Having pheasant numbers higher in the state of Iowa than they have been in many years was reason to celebrate at the annual Greene County Pheasants Forever banquet held at the Jefferson Elks lodge on Friday, Nov. 7. A nice-sized crowd enjoyed the camaraderie and friends of PF with a meal, games and the auction of nature-based merchandise.
Kevin Devilbiss welcomed the guests and gave special mention to committee members Jeff Gorsuch, Mike Minnihan, Fred Long, Susan Cort, Steve Cort, Dean Dozier and Aaron Sloan. He also thanked “our wives for putting up with us.”
Eric Sytsma, regional biologist for PF, pointed out the benefits of habit generated by the local, state and national chapters. In Greene County, over the past 28 years, these figures for PF were related:
- Food plots: 120 projects, 651 acres
- Land projects: 6 projects, 2,626 acres
- Nesting projects: 445 projects, 7,674 acres
- Shelterbelt projects: 132 projects, 195 acres
The live auction, cried by Kevin Lentz, generated approximately $4,500 for the chapter. Highest bid was $825 for a fishing trip to the Driftwood Lodge. Most paintings brought $100-plus with a Terry Redlin work, Aroma of Fall, netting $200.
A favorite for sports fans was an autographed Green Bay Packer football. It was purchased by Hunter Bishop of Ankeny (with a little help from his friends).
The attention getter this year was the auction of ammo cans that entitled the buyer to a select group of prizes. That event collected almost $1,200. Pictured holding the ammo can is Brittany Richardson with Devilbiss (left), Kara Schroeder and Sytsma (right).
With the purchase of tickets, winners were selected for a nice gun, won by Greene County sheriff Steve Haupert (pictured); a hand gun and a brick of .22 ammunition.
The silent auction of approximately 20 items raked in more than $1,100.
A large number of donated prizes were handed out through the general raffle. Almost everyone was a winner thanks to the expansive number of prizes, all donated by Greene County businesses, individuals and the committee.
Special recognition was given to the gold sponsors: Home State Bank, Greene County Soil and Water, Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home, Fred Long, James McGaha, Doc’s Stadium in Jefferson, Dr Steve and Julie Karber, Custom Gutter Works (Ryan Baugh), 209 Main in Paton and Jefferson Monument Works.
As the evening came to a close, Devilbiss reminded everyone of the good work the chapter provides including hunter safety training for youngsters and youth hunts. He invited other outdoor enthusiasts to join the committee.
“More volunteers are always welcome,” concluded Devilbiss. ~The Scranton Journal
