In 1980, twelve concerned sportsmen organized Wings Over Wisconsin to reverse the decline of upland bird habitat in our state. To date, that small group has grown into an organization with more than 4,200 members in chapters all across Wisconsin. Wings Over Wisconsin knew then, as we do now, that preserving habitat is key to wildlife’s survival and our enjoyment.

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We get the job done in a variety of ways. One is working with private landowners to develop cooperative habitat and cost-share agreements. This produces improved nesting, feeding, and wintering habitat for pheasants, and other wildlife. We also work with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Together, we’ve launched and improved the DNR’s wild pheasant restoration program through the reintroduction of wild pheasants from China. We continue these efforts today through the release of wild Iowa pheasants. All this, coupled with strong partnerships within the conservation community establishes Wings Over Wisconsin as a leader in the management of the ring-necked pheasant in Wisconsin.

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Just as the focus of natural resource management has shifted to an ecosystem approach, Wings Over Wisconsin has broadened the scope of our habitat efforts. In response to a more diverse, growing membership, we’re now restoring grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands, acquiring land, and adding new partners. These actions help us continually improve and expand our projects.

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Since Wisconsin is blessed with such an array of resources, the challenges to preserve them are many. Wings Over Wisconsin ensures we meet those challenges with strong funding: bigger and better fundraisers and by gaining financial support through state, federal and private grants.

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Wings Over Wisconsin reaches out to spread the message that natural resource conservation is important to everyone. We recognize the need for a stronger team to take on the forces that shape conservation in Wisconsin. That’s why we’re always finding new volunteers to lead a variety of projects.

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Finally, to ensure the future, Wings Over Wisconsin is educating our communities and youths. From scholarships, hunter education sponsorships, legislative action, to town hall meetings, Wings Over Wisconsin is heralding the need for natural resource conservation and the importance of continuing Wisconsin’s strong outdoor heritage.