Pheasants Forever Fundraiser Supports Michigan Outdoors

The Livingston County Pheasants Forever is hosting its 17th annual banquet on Feb. 10, which will raise funds to improve natural habitats and to support youth and disabled veteran programs. A live and silent auction with items that include Africa hunts, guided fly fishing, golf packages and more will be available for bidding.

Pheasants Forever is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the protection of wildlife populations, including pheasants, through habitat restoration, education and public awareness.

According to a press release, Matt Inkle, president of the Livingston County Pheasants Forever, said that funds raised from last years banquet went toward improving 1,200 acres with special grasses in Livingston County and supported programs that gave 158 children the opportunity to experience outdoor activities such as fishing or hunting on free youth days. The organization also sponsors programs that help disabled veterans get back outdoors.

“The disabled veteran program is just wonderful,” Inkle said in an interview. “Some of those people come back from the war pretty banged up. … We got them back in the outdoors.”

Supporting and educating others about the natural habitat is important, Inkle said, since programs like the ones Pheasants Forever offers helps support Michigan’s economy and teaches the younger generation, as well.

“Having kids inside just playing video games, it’s not good for them,” Inkle said. “They need to get out and they need to understand.”

It is also a valuable experience that Inkle hopes both young and old participates will enjoy.

“Just the smiles of both the kids and the disabled veterans when they’re out doing that kind of stuff is just exactly what we like to see,” he said 

The banquet will take place at Crystal Gardens in Howell. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the cost is $80 for a single, $125 per couple and includes membership, dinner and open bar.

For more information about the Livingston County Pheasants Forever, go to www.pf465.org or call 517-545-9325.