Celebratory event raises critical funds for quail conservation efforts throughout America

Celebrating its 20th anniversary where the first chapter in the nation took flight, Quail Forever hosted its second annual Bobwhite Ball this past Friday night at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis. Among a packed room of supporters, The Habitat Organization highlighted quail conservation efforts of the past, present and future, while honoring Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris with the Spirit of the Uplands Award.

The Bobwhite Ball is a volunteer-led, signature annual fundraising event that celebrates quail habitat conservation and time-honored quail hunting traditions, while raising awareness and funds in support of Quail Forever's vital mission. The event featured an extensive silent auction and raffles consisting of the best hunting trips, fishing trips, and gear offered in North America. 

Highlighting the evening, Quail Forever was honored to present conservation hero, Johnny Morris, with the Spirit of the Uplands award. This award is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions given to benefit pheasants, quail, and the other wildlife that make their home in one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world: the uplands. This honors Johnny Morris’ enduring commitment to wildlife habitat and the impact his conservation work and advocacy will have on wildlife and wild places for generations to come. 

Speaking at the Science Center podium in front of a packed room, Morris also unveiled a $250,000 commitment to Quail Forever’s Build a Wildlife Area initiative, made possible through the Bass Pro Shops (BPS) and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund. This financial support will be matched throughout the country to acquire additional high-quality properties throughout the upland bird range, including the addition to Stony Point Prairie Conservation Area in southwest Missouri.

“We couldn’t think of another individual more deserving of this first-time award than Johnny Morris,” said Marilyn Vetter, President and CEO of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “Johnny’s contributions to habitat conservation, as well as hunting outreach and education, have made a big mark on the future of wildlife and hunting. He is absolutely a modern-day Theodore Roosevelt for his leadership, personal commitment and dedication to conservation efforts.” 

In FY2025, Quail Forever delivered 1.11 million acres of conservation including working with more than 22,000 landowners to help create upland habitat throughout the quail range. Likewise, Quail Forever hosted 985 outreach events, impacting more than 47,000 unique participants.