Habitat innovation, application and conservation for the landowner and professional
By Kaitlyn Yoder, Habitat Improvement Program Manager for PF & QF
Celebrate your love for the uplands on the Habitat Stage at this year’s National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic in Kansas City, Missouri, March 7-9.
Visit the stage to learn about local habitat success stories, habitat methods, invasive species, habitat legislation … and of course upland gamebirds from pheasants to quail and more!
The all-day lineups of expert speakers for each day includes a few one-time only appearances by some special guests, and is the ultimate event for upland habitat and prairie conservationists nationwide.
The Habitat Stage will feature an incredible roster of presentations from landowners, leaders, influencers and professionals celebrating new ideas, techniques, and resources to conserve the upland habitat we all cherish.
The full stage schedule is below, but here’s a sneak-peek of highlights:
Jump to Stage Schedule
Habitat Stage Highlights
Conserving the Covey: Habitat Restoration in the 2C Quail Focus Area
Learn about habitat restoration efforts taking place in the 2C Quail Focal Area in Missouri. Two Missouri Department of Conservation staff members are joining us to give us an update on their continuing efforts to restore quail habitat on private lands, partnering with Quail Forever.
Groceries on the Ground: Increasing Food Availability with Native Habitats
Kyle Lybarger is the founder of the Native Habitat Project and resides in Northern Alabama. Join us to discuss native habitat, the importance of biodiversity, and the benefits to wildlife as a food source. Check out his Instagram and website to learn more about his education outreach initiatives as we look forward to his talk!
Grasslands and Farm Bill Federal Policy Forum
Join us for presentations hosted by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s government affairs team discussing habitat policy developments, and what we are anticipating in the coming years. Some special guests will join our government affairs team for this special presentation.
Feral Hogs vs. Game Birds: A Battle for Habitat and Survival
Wild pigs pose a significant threat to pheasant and quail populations by destroying nests, consuming eggs, and degrading habitat. These impacts ripple through ecosystems, affecting associated species that share the land. This presentation explores the ecological impacts of feral hogs on game birds and their broader ecosystems, highlighting the need for effective hog management strategies.
Native Grasses, Regenerative Agriculture and Conservation Ranching
Join two Missouri landowners as they discuss how they have incorporated native grasses and regenerative agriculture into their operations. Hear their experiences and lessons learned.
Prescribed Burn Association Panel Discussion
The prescribed fire panel is returning to the habitat stage this year with a special focus on prescribed burn associations. Prescribed burn associations are landowner-led groups that support one another with the application of prescribed fire. Join our diverse panel and the PF & QF Prescribed Fire Program Manager Jonathan Eerkes, and bring your questions!
The Habitat Stage is your destination for all-things habitat. Don’t miss it! Mark your calendars and join us in Kansas City on March 7-9 for the ultimate gathering of upland enthusiasts … and to celebrate 20 years of Quail Forever.
Seminar Schedule
2025 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic:
Habitat Stage Seminar Lineup
| Time |
Topic |
Speaker(s) |
| Friday |
1:00 |
Conserving the Covey; Habitat Restoration in the 2C Quail Focus Area |
Nate Mechlin & Aaron Porter |
| 1:30 |
Tackling Invasive Plants: Missouri’s First Invasive Species Cooperative |
Valarie Kurre |
| 2:00 |
Native Grasses, Regenerative Agriculture and Conservation Ranching |
Charlie Besher & Dave Haubein |
| 2:30 |
Prescribed Burn Association Panel Discussion, Moderated by Jonathan Eerkes |
Cole Fagen, John McGuire, Tanner Swank & Dusty Tacha |
| 3:00 |
Feral Hogs vs. Game Birds: A Battle for Habitat and Survival |
Aaron Sumrall, PhD |
| 3:30 |
The Upland Gamebirds of Kansas’ Grasslands |
Jeff Prendergast |
| 4:30 |
Creating Buzz: Enhancing Urban and Suburban Landscapes for Native Pollinators |
Dave Hoover |
| Saturday |
10:00 |
Prescribed Burn Association Panel Discussion, Moderated by Jonathan Eerkes |
Cole Fagen, John McGuire, Tanner Swank & Dusty Tacha |
| 11:00 |
Feral Hogs vs. Game Birds: A Battle for Habitat and Survival |
Aaron Sumrall, PhD |
| 11:30 |
Groceries on the Ground; Increasing Food Availability with Native Habitats |
Kyle Lybarger |
| 12:30 |
Grasslands and Farm Bill Federal Policy Forum |
Hosted by Andrew Schmidt and Ariel Wiegard |
| 2:00 |
Creating Buzz: Enhancing Urban and Suburban Landscapes for Native Pollinators |
Dave Hoover |
| 2:30 |
Tackling Invasive Plants: Missouri’s First Invasive Species Cooperative |
Valarie Kurre |
| 3:00 |
Conserving the Covey; Habitat Restoration in the 2C Quail Focus Area |
Nate Mechlin & Aaron Porter |
| 3:30 |
Native Grasses, Regenerative Agriculture and Conservation Ranching |
Charlie Besher & Dave Haubein |
| Sunday |
| 10:00 |
Native Grasses, Regenerative Agriculture and Conservation Ranching |
Charlie Besher & Dave Haubein |
| 10:30 |
Creating Buzz: Enhancing Urban and Suburban Landscapes for Native Pollinators |
Dave Hoover |
| 11:00 |
Tackling Invasive Plants: Missouri’s First Invasive Species Cooperative |
Valarie Kurre |
| 11:30 |
Conserving the Covey; Habitat Restoration in the 2C Quail Focus Area |
Nate Mechlin & Aaron Porter |
| 12:00 |
Feral Hogs vs. Game Birds: A Battle for Habitat and Survival |
Aaron Sumrall, PhD |
| 12:30 |
Prescribed Burn Association Panel Discussion, Moderated by Jonathan Eerkes |
Cole Fagen, John McGuire, Tanner Swank & Dusty Tacha |
The 2025 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic will take place at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City on March 7-9. Tickets and more information can be found at: PheasantFest.org.