Bird dogs, youth, habitat and Farm Bill highlight seminar events

Saint Paul, Minnesota – Pheasants Forever (PF) announces the schedule of seminars slated for National Pheasant Fest 2008 presented by Cabela’s. The Fest will be taking place January 18th, 19th and 20th, 2008, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota. The 3-day event will feature four seminar stages and 10 seminar rooms. A complete list of seminars can be seen at www.nationalpheasantfest.org/page/1/pfestSeminarList.

The Bird Dog Bonanza Stage - Immensely popular, the Bird Dog Bonanza Stage is presented by Nestle Purina Pet Car and SportDOG brand electronic dog training systems. Dog training seminars and sport dog demonstrations will take place throughout the weekend on the hour. Speakers will include Purina/SportDOG consultant Rick Smith, Tom Dokken, Purina consultant Jerry Cacchio, and SportDOG’s Charley Jurney. These experts will demonstrate everything from how to turn your pup into a successful hunting partner to discussions on proper exercise and nutrition. They’ll also give advice on picking a puppy appropriate for your family. Each day, the presenters will join a panel discussion, taking questions from Pheasant Fest attendees.

Family/Youth Stage – Presented by Cabela’s, the Family/Youth Stage at National Pheasant Fest makes learning fun! There will be plenty of critters, from birds to reptiles. You’ll also be able to learn about the Mighty Mississippi “River to the Sea,” a fantastic presentation by Underwater Adventures Aquarium.

Habitat Stages – Two Habitat Stages will feature a variety of presentations on all things habitat. PF’s Habitat Forever will present “Creating Effective Food Plots for Upland Wildlife.” You’ll also be able to enjoy some of the great habitat building and hunting moments from Pheasants Forever Television with “The Man Afield,” Bill Sherck. And a full slate of presentations and speakers throughout the weekend fill seminar rooms on topics including pheasants, bobwhite quail, predators, deer management and more.

Pheasants Forever’s 2008 Farm Bill Forum - PF has grown into a leader in conservation policy at the highest levels of government. In that vein, PF will host the second-ever Farm Bill Forum at National Pheasant Fest 2008. Last year’s Forum featured the first joint public appearance of brand new U.S. House Ag Chair Collin Peterson and U.S. Senate Ag Chair Tom Harkin. This year’s participants are yet to be announced, but attendees can expect a similar caliber of participants to discuss Farm Bill topics ranging from the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), wetlands, public hunting access, ethanol and biofuels, as well as soil rental rates, The event will take place on Saturday, January 19th at 10:30 AM in Rooms 10 and 11 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.

For the special price of $30, a National Pheasant Fest advance ticket includes floor admission for the entire three-day weekend, as well as a one-year membership to Pheasants Forever. The PF membership includes a free PF hat (a $17 value), a subscription to the Pheasants Forever Journal of Upland Conservation (5 issues) and PF member card and decal. Purchasing advance tickets to National Pheasant Fest is a $77 value at less than half the price, a savings of over 60 percent! Tickets are available at any Ticketmaster outlet (find links at www.NationalPheasantFest.org) or by calling (651)989-5151. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Saint Paul RiverCentre Box Office (located in the southeast lobby of Xcel Energy Center). Adult daily tickets are $10 and youth ages 6-16 are $5.Youth under 5 are free.

For additional information about Pheasants Forever, please visit www.PheasantsForever.org.