Pheasant Fest: January 2009

National Pheasant Fest 2009

Presented by Cabela's
Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center
Madison Wisconsin, February 6, 7 & 8

Nine Things to Do at National Pheasant Fest 2009

Pheasant Fest: January 2009 National Pheasant Fest 2009 is more than just a tradeshow, in fact; the Fest takes offense to being described as such - rightfully so, considering everything that's enveloped in the Fest. While we hope you take in all the main aspects of the show, starting at the Bird Dog Parade and working your way in to the Bird Dog Bonanza, the Landowner Habitat Help Room, the Renewable Energy & Wildlife Habitat Forum and all the great hunting and habitat seminars, we want your trip to Madison to be a well-rounded experience. So here are nine things you'll want to make sure you accomplish while visiting Madison and the Fest, predictably called "Nine Things to Do at National Pheasant Fest 2009."

  1. Pack Attack. Though he's been out of Green Bay a full season now, Wisconies are still torn as to how to feel about their longtime graybeard QB, Brett Favre. Love him or hate, you'll still get a healthy dose of him at Pheasant Fest. Count how many Brett Favre jerseys you can find over the course of the weekend. To clarify, Jets jerseys count, and bonus points are awarded if you spot an Atlanta Falcons Favre jersey and/or the culprit is also wearing a cheesehead.
  2. Have a Drink on Me. Like Verizon Wireless, Wisconsin has more bars in more places. It just wouldn't be trip to a Wisconsin - a state with such a rich fermented heritage - without sipping on a local beverage. After the show, we recommend sitting back with a cold brew from PF's longtime sponsor, Miller High Life.
  3. Deer in the Headlights. Ask one of the locals about the lower deer harvest in 2008. On second thought, don't do that. Ask them about wolves instead. Okay, there are only eight things to do at National Pheasant Fest 2009.
  4. Bundle Up. The average January temperature in Wisconsin is a bear's hair under 31 degrees. To combat the cold, stop by the U.S. Bank booths (#816 and #917) to apply for your Pheasants Forever Visa Card and you'll walk away with a FREE Pheasants Forever stocking cap.
  5. Made in America. When checking out all the dog breeds at Pheasant Fest's (over 30 of them), don't forget the American Water Spaniel, a sturdy little dog with a good nose and a fondness for water that also happens to be Wisconsin's Official State Dog. The Water Spaniel is one of only five dog breeds that originated in the United States, and the only one native to Wisconsin.
  6. Act Stately. Before the show opens, get your morning Cup O' Joe at one of the cafes down on State Street, Madison's famous downtown connection between the Capitol and the UW campus. Wear blaze orange or camouflage to draw stares. Hey, as a hunter you're the one always supporting conservation, so you might as well act like it.
  7. Real, American. Cheese, of course. You didn't think we'd overlook the fact that you will be in Dairyland! You'll be able to accomplish this one practically without trying, but just making sure.
  8. Rudy, Rudy! Bernie Brewer and the Sausage Race ain't got nothing on Rudy the Rooster. Plus he's not quite as creepy. Rudy is a great photo op for the family, and can be found kicking the event off at the Bird Dog Parade and then at the Youth Village or on the show floor throughout the weekend.
  9. I'd like to Thank... Madison on everyone's short-list, with recent awards including: Healthiest city in America by Men's Journal magazine; Nation's Smartest City; Best Teeth in America!; UW-Madison Ranked "America's Hottest Big State School;" One of the Top Ten Greenest Cities; Madison Rated One of 9 Cities Where Dogs Rule; and One of the Ten Best Places for Outdoor Activities. Have a great time and let's add Top Place to Host National Pheasant Fest to the list!

If you have story ideas, dog photos, pre-1980 hunting photos and requests for future On The Wing consideration, please send correspondence to ahauck@pheasantsforever.org.

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