Join us for the Minnesota Wildlife Federation’s Women in Conservation Leadership 2026 Pheasant Hunt Experience!
Applications are now open.
Program Description:
The MWF Women in Conservation Leadership (WiCL) program provides a welcoming space for women looking to experience outdoor recreation activities in a supportive mentor-led environment while learning about opportunities to become active in the conservation and management of Minnesota’s natural resources.
This fall we are offering a Women’s Pheasant hunt program! Over the course of two in person events participants will be provided with an overview of firearm safety and an opportunity to shoot on a shotgun range followed by an in person overnight pheasant hunt weekend on lands near Gibbon MN.
When:
Friday Sept 18- 3:00pm until dark-Shooting range and program introduction- Metro Gun Club Blaine MN (final time TBD)
Saturday Oct 10- Sunday Oct 11-Pheasant Hunt weekend- Gibbon MN
Who can apply: This program is open to women in Minnesota (18+) who have an interest in experiencing hunting and shooting sport activities. No experience is necessary and some experience is welcomed if you are in need of further support to feel confident afield.
Cost:
Lodging and meals will be covered for program participants during program activities. Firearms for program use, ammunition, and basic blaze orange safety gear is also provided. Attendees are responsible for all necessary licences, safety certifications and transportation to events.
Scholarships for these costs are available as needed. Please contact program staff for more information.
Timeline:
Aug 12-28- Applications are open
Aug 31- Sept 4- Attendees are notified if they are selected to participate
Sept 18- Shooting range program
Oct 10-11- Pheasant hunt weekend
Contact:
Please reach out with any questions you may have. Email us at [email protected]
The Minnesota Wildlife Federation Women in Conservation Leadership program combines exciting outdoor experiences along with an introduction to conservation topics of importance to Minnesotans in a supportive women led mentor environment.
We look forward to growing the size and impact of this program. If you are interested in future opportunities to participate please sign up for our email list to stay up to date or reach out to us at any time.
2025 Women in Conservation Leadership program
In 2025 The Minnesota Wildlife Federation was excited to welcome a cohort of 10 women that participated in our first Women in Conservation Leadership cohort. Over the course of two programs these women learned how to safely handle and shoot a shotgun, waded through thick grassy habitat on a hunt for wild pheasants, enjoyed time spent in community with one another, learned about the role of local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and toured a farm to see the benefits of sustainable agricultural practices in person.
Women left this program:
- Confident in their ability to carry a firearm safely in the field.
- With a better understanding of public land access for hunting and outdoor recreation.
- Able to identify conservation agricultural practices on the landscape.
- Connected to a supportive cohort of conservation minded women in Minnesota.
Program 1: An introduction to shooting sports
A successful hunt starts with being prepared to safely and effectively handle a firearm. The cohort will gathered at a metro area shotgun range to get comfortable handling a shotgun, heard from program leaders on how to prepare for the hunt program, and found community with a cohort of conservation minded women!
Program 2: Pheasant Hunt Weekend and Conservation Tour
The highlight of the program was a weekend long pheasant hunt and conservation experience. Participants traveled to southwest Minnesota to enjoy a fall pheasant hunt together. Time was spent learning getting comfortable accessing public lands and meeting with local conservation professionals on Saturday before the group took to the field Sunday morning in pursuit of pheasant.
Conservation focus: Our group was joined by a local Soil and Water Conservation District representative Holly Hattlewick who shared with the group about her conservation focused career and the role that SWCD’s perform in counties across Minnesota. A private land field tour Saturday afternoon will focus on identifying sustainable agricultural practices in the field that benefits clean water, people, and wildlife. The cohort will visit public lands to look for wildlife, identify key habitat, and to discuss stewardship as well as use etiquette.
2024 Women in Conservation Leadership Program
Our first Women in Conservation Leadership Program took place in October of 2024. MWF Board President Julia Schrenkler hosted a daylong program focused on public land pheasant hunting and sustainable agriculture. This program provided proof of concept that inspired MWF to grow the Women in Conservation Leadership program to engage with more women in Minnesota.
MNCF Board President Julia Schrenkler and her canine companion helped get new hunters into the field.
Pamela from the Renville County Soil and Water Conservation District spoke about agricultural soil health practices and their affect on wildlife habit and clean water.
Participants connect with habitat suitable for hosting health pheasant populations.