Bird's the Word

Tall Grass Heritage chapter of Quail Forever to host third annual fundraising banquet in Kellyville late August.

The annual fundraiser banquet of the Tall Grass Heritage chapter of Quail Forever is an event for bird and animal lovers of all ages. The local division of the national group, Quail Forever, is hosting its third annual fundraising banquet on August 27 at the Creek County Fairgrounds in Kellyville.
Quail Forever is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation.  It is comprised of a diverse group of hunters, farmers, ranchers, landowners, conservation enthusiasts and wildlife officials.  The mission of the grassroots group is to improve habitats for current and future generations of hunters and conservationists to enjoy abundant populations of quail, pheasants and other wildlife.
According to Tall Grass Heritage president, Lee Francis, Quail Forever is the only national conservation group that allows its local chapters full control of the money they raise. Tall Grass Heritage is one of the newest of its more than 700 chapters at just two years old.
In this short time they have already made a significant impact within the wildlife community.  They have shared funds with the Oklahoma Wildlife Department. They have also partnered with other chapters to help purchase farm implements to break up soil and Bermuda grass pastures and to conduct burns in order to provide habitats in nearby areas.
Promoting youth is another major part of their work.  Volunteers work with the Claremore/Sequoia Shooting Team to help future hunters, as young as six, to learn shooting sports and the proper handling of firearms.  They have also participated in events sponsored by the Tulsa Bird Dog Association and the Tulsa Youth Expo, where youngsters have discovered facts and fallacies about snakes, bee keeping and other wildlife among other things.
Tall Grass Heritage helps these kids learn firsthand about natural resources, with the goal of developing conservation-minded citizens and leaders who can teach other like-minded individuals.
“All of our efforts today will have little meaning if we don’t foster future leaders,” says the chapter president.  “That’s why working with young people, particularly those in urban environments who only know wildlife on a computer screen, is so important to our organization.”
This major fundraiser will feature a dinner catered by popular favorite, Oklahoma Joe’s Barbecue, raffles and a live auction conducted by Ron Hilton.  Among the donated items are hunting and fishing equipment, guns, wildlife art prints, hunting and fishing trips, jewelry and other niceties for the ladies.
“There will be something for everyone,” adds banquet chairman Jack Lierly.  “Just come as you are and have a good time.”
Steve Schiffner, host of the Radio Oklahoma Network show, Hook & Hunt, will emcee the family event that begins at 6:30.  Tickets for the banquet on August 27 range from individual to corporate tables, with prices starting at $55 for adults and $15 for youth under 12. Get your tickets for this event for all ages today.