I was honored to be invited by SCI to join their team at the 14th annual Kansas Governor’s Ringneck Classic (KGRC) in Colby, Kansas. The weekend marked several personal milestones for me and is full of fond memories. The KGRC is a conservation fundraiser supporting upland habitat restoration in northwest Kansas. It also raises awareness of the challenges and successes of upland hunting, drawing local, regional, and national conservation leaders, government officials, and outdoor champions.
This event was extraordinary for me as it was marked with several hunting “firsts.” It was my first hunt in Kansas, where I harvested my first wild pheasants (yes, I’ve hunted pheasants many times before) and hunted behind Cocker Spaniel hunting dogs for the first time.
During the hunt, I also learned about the Kansas Corners partnership, which began with Pheasants Forever working collaboratively with landowners to improve upland habitats—a true testament to the power of conservation partnerships. Being from Colorado, I have to report that Pheasant’s Forever also began this type of program, which is now run by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife agency, in our state many years ago.
The weekend wasn’t just about the hunt; I attended the fundraising events alongside my SCI colleagues, other sportsmen, and military Generals who represented an incredible 14 stars of leadership. Seeing such a dedicated group come together to support conservation and upland hunting traditions is inspiring. I’m grateful to SCI for including me in this meaningful event, and I’m proud to represent SCI and Region 13 in advancing our mission to protect and celebrate conservation.
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From SCI Around the States: Kansas
SCI took western Kansas by storm, attending the 14th annual Kansas Governor’s Ringneck Classic, held in Colby, Kansas during the weekend of November 15th. The Classic is a conservation fundraiser for upland habitat in northwest Kansas and raises awareness of upland hunting challenges and victories, attracting local, regional and national conservation leaders, government officials and outdoor champions.
