Greater Denver Pheasants Forever

Greater Denver Pheasants Forever (formerly South Metro Pheasants Forever, Chapter #0816) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation organization operating across the Denver metro area. Their mission is straightforward: protect and enhance pheasant, quail, and other upland bird populations in Colorado through habitat improvement, land management, public education, and creating access for hunters.

Unlike most national organizations, Pheasants Forever operates on a unique funding model where local chapters keep 100% of the money they raise. This means every dollar donated to Greater Denver stays focused on Colorado conservation work and local hunter recruitment.

The chapter runs structured hunter safety and shotgun handling classes every summer to prepare new hunters for fall and winter seasons. These classes teach proper shotgun hold, firearm care, safe field behavior, and shooting fundamentals—critical for anyone new to upland hunting.

Their most notable program is a collegiate outreach initiative now in its third year. Greater Denver partners with:

• •Colorado State University – Wildlife Biology Department
• •Front Range Community College – Wildlife programs
• •University of Colorado, Denver University, Regis University, Red Rocks Community College, Colorado Christian University

Outreach includes faculty presentations on conservation, involvement in the PF Annual Virtual Job Fair, and hands-on Habitat and Wingshooting Adventures. These day-long events introduce 30+ students at a time to gun safety, pointing dog demonstrations, conservation programs, and actual shooting instruction on clay ranges. CSU students have even started their own on-campus PF chapter as a direct result of this program.

• •Why it matters: Hunter numbers drop 5% annually. By introducing students with zero hunting experience to the field, the chapter creates future hunters and informed stewards of the land—even non-hunters become better educated voters on conservation policy.

The chapter coordinates active habitat projects across Colorado's eastern plains and metropolitan areas. Recent projects include:

• •July partnerships with Occidental Petroleum at Barr Lake State Park
• •Establishing relationships with landowners and state parks
• •Seasonal habitat tours and on-ground restoration work

The March banquet at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds is the chapter's largest annual fundraiser. Recent events have featured elevated buffet dinners from Brothers BBQ with multiple entrees, bottomless beer and wine, live auctions, silent auctions, and raffle prizes.

Mike Higbee deserves mention—he holds NRA Level One Shotgun Coach certification and led a competitive shotgun team to two national titles in sporting clays. His outreach is specifically focused on mentoring new hunters in shotgun sports and expanding community access.

The chapter holds regular chapter meetings at Cabelas locations (Lone Tree and Thornton) on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 PM. Upcoming events include:

• •Field First Aid/Care for Gun Dogs workshops
• •Spring wingshooting adventures and live bird hunts
• •4-H Club presentations on habitat conservation
• •Pheasant Fest attendance (national gathering in Kansas City)
• •Mile High Hunt and Fish Expo participation

Members and volunteers are always needed for:

• •Habitat work and restoration projects
• •Wingshooting adventure coordination
• •Field safety instruction
• •Dog handler/guide roles (pointing dogs required)
• •Banquet planning and logistics
• •Silent and live auction item sourcing

Contact President Dean Titterington at 303-981-4642 or [email protected] to get plugged in.

Greater Denver Pheasants Forever's Mantra: "No Child Left Indoors!" The entire organizational philosophy centers on getting the next generation outside to hunt, fish, and appreciate wildlife conservation.