Grab your favorite shotgun and 3 of your best friends (or 3 of your friends who can actually shoot) and join us on August 17th starting at 8am for our annual sporting clays shoot. Prizes will be given out to top teams. Register yourself or sign up as a team of four. Sponsorship and partnership options are available. All skill levels are welcome, and it should be a great day of friendly competition.

Event Proceeds

We are raising money for our second NoCo Pheasants Forever Scholarship program, which awards a $2,500 scholarship to college students from Larimer AND Weld Counties pursuing agriculture, wildlife management, rangeland management, or conservation-related degrees.

Sporting Clays Fun Shoot: Take aim and test your shooting skills on Great Guns’ world-class sporting clays course. Experience the thrill of breaking clays as they simulate the flight of various game birds, providing an exciting and authentic hunting experience. 

Youth Participation Encouraged: This event is family-friendly, and we warmly welcome youth participants to join in the fun. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young shooters to learn, improve their skills, and engage in the sport of clay shooting.

Lunch Included: Eat some incredible food from the onsite food truck and swap shooting stories with your fellow guests. 

(click here to download our event registration poster!)

The post Fall Sporting Clays Event appeared first on Northern Colorado Pheasants Forever.

The Northern Colorado Pheasants Forever chapter is one of 15 chapters located in Colorado. Northern PF has over 400 active members and contributes generously to habitat restoration, education and outreach within the state. This chapter is based out of Loveland, CO will be offering 2 scholarships of $2,500 to graduating seniors from Northern Colorado schools.

How to Apply: You must meet the following criteria to be considered for the Pheasants Forever Conservation Scholarship Award:

• You must be graduating from a school in Northern Colorado by the end of the 2024 spring semester.
• You must already be ACCEPTED to a Colorado accredited 2 or 4-year university with an intention to major in one of the following fields: Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Science, Resource Conservation, Range Science, Agriculture or Ecology disciplines. (Additional fields of study will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)
  

The application consists of the following materials:

• A current resume.
• Proof of acceptance to Colorado accredited 2 or 4-year university with degree programs in the above fields.
• Two letters of reference. One reference shall be from a teacher (not related to you) familiar with your academic capabilities and accomplishments. The second reference shall be from any other adult not related to you who is familiar with your interest in natural resources.
• A short essay (1-2 pages in length) describing 1) your interests in the biological/natural resource field, 2) your career goals and how they relate to the focus of this scholarship, and 3) how you would use the award to further your professional/academic development.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: May 8, 2024
Winners will be announced by the end of June, 2024. Upon selection, after July 1, 2024, the $2,500 will be placed on account with the school the applicant will be attending. Failure to commence attending will result in forfeiture of scholarship. Winners are encouraged to write a letter of appreciation to be presented at the Spring 2025 Pheasants Forever Annual Fundraising Banquet and are encouraged to attend if possible.

To apply electronically: mpeyton@pheasantsforever.org

To apply by mail: Colorado Pheasants Forever c/o Michael Peyton 2139 Donna Ct, Loveland, CO 80537

Click here to download details on how to apply

The post Opportunity for Scholarships to Northern Colorado seniors in 2024 appeared first on Northern Colorado Pheasants Forever.

A brief history of the outreach program of Northern Colorado Pheasant Forever Chapter #395

In June of 2003, my brother JB contacted me and said I needed to join Pheasants Forever so he and I could start doing Youth pheasant hunts. As luck would have it, this was also the commitment of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. We met with DOW Officer Jim Bulger at his office in Denver in July 2003. We exchanged ideas on how a youth hunt should be conducted. For the next 5 years, PF and the DOW put together a great program. Our first youth hunt was the first Saturday in October 2003. It involved 12 youths, their parents, and 12 mentors.

In 2007, Travis Grace donated a 20-foot enclosed trailer to our Pheasant’s Forever Chapter. A dream had now come true. We could now have a place that was mobile to store and transport our equipment. This also allowed us to do more activities such as fishing, archery, trap shooting, 22 rifle target shooting, and hunting. We equipped the trailer with fishing equipment, 22 rifles, 20 ga. and 410 ga. shotguns, trap throwers, BB and Pellet guns, and archery equipment. This one trailer has now expanded to 4 trailers at various locations in Eastern Colorado. We even have 2 Habitat Trailers.

By the time Pheasant’s Forever started its NO CHILD LEFT INDOORS program in 2008, we were doing four outreach programs a year, two for youth and two for women. The program includes Archery, Trap Shooting, 22 Rifle Target Shooting, and a Planted Pheasant Hunt.

Our program has grown to 12 to 15 events a year. These events include two TUNE CAMPS (THE ULTIMATE NATURE EXPERIENCE). The one in July is weeklong and includes fishing, hiking, cooking, trap shooting, 22 rifle target shooting, archery, fly tying, horseback riding, and a hunter education certification program. This camp is held in the mountains at Calwood Youth Education Campus near Jamestown, CO. The second camp is the 3rd weekend of October at Camp Machasay near Amherst, CO. It includes horseback riding, ATV riding, archery, 22 rifle target shooting, trap shooting, and a planted pheasant hunt on Sunday. We do the shotgun training for the Colorado State Patrol Youth Academy in July.  In December, we take 12 Veterans and their guests on a wild pheasant hunt in Phillips, Yuma, and Saguache counties. We provide food and lodging at no cost to the participants for this 3-day outing.

In 2024, we have scheduled four youth events, three Women on the Wing events, two men’s events, a Veteran’s event, and a Sporting Clays shoot.

We involve 300-plus youth and adults in our outreach events each year. This year our youngest participant was 5 and our oldest was 78. All of this would not be possible without the financial support of our chapter and the many great volunteers who helped make us so successful.

Statistics of the 2023 Outreach Program

These are the approximate numbers for our outreach program for 2023.

• 11 Total Events (5 Youth, 3 Women, 1 Veteran, 2 Mixed – Adult & Youth)
• 403 Total Participants
• 17,834 Total Miles driven by mentors
• 2,416 Total Volunteer Hours by mentors
• 378 Stan’s total volunteer hours
• 2,564 Stan’s total mileage

The post 2023 Recap & Brief History of the Outreach Program appeared first on Northern Colorado Pheasants Forever.

We are excited to announce the launch of our first fundraiser of 2021. We did not let COVID slow down our outreach and habitat improvement efforts, but we did temporarily pause our fundraising. We now need more help than ever to replenish our coffers, which will enable us to continue to do all of the great things you’ve come to expect from Northern Colorado Pheasants Forever. Details on the event are below.

2021 Super Sweepstakes Details

Our super sweepstakes is an amazing opportunity to win one of 12 fabulous prizes.

• The grand prize includes a beautiful shotgun, rifle, high-end binoculars, and a premium cooler!
• The remaining 11 prizes are a variety of shotguns and rifles from Beretta, Weatherby, Browning, Benelli, Franchi Henry and more!
• The total prize value is over $13K!!!
• Don’t delay; the drawing is on July 9th.

The post We’re Back and We Need Your Support! appeared first on Northern Colorado Pheasants Forever.

First Place: Mardy Kemmer
Second Place: Marty Brunner

Best Youth Score

First Place: Blake Bohlende
Second Place: Dalton Barthlama

Best Adult – Youth Score

Troy & Blake Bohlender

Best Adult Habitat Clays Score

First Place: Bill Hazlett
Second Place: Mike Van Horn

Best Youth Habitat Clays Score

First Place: Blake Bohlender
Second Place: Dalton Barthlama

Thanks to everyone for participating in this event.

The post Winners of August 22, 2020 – Habitat Sporting Clays Event appeared first on Northern Colorado Pheasants Forever.

Sporting Clays Shoot – Habitat Style!

We will be hosting a sporting clays shoot at Great Guns Sporting on Saturday, August 22, 2020.

However, there is a twist! Some of the clays will be loaded with habitat seed attached to them. When you hit the clay you will scatter the seed, and with a little luck, create habitat in the process.

The proceeds from this shoot will benefit our habitat and outreach programs.

This event is for everyone including youth. Prizes will be awarded as follows:

1. The best adult score
2. The best youth score
3. The best adult-youth team score
4. The best adult score at hitting the habitat clays (these clays will be put is specific traps and are a different color)
5. The best youth score at hitting the habitat clays.

So come and join us. Contact Stan Barthlama at 970-214-5928 or sbarthlama@msn.com if you have questions. Registration is not required ahead of time, but if possible, Stan appreciates you letting him know ahead of time.

Youth and Ladies Events Have Been Scheduled

Registration for both our youth and ladies events are now open. Each day will include trap shooting, archery, target shooting, and a LIVE PHEASANT HUNT. More importantly, you will have fun alongside fellow outdoor enthusiasts in a safe and pressure free environment. Space is limited to 18 participants at the youth event and 12 participants at the ladies event. Don’t delay in registering!

Please note, lunch will NOT be served at these events. Please bring a sack lunch. Learn more about each event at the below links.

• Youth Event – September 19
• Ladies Event – October 3

Chocolate Lab Puppy Giveaway!

KB KENNELS of Pierce, Colorado is giving away a CHOCOLATE LAB PUPPY to a lucky youth on Friday, September 4, 2020. This is a great opportunity to have a new best friend for years to come.

To win this puppy the following rules apply:

1. Youth must be 10 to 16 years of age
2. Must write an essay of 500 words or less as to why you want to receive this puppy and what you plan to do with the puppy.
3. Please include Name, Address, Phone Number, E-mail address and Birth date of the youth.
4. Entries must be e-mailed to kbkennels5@msn.com by 5pm WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2020.
5. If you win the puppy, A MONTHLY REPORT with pictures must be sent to KB KENNELS for the first year.

If you have any questions, please contact Stan Barthlama, Outreach Coordinator for Northern Colorado Pheasants Forever – Phone 970-214-5928 or E-mail sbarthlama@msn.com

Habitat Improvement Project Near Craig, CO

That’s right, Pheasants Forever has a great volunteer opportunity on our western slope.

The upcoming wet meadow restoration project using Zeedyk rock structures is scheduled for September 9-12, and will benefit multiple species including sage grouse, mule deer, elk, migratory birds and more. The rock structures are strategically built in wet meadows/drainages within sagebrush rangelands. These structures help naturally heal active erosion due to runoff to improve the habitat for sage grouse and other wildlife.

We will be working alongside Wildlife Restoration Volunteers (WRV), who has the “go-ahead” to proceed with the project following social distancing and limited group size of volunteers per Colorado Dept. of Health & Environment (CDPHE) guidelines. Volunteers will also be split into very small groups to work on site.

For questions about the project and to register, please contact Rebecca Burton (Pheasants Forever/Natural Resources Conservation Service) at (970) 329-3160 or rburton@pheasantsforever.org

Check out this flyer for more details

The post Back in the Swing of Things appeared first on Northern Colorado Pheasants Forever.

1. Youth must be 10 to 16 years of age
2. Must write an essay of 500 words or less as to why you want to receive this puppy and what you plan to do with the puppy.
3. Please include Name, Address, Phone Number, E-mail address, and Birthdate of the youth.
4. Entries must be e-mailed to kbkennels5@msn.com by 5 pm WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2020.
5. A  MONTHLY REPORT with pictures must be sent to KB KENNELS for the first year.

If you have any questions, contact Stan Barthlama
Outreach Coordinator
Northern Colorado Pheasants Forever
Phone 970-214-5928
E-mail sbarthlama@msn.com

The post Chocolate Lab Puppy Give-Away appeared first on Northern Colorado Pheasants Forever.

This March marks two full years that K9 CASH has been assisting Colorado Parks and Wildlife with managing the diverse wildlife of our great state. Pheasants Forever sponsored CASH as he began his journey as a wildlife K9, by providing funds to cover portions of the K9 training costs. Support from Colorado sportsmen groups are critical in seeing programs like the CPW Wildlife K9 project succeed. I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the job duties CASH has been able to work on this past year. Thanks again for your support!

Over the last year, CASH has taken part in biological field surveys for two endangered wildlife species, served as a topic for several public outreach endeavors detailing wildlife management and worked alongside wildlife officers investigating possible illegal hunting activities.

CASH spent three survey days this year using his highly sensitive nose in an attempt to locate federally endangered black-footed ferrets and Colorado State endangered boreal toads. K9 CASH worked alongside Colorado Parks and Wildlife crews to locate and document boreal toads in two locations in Northern Colorado. He also worked a night with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, assisting in their efforts to locate black-footed ferrets on the refuge.

CASH’s people friendly and outgoing personality has proven to be a great way to connect with a variety of groups to educate them on various wildlife management topics. When members of the public hear about a dog with a unique job, they are eager to learn more about the dog and its mission. Because of this, groups that are not traditionally interested in wildlife are showing an added curiosity when the topic of K9 CASH is thrown into the equation.

During CASH’s second year on the job, he helped to present over 20 wildlife related talks to groups ranging from 4H youth members, elementary school science fairs, public service clubs, and campers staying at Colorado State Parks. These presentations help to connect people with wildlife as well as educating them on key wildlife management topics such as why hunting is an important aspect of wildlife management.

In addition to the more traditional natural resource educational programs, CASH also made appearances on three Denver T.V. news stations, was the cover story on a nationally published magazine, a topic of discussion for Colorado Outdoors, and was detailed on a morning weekly radio show. These public outreach efforts highlighted the important work CASH is doing in managing and protecting wildlife. His unique story is helping to keep Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s mission relevant among the increasingly diverse population in the State.

In 2018, K9 CASH proved a valuable asset to wildlife officers by using his nose to assist with wildlife poaching investigations. He assisted with a wildlife check station near Craig, CO and also worked approximately 10 illegal hunting situations. A few of these cases include the following:

• Last Fall an Operation Game Thief report had information detailing out-of-state muzzleloader hunters that were knowingly trespassing on a private ranch to hunt elk. CASH searched a square mile section of the ranch and was able to locate one of the hunters actively hunting on the property. CASH also located a freshly killed bull elk carcass on the ranch. His work allowed wildlife officers to gain a full confession of trespass and illegal take of a large bull elk from the hunters.
• CASH assisted wildlife officers with an elk poaching case that involved the harvest of two animals on one license and also take of an elk on property closed to hunting. In this situation, CASH searched a large area and found a spent rifle bullet casing that likely came from the hunter. CASH also searched the surrounding properties to confirm that no additional animals were killed.
• During 3rd rifle season, wildlife officers received a report that three elk were shot and left to spoil on US Forest Service property northwest of Fort Collins. The report detailed an approximate location of the carcasses, but was not real specific. CASH was deployed in the area and found all three carcasses within a 20 minute time frame.
• After the Fall big game hunting seasons, wildlife officers received a report of an illegal elk that may have been taken out of season. On a county road, officers located a broken down vehicle that matched the description in the poaching report. Officers noted that a large item was covered in the back of the truck bed. A K9 vehicle sniff was initiated with CASH and he alerted to the presence of wildlife in the bed of the vehicle. With this and the officers’ observations, a search warrant of the truck was authorized, which led to the discovery of an elk in the truck bed.

Aside from all the above mentioned duties, CASH also found some time to help a Spring turkey hunter. The hunter approached a wildlife officer in the field and said that they had shot a turkey on a nearby Ponderosa hillside. The turkey ran off over the hill out of sight. A few feathers and small droplets of blood were found but the hunter was unable to locate the bird after an extensive search. CASH used his nose to search the timbered hillside. After about 10 minutes, CASH proudly stood over the carcass of a deceased tom turkey. The hunter was extremely grateful and mentioned to the wildlife officer that he walked right by the turkey but was unable to see it. Fortunately for CASH, he relied on his nose rather than his eyes.

Without the support from Colorado sportsmen groups such as Pheasants Forever, the great successes of K9 CASH and the wildlife K9 program would not be possible. Thanks again for your commitment to preserving and improving Colorado’s sportsmen heritage.

Sincerely,

Brock McArdle
District Wildlife Manager/Red Feather Lakes District

Click here to download the letter

The post Update on K9 CASH appeared first on Northern Colorado Pheasants Forever.

Here are some photos from the most recent 2019 ISE Show!

The post 2019 ISE Show appeared first on Northern Colorado Pheasants Forever.

There will be prizes for the top team (of four) and top shooters. This year there will also be prizes for the top adult-youth team(the team is one adult and 1 youth). So partner up with a youth and shoot some clays.

Shotguns are available to those who need them (please let us know). As always, lunch is included.

Price: $50/adult and $30/youth under 18. Price includes lunch. Pay now or at the door, but please register so we know how many are coming. Proceeds will benefit our youth outreach and habitat improvement efforts.

Registration begins at 8:00; shooting begins shortly thereafter.

Grab a friend and come on out!!!

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07efl6uk02f412e8bf&llr=zqtue5iab

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