Managing SD team members, habitat programs and advocacy efforts
Pheasants Forever is proud to announce the promotion of Matt Gottlob to South Dakota state coordinator. In his new role, Gottlob will drive SD habitat programs, lead a talented team of field staff, and work closely with partners to ensure habitat conservation continues to be recognized as a critically important driver of abundant wildlife populations, sustainable agriculture, healthy soil, and clean water.
“Matt has been a key part of our team in the last several years,” said Eran Sandquist, Pheasants Forever’s Midwest director of conservation. “He brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position, understands the habitat needs of upland wildlife throughout South Dakota, and recognizes the intersection of habitat, hunting heritage, and rural economies. The Pheasant Capital has a bright future ahead with Matt leading Pheasants Forever’s conservation efforts.”
Prior to joining Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, Gottlob was a research graduate assistant at South Dakota State University, where he earned a master’s degree in wildlife and fisheries science. He joined The Habitat Organization in 2016 as a range and wildlife conservationist, a position he held until being offered the role of state coordinator this spring. Gottlob also holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Black Hills State University.
In his previous role, Gottlob built lasting relationships with agency partners, developed conservation program contracts for agricultural producers, and implemented large-scale conservation plans across public and private lands. He will now coordinate and lead state-level habitat and advocacy efforts in South Dakota, ensuring effective conservation delivery throughout the state’s pheasant range.
“I feel incredibly blessed to work for The Habitat Organization, improving South Dakota’s natural resources through my daily work,” Gottlob said. “My experience has provided me with a critical understanding of the important work our biologists and chapters accomplish every day to further our habitat mission. I look forward to leading our South Dakota team and expanding critical partnerships to help deliver more habitat throughout the state.”
For more information about Pheasants Forever in South Dakota, contact Matt Gottlob at 605-421-8821 or mgottlob@pheasantsforever.org.