Winner: South Dakota
Sioux Falls, and the greater state of South Dakota, really rolled out the red – or in this case, blaze orange – carpet as hosts of the annual event. The state’s major politicians were on hand, including Governor Kristi Noem, Senator John Thune, and State Representative Jessica Bahmuller, each an active upland hunter and supporter of the Pheasants Forever mission.
Beyond the celebrity factor, the show was buzzing, thanks in large part to the warm welcome provided by the location. Sioux Falls’ lodging options were above average, with ample dining opportunities, smooth travel, and an all-around friendly atmosphere. Bonus points to all the South Dakota chambers and communities handing out swag and pitching hunting opportunities, including Aberdeen, Redfield, Experience Sioux Falls, and more.
The Trampled by Turtles Concert for Conservation at Washington Pavilion was a nice addition, and we hope to see more of the same in the future.
Winner: Upland Guns & Gear
As a hunter, there were so many top-notch companies sharing the latest in firearms, ammunition, and upland gear. Here are a few of our favorite brands and fresh products from around the show floor.
Federal’s wealth of upland ammo including Prairie Storm, Hi Bird, and more fiber wad options than ever before; the new ambidextrous-friendly Weatherby Sorix inertia shotgun; Mossberg‘s Eventide camouflaged O/U and 940 Pro repeater families; Browning’s downsized 20- gauge humpback A5; Benelli’s Performance Shop Ethos; Winchester’s left-handed SX4 semi-auto, a coming lineup of upland gear from Alps Outdoorz; fine footwear from Lacrosse, Crispi, Danner, and Irish Setter; Negrini gun cases; and Hevi-Shot’s Hevi Bismuth Upland specialty shotshells.
We could go on ad infinitum. The show proved to be a great time for attendees to get a first-hand look at and feel for many of these young products. Plus, savvy shoppers were able to take advantage of deeply discounted buys on many apparel and gear items.
Loser: Absent Shotgun Manufacturers
Don’t get me wrong: plenty of firearms were on display at Pheasant Fest, including many of our favorites from brands like Browning, Beretta, Benelli, Winchester, Mossberg, Stoeger, and Weatherby, along with a few more custom level brands. There were a few gun retailers as well.
But for a well-run show with over 30,000 attendees, and one of the most serious upland and fine shotgun communities, we were disappointed that many shotgun manufacturers were absent. This is in no way a knock on the promoters of the show, but rather on the companies missing out on a major marketing opportunity. As the show continues to grow, we fully expect this to change because Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic is a prime scene for all things scattergun.
Winner: Dog Lovers
Though this was our first Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic, it did not take long to discover that bird dogs are at the heart of everything that happens at the show. An impressive Bird Dog Parade launched the event, with over 120 total pups representing more than 40 distinct breeds, crossing the stage with their proud owners. From that parade to seminars on training those furry friends, to much of the hunting gear, anybody into hunting dogs will want to visit Pheasant Fest.
Related: Hunting Dog Heaven at Pheasant Fest 2024
Certainly, this dog-centric approach helps keep the many attending families with young children engaged and entertained. Though we caught only a couple of the dozens of seminars, it became clear that many hunters find their way into the outdoor lifestyle because of their four-legged companions. Plus, those well-trained and well-loved dogs are just so darn adorable.
Loser: The Close-Minded, Anti-Hunting Crowd
It’s hard to define shortcomings at a show full of successes, especially when the biggest winners are the wildlands, wildlife, and natural preservation in general. The losers in this conversation are the under-informed, close-minded throng who fail to see that groups like Pheasants Forever – along with hunters, fishers, gun buyers, and sporting enthusiasts – comprise one of the largest financial supporters of public land access and conservation.
One need only look as far as the billion (yes, $1.2 billion in 2023) in Pittman-Robertson dollars, generated by firearms and hunting gear purchases, that go straight back into conservation and habitat-first programs like those ministered by Pheasants Forever and the many other related NGO outdoor non-profits, including Quail Forever, Ducks Unlimited, Whitetails Unlimited, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
While most show attendees are hunters, it would be a great injustice to say that one must be a hunter or politically affiliated to attend the show. Join an outdoor NGO, and become part of the solution where the true winners are conservation, habitat preservation, and sustainable wildlife populations.
Winner: Conservation & Habitat Restoration
Pheasants Forever makes up one of the largest nonprofit hunting organizations in the outdoor world, with over 140,000 members and more than 750 local chapters. It’s known as “The Habitat Organization,” an apt moniker given the group’s dedication to work in both habitat and wildlife preservation.
One shining example is South Dakota’s Public Access to Habitat (PATH) program, a community-based initiative that enrolls lands in long-term conservation. Not only are landowners compensated but the public wins with accessible lands, quality habitat, and healthy wildlife populations. That work helps bolster local economies with a direct economic impact on rural communities through outdoor recreation spending.
Further, the success Sioux Falls is seeing, with over 10,000 acres already enrolled, is proving an effective model for community-based conservation. The PATH agenda is just one of many such programs, not to mention all the others aimed at education, wildlife, and advocacy.
Winner: Youth Hunters
For years now, Pheasant Fest has been offering a Youth Village, an expansive area full of activities geared to the show’s youngest attendees. Not only is this a great way to keep the youngsters occupied, but also for families to spend quality time together while engaging with nature, hunting, and screen-free activities. There’s an indoor BB gun range, archery shoot, reptiles, fly tying, hands-on crafts, and wild face painting.
So many outdoor and trade shows are limited to adult business, but kudos to Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic for not only welcoming, but seriously engaging, the youth who are the future of this way of life we so love.
Next year’s event will be held March 7-9 in Kansas City, Missouri, and will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Quail Forever.
