Chicagoland Area to Host 2019 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic for First Time in Illinois

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic, the nation’s largest upland-themed event, will be held February 22, 23 & 24, 2019, at the Schaumburg Convention Center in suburban Chicago. It will mark the first time Illinois hosts Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s signature event, a three-day celebration of upland habitat, hunting and conservation that annually draws more than 20,000 supporters. The event will be presented by Federal Premium Ammunition.
 
Illinois is strong Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever turf, boasting 41 Pheasants Forever chapters, 21 Quail Forever chapters (tied with Missouri for most QF chapters in the country) and 10,000 Pheasants Forever and/or Quail Forever members. In addition to providing significant economic impact for the host community and attending outdoor industry vendors, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever uses its National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic to discuss habitat with landowners and recruit members to its wildlife conservation mission.
 
“The Chicagoland area is an ideal meeting place between pheasant country and quail country. Long a hotbed of support for our organization, we look to make the inaugural Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic in Illinois a success for volunteers, members, our corporate partners and the birds,” said Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s president and CEO.
 
In addition to national upland conservation issues, National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic brings serious attention to wildlife habitat projects and the status of conservation in the host state.  Included in that focus is recruiting, retaining, and reactivating the next generation of hunters and conservation leaders. 
 
“Illinois is proud to serve as host for the 2019 National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic, and we encourage pheasant and quail enthusiasts from throughout Illinois and around the country to make plans to join us in Schaumburg next February,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Wayne Rosenthal. “Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are among our most valued partners in promoting the expansion of upland habitat, hunting and outdoor recreation in Illinois, and we are thrilled to welcome members and supporters to enjoy this great event in the Prairie State.”
 
“Our chapter volunteers and members across Illinois are incredibly excited to host the National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic 2019 in Schaumburg,” commented Erin Holmes, Illinois state coordinator for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “We are looking forward to hosting the event as a chance to highlight the great work being accomplished in the Prairie State. We invite everyone to join us in Schaumburg for the best Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic yet!”
 
National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic combines a national consumer show, wildlife habitat seminar series, and family event complete with puppies, tractors, shotguns, and art. It’s grown to be the country’s largest event for upland hunters, sporting dog owners, and wildlife habitat conservationists. More details for National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic 2019 in Schaumburg, including ticket information, will be posted to pheasantfest.org as they become available.
 
About Pheasants Forever

Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division, Quail Forever, is the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 140,000 members and 700 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Chapters are empowered to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds are spent; the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure. Since creation in 1982, Pheasants Forever has spent $784 million on 530,000 habitat projects benefiting 17 million acres nationwide.