Miller champions habitat work, community involvement in western Ohio
This year, for the first time, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever will recognize a national “Volunteer of the Year.”
The award celebrates the very best the organization has to offer — the members and volunteers who optimize the Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever mission, who seek to protect and grow our wildlife habitat, and who help ensure our heritage continues for generations to come.
We have chosen eight finalists (Four Pheasants Forever and four Quail Forever) for the award. The winner will be announced at the upcoming National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic, which runs March 1-3 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
“Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are dynamic conservation organizations, fueled by the dedication of volunteers,” said Tom Fuller, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s vice president of chapter and volunteer services. “The Volunteer of the Year award seeks to honor individuals who have made a profound impact on our mission. Our volunteer network is a vibrant community of passion and talent. This annual award is a celebration of the remarkable accomplishments of these volunteers, and is intended to inspire others to join the movement for upland conservation.”
Over the course of the next four weeks we’ll get to know each finalist, and celebrate their accomplishments in the world of habitat conservation. The first volunteer we’ll highlight is Brian Miller, from the Mercer County Chapter of Pheasants Forever in Ohio.
Let’s start by just telling us a little more about yourself. Your history with bird hunting and conservation, how long you’ve been a member of Pheasants Forever, etc.
I grew up in Mercer County, Ohio, where we didn't have pheasants or quail, but we had plenty of waterfowl. In 1993 I decided to give back to the hunting community, so I became a volunteer hunter education instructor for the Ohio Division of Wildlife. I stuck with that for around 25 years.
In 1998, while training my lab pup with a buddy, we thought, "Why not teach it to hunt upland too?" That's when my love for pheasant hunting kicked in. Fast forward to 2002, my first Pheasant Forever Chapter meeting. They were talking about something discussed before, and when I suggested checking previous minutes, they dropped the bombshell that they didn't keep minutes. Long story short, I ended up becoming the secretary, a position I still hold to this day. In 2020, I finally hit a milestone—I became a Life Member of Pheasants Forever. For me, this stands out as one of those “proud moments!”
What initially spurred you to get involved with your local chapter?
Over the course of several years, I've participated in various conservation organization events. What ignited my passion for Pheasants Forever was its unique approach – unlike other organizations, it didn't necessitate sending the funds raised to national and then requesting their return.
As I highlighted earlier, I've dedicated over two decades to the role of chapter secretary, a responsibility I take great pride in. Additionally, I've undertaken the role of banquet chairman for more than a decade, further contributing to the success of our endeavors.
Talk about the work you and your chapter have been doing over the course of the last year.
In 2023 alone, our efforts made a substantial impact – we contributed to six nesting cover projects covering 278 acres, developed two wetlands totaling 4.4 acres, planted 2700 trees, established 15 food plots covering 73 acres, and executed two maintenance projects spanning 13 acres. Notably, our Chapter stands as the foremost supporter of state initiatives aimed at acquiring land for public access.
In addition to the many conservation projects, we take pride in hosting numerous events annually. From the engaging Ringneck Day to the Damon Klenke Memorial Youth Pheasant Hunt, Veterans’ Appreciation Hunt, Women’s Pheasant Hunt, Youth Archery League and Women on the Wings events – our calendar is brimming with meaningful activities.
I play a substantial role in organizing these events. The youth indoor archery league that runs for six weeks, engaging over 200 youth of all skill levels during the months of January and February. Lastly, I am a fervent advocate for the Legislative Action Fund and Path to the Uplands.
There are nearly 140,000 Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever members, and eight total finalists for Volunteer of the Year. What does it mean to be nominated for this award?
I’m very humbled to be one of the finalists for this prestigious award. I’ve attended many state banquets as well as National Pheasant Fests, which has allowed me to meet a lot of other passionate volunteers. To think that I made to this level is very emotional for me. It's a culmination of years of dedication, hard work and a genuine commitment to the cause. The shared experiences and connections forged during banquets and events have contributed to the sense of community within this passionate volunteer network. The acknowledgment as a finalist serves as a poignant reminder of the collective efforts and the impact that individuals can have when driven by a shared commitment to a cause.
One of the most profound aspects of volunteering for Pheasants Forever is you can see and touch the work. It’s not abstract, or done in some far away place. When you accomplish a habitat project, you can stand in the dirt and witness the progress firsthand. Same is true for outreach — you get to see new people discover the world of conservation or watch a bird dog work for the very first time. What’s it feel like to sit back and watch your work come to fruition?
Anyone who knows me, knows my love for Mercer County. This is the driving force behind my dedication to originally join Pheasants Forever and the reason I’ve have remained dedicated over the years. The opportunity to make a positive impact throughout my county is a privilege that I hold dear. What makes this commitment even more meaningful is the realization that I’m contributing to a legacy that will endure for generations to come.