Wings Over Texas

Written By Colton Lusson
Vol1
July-Sep 2025

Welcome to the inaugural issue of Wings Over Texas! This is your new quarterly look into the dedicated conservation efforts happening across the Lone Star State, driven by you, our passionate Quail Forever and Pheasant Forever members. In these pages, we'll celebrate the invaluable work being done on the ground. You'll get an inside look at the successes and initiatives of our local chapters, showing how your membership translates into tangible habitat improvements and community engagement. You’ll also meet the hardworking biologist team in the field—the boots-on-the-ground experts whose scientific knowledge and tireless efforts are crucial to the future of wild quail and pheasant populations in Texas. Our goal is simple: to connect you to the conservation story unfolding in Texas, inspiring further action and collaboration. Thank you for being a vital part of this mission. Let’s dive in!

State of the Union

Thomas Janke

As 2025 comes to a close, we apologize for the delayed quarterly report. Our team's focus was on supporting staff during the recent historic government shutdown. Thank you for your patience!

Despite the delay, we had a productive first quarter (FY26 Q1, Jul-Sep ’25):

  • Organizational Rebranding: Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever underwent a rebranding. Contact Colton Lusson (clusson@quailforever.org) or Bre Humphrey (bhumphrey@quailforever.org) for new logos.

  • Successful Events:

    • August: Our 2nd Annual Elite Member Gathering at Gordy and Sons Outfitters in Houston was a huge success. Thanks to Dr. Ryan O'Shaughnessy for the presentation and everyone who took home a hunt or prize. Best of all: we signed up 10 new Life Members and 2 new Gold Patrons! Huge thanks to Gordy and Sons. See you in 2026!

    • September: We were proud to successfully host the Inaugural QF Conservation Partner Meeting concurrently with the 2025 Statewide Quail Symposium in Abilene. Maintaining and growing these crucial partnerships are essential as we collaboratively advance our shared conservation goals. We extend our deepest gratitude to Dana, Ryan, and the entire team at RPQRF, along with all of the dedicated partners, members, and supporters who participated in these landmark gatherings.

  • New Hires:

    • Colton Lusson joined as the Texas PF/QF Regional Representative. He developed this newsletter and website (https://www.texaspfqf.org/) Contact Colton if you’re looking to join or start a chapter near you!

    • Andres Rosales was hired as the QF/Rio Grande Joint Venture Coordinating Wildlife Biologist to promote grassland conservation in deep south Texas.

  • Conservation Impact: Our team assisted landowners with their conservation goals, including nearly 2,000 acres of Rx burning, over 10,000 acres of conservation planning, and over 68,000 acres of technical guidance on 'new' acres.

We look forward to continuing our efforts for healthier grasslands and wildlife in Texas. Contact us if you need assistance from a PF/QF biologist. Our team’s information can be found HERE.

All in all, it has been a productive start to our fiscal year.  We look forward to continuing our partnerships and efforts across the Lone Star State, so we may all ultimately benefit from healthier grasslands, watersheds, wildlife populations, and natural resources.

Take care and God Bless!

Thomas S. Janke

Texas PF/QF State Coordinator

Chapter Spotlight: Hands on Habitat

Colton Lusson

‘High Plains Conservation Weekend’ wins Grand Prize for successful 400 acre burn

A couple of our Texas Chapters partnered up with the PF/QF staff to host an award winning Hands on Habitat weekend at the Palo Duro Water District. The 2-day event focused on prescribed fire, proving that sometimes, the best management tool is the oldest. Chapter volunteers and the Texas Staff spent two full days establishing fire breaks and executing the 400 acre burn. The event was later submitted to headquarters and won the OnX Grand Prize for ‘Hands on Habitat’ event for 2025. 400 is just a piece of the total 9,000 acres that sit on the Palo Duro Water District near the TX/OK border. The staff and chapter volunteers hope to continue to chip away at the property until 100% of the property has been treated.

The goal? To break up dense, stagnant brush and stimulate the growth of native forbs and grasses, which are essential food and cover sources for upland birds. It only took a few weeks before the natives seeds began to sprout out of the blackened soil. The local Chapter at Palo Duro gives huge credit and thanks to the entire Texas staff—particularly local biologist Nolan Talkington and the Top O’ Texas QF Chapter—for volunteering several members to assist with the project.

"We are very grateful for Nolan. His team as well as James (Top O’ Texas) and his volunteers were essential to the execution of the burn" says Chapter President, Russel Shaver. “All around was a very successful weekend. We are excited to make it even better next May.”

The next phase of the project is scheduled this week and is targeting approximately 1,000 acres.

Habitat Hints: Fire Breaks & Native Seed Planting

Thomas Janke

In addition to spending time outdoors pursuing your favorite game animals this time of year, it is also a fantastic time to take advantage of cooler temps and getting some of your habitat projects accomplished.  If you’re interested in conducting any prescribed (Rx) fires in the coming months, you need to be getting/keeping your fire breaks as clean as possible.  Additionally, this is a great time of year to be planting native seeds (both aligning with natural timing of seed dispersal, as well as getting the seed out in the field prior to freeze/frost cycles [which is advantageous for germination rates]).  Please reach out to your local PFQF biologist for additional assistance with any habitat inquiries you may have.

Our Texas Team Wish List

Kyle Lusson

Our mission runs on boots-on-the-ground conservation work — and that work depends on the right tools. This “Wish List” gives our members and supporters a clear look at the equipment that helps us deliver habitat projects, access remote landscapes, and serve local chapters more effectively.

When you support an item on this list, you’re directly investing in conservation impact across our landscapes.

3/4-Ton 4WD

Crew Cab Work Truck (gas or diesel)

Purpose:

This vehicle allows our staff and volunteers to tow equipment, reach remote project sites, transport materials, and safely travel long distances to support habitat and outreach efforts.

Specs Needed:

  • 3/4 ton

  • Crew cab

  • 4 wheel drive

  • 8’ bed

How You Can Help: Support toward this vehicle can be given through direct donation, vehicle sponsorship, or in-kind contributions through dealerships or individuals.

Polaris Ranger XD 1500 Premium

Purpose:

This UTV helps our team access habitat projects, transport gear, move seed and tools, and navigate properties that trucks can’t reach. It is a critical asset for on-site conservation work.

Key Specs Needed:

  • Crew cab configuration (Seats 6)

  • Windshield (Preferred)

  • Winch (Preferred)

How You Can Help: Members and partners can assist through direct gifts, sponsorships, or by connecting us with dealership or industry partnerships.

Want to help fulfill a Wish List item? Contact our Development Officer, Kyle Lusson at:

klusson@quailforever.org

512-289-5921

Or make a gift today through our secure donation page

Donate Today

Upcoming Events

Colton Lusson