High School. “They enjoyed the presenters and many of them began to consider career paths that weren't on their radar previously. As a teacher, I appreciate my students got to meet a few people that work in the field of conservation — this makes learning more real for them than simply having me or one of the other teachers talk about options for the future.”

The Journey to Conservation Careers Course is now offered FREE to participants through Bellevue University. Visit this site to learn more about the program and what it can do for you and your future, or click here to begin the registration process.   

For additional questions about this program, contact Levi Day at LDay@PheasantsForever.org or at (208) 550-0580.