By Steve Weisman

(photo by Vanessa Moore) Group photo of participants, volunteers and guides from the 2021 Clay County Ladies Hunt.

Attention ladies! Ever been interested in experiencing pheasant hunting? Even if you have never done so? Well, here is your chance. The Clay County Pheasants Forever chapter will be hosting its sixth annual Clay County Pheasants Forever Ladies Hunt on Saturday, November 5. The good news: if you are reading this or have heard of the event, no matter where you are located, you ARE invited.

Organizer Clay County Pheasants Forever board member and volunteer, Paul Daniels says, “The more, the merrier! I mean that sincerely. We began with 15 participants six years ago, it grew to 55 participants in 2021, and now we want to top that in 2022. We currently have nearly 40 ladies signed up with the limit set for the first 72 ladies that RSVP for the event. Those who register by October 15 will get a complimentary Ladies Hunt hat designed by Tailored Graphics.

Registration deadline is October 31.” To register, email Daniels at pdaniels@nw.bank.com or call/text at 712-260-9549.

Chance Steward, Pheasants Forever Regional Representative for northern Iowa and western Minnesota, echoes those sentiments. “This is an incredibly unique and free opportunity provided by Clay County Pheasants Forever.”

Daniels notes that the Ladies Hunt is designed to showcase the many reasons that make hunting such a great pastime. The hunt is open for all ladies –  whether they have a hunting background or not, whether they hunt or just want to hang out with the other ladies. “Yes, we’re here to help the ladies get a chance to bag some roosters, but it’s also about community and relationships.  You can participate at any level you choose. It is always fun seeing the ladies encouraging and cheering each other on as they go through the different activities.”

Daniels mentions the local sponsors that make this day possible. “First off is Nelson Jewelry, our presenting sponsor. Each lady will receive a special take home bag from Nelson Jewelry. Other sponsors include Tailored Graphics, BlackEarth Java, No Limits Outdoors, Axaholics, Yesterdays, Century Farms Distillery and The Iowa Project.”

When it comes to good pheasant hunting, it’s about habitat, habitat, habitat…”We are so fortunate to have Bill and Deb Muller host this event. Their beautiful property is the ideal set-up for this type of event. Plus, their generosity and hospitality help make this event extra memorable for our lady hunters.”

To top off the day, chapter members are lined up to make sure the day goes smoothly, others volunteer handling the hunting dogs, others act as additional mentors to help during the hunt, while others un the different activities.

Morning Itinerary

• 7:45-8:15   – Registration/coffee and light breakfast
• 8:15-9:00   – Opening remarks, gun safety presentation by Marty Eby, DNR Recreational Safety Officer
• 9:00-10:00  – Trap shooting practice
• 10:00-12:00 – Live bird hunting, axe throwing and handgun stations
• NOON         – Lunch