Pheasant Fest is where conservation, community and upland traditions come together. This year, RGS & AWS is inviting attendees to slow down and start Saturday morning with conversation.
Coffee and Covers is a casual meet-and-greet with RGS & AWS award-winning Covers magazine Editor-in-Chief Britney Booth, open to everyone attending the show. Held over a cup of coffee, this relaxed gathering is designed for easy conversation about conservation, storytelling, upland hunting traditions and the role media plays in connecting people to the landscapes and wildlife we care about.
There’s no formal agenda and no presentation. Attendees are welcome to stop by and chat at their leisure. Whether you’re a hunter, conservation supporter, longtime reader or simply curious about how stories help shape conservation, Coffee and Covers offers a welcoming space to connect.
Coffee and Covers takes place Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Booth 1119.
From there, the learning continues on the Grouse Camp Stage:
At 11 a.m., Karl Malcolm, vice president of conservation, will join other grouse organization leaders for Celebrating Our Grouse Organizations and the Birds, highlighting the impact and legacy of conservation efforts.
At 2 p.m., Gabe Stone, Eastern Great Lakes regional engagement coordinator, and Brent Pyke, owner of Pyke Gear, will host So You Want to Hunt Grouse and Woodcock, offering practical insight for those interested in pursuing these iconic upland species.
At 3 p.m., Malcolm returns alongside Jon Steigerwaldt, Western Great Lakes forest conservation director, and Stefan Nelson, Minnesota wildlife specialist, for Managing Forests for Grouse and Woodcock, a discussion focused on habitat management and the science behind healthy forest ecosystems.
The day wraps up Saturday at 5 p.m. with “It’s Always 5 O’clock at Grouse Camp” happy hour and film fest in the Grouse Camp area.
RGS & AWS will have local chapter leaders from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, along with conservation staff in Booth 914. Merchandise will also be available in the Grouse Camp area. Additionally, stop by Booth 1119 in partnership with Pyke Gear to connect with RGS & AWS national staff.
Show Special
Sign up for an RGS & AWS Conservation Membership in person at Pheasant Fest and receive a throwback RGS & AWS embroidered rope hat, a copy of “Sand County Almanac” by Aldo Leopold and four issues of the award-winning Covers magazine.
Help us reach our 500-membership goal at Pheasant Fest!
