It was another successful year for the Greene County chapter of Pheasants Forever. The group hosted its annual banquet Friday evening, Nov. 6, at the Jefferson Elks lodge with a catered meal.
Committee members in charge of organizing and running the event were Kevin Devilbiss, Jeff Gorsuch, Mike Minnihan, Fred Long, Susan and Steve Cort, Dean Dozier, Aaron Sloan and Scott Weber.
Roughly 150 people were in attendance and their moods were high due to the success of local pheasant hunting. While the results weren’t as prolific as 20-30 years ago, this year’s results have been good compared to the past five years with more birds viewed and bagged in 2015.
Eric Sytsma, regional biologist for PF, pointed out the benefits of habitat generated by the local, state and national chapters. In Greene County over the past 28 years, the chapter has contributed to:
- Food plots – 120 projects, 651 acres
- Land projects – six projects, 2,626 acres
- Nesting projects – 445 projects, 7,674 acres
- Shelterbelt projects – 132 projects, 195 acres
The live auction, cried by Clay Stetzel of Guthrie Center with help from his brother Cole and uncle Terry Laughery netted about $5,000. The silent auction also generated a substantial amount of funds.
Numerous games brought several winners with guns and other merchandise awarded to the winners. A large number of door prizes were awarded at the close of the night. Almost everyone present was a winner thanks to generous donations from local businesses.
Special recognition was given to the gold sponsors whose assistance greatly aids the fundraising effort: Home State Bank, Greene County Soil and Water, Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Fred Long, Kevin and Teresa Devilbiss, Doc’s Stadium Bar and Grill, Dr Steve and Julie Karber, Minnehan Ag, 209 Main, Jefferson Monument Works, James McGaha (Wick Buildings), Countywide Electric Service, Custom Gutter Works – Ryan and Krystal Baugh, Unger Insurance – Scott Weber, Edward Jones – Dean Dozier, and Susan and Steve Cort.
Devilbiss stressed the work of the organization, especially with the youth. Hunter safety training and youth hunts are yearly services for Greene County residents and others. ~The Scranton Journal
