February 22 and 23 in State College, PA
Interested in raising game birds or managing the operation of a hunting preserve? The Pennsylvania Game Breeders Association will host the Pennsylvania Game Breeders and Hunting Preserves Conference in collaboration with Penn State Extension. The conference will run from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on February 22 at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College and from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on February 23 at the Ag Progress Days Fairgrounds.
This event is designed for gamebird breeders and propagators, hunting preserve owners and operators, and sportsmen and sportswomen. The conference will include educational presentations, updates from industry commissions and associations, and networking opportunities. See the agenda below for more details.
Organizations interested in sponsorship should contact John Boney (at jxb2002@psu.edu or 814-863-8934). Sponsorship is $350 and includes recognition in the program, one individual registration, and a booth space for networking with conference attendees on February 22.
The registration fee is $175. Space is limited, so preregistration is recommended. Discounted rates are available for hotel rooms at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center using code GAME27A if reserved by January 21, 2027. Call the Penn Stater at 1-814-863-5000 and provide the code to make a reservation. If you have any questions about this event or need to register by phone, please contact Torey Fischer (tjf5870@psu.edu, or (717) 363-9059).
*Topics, speakers, and times are subject to change*
February 22 @ The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center
8-8:30 Registration
8:30-8:45 Welcome and NAGA Updates
PA Game Breeders Association Officers
8:45-9:15 Pennsylvania Game Commission Update
Ian Gregg, PA Game Commission
9:15-10 Promotion of Hunting with Benefit or Themed Hunts
Tim Rowan
10-10:45 BREAK
10:45-11:30 Pheasant Rearing from Brooder to Pen
Zachary Trace, Trace Pheasantry.
11:30-12 Pheasant Production Metrics
Jordan Foulds, Martz’s Game Farm
12-1:15 LUNCH – The Gardens Restaurant
1:15-2 Drones for Spraying and Seeding on Game Farms and Hunting Preserves
Cody Laudenslager, Mahantongo Game Farms
2-2:30 Diagnostic Update
Megan Lighty, Penn State Animal Diagnostic Lab
3:00-3:30 BREAK
3:30-4 Hunting Preserve Biosecurity and Safety
Bernadette Gilliland, Warriors Mark Wingshooting Lodge & Kennel
4-4:30 Advertising and Marketing on Game Bird Farms and Hunting Preserves
Cassie Laudenslager, Mahantongo Game Farms
4:30 – 5:30 Board Meeting
5-7 Reception with refreshments and drinks
ADJOURN
February 23 @ Ag Progress Days Farm
8:30-9:00 Hunting Habitat and Cover Management
Mike Martz, Martz’s Game Farm and Hunting Preserve
9-10 Train the Trainer Approach: Helping you Build a Better Gun Dog
Brandt Fink and Cristin Murray, Quill Feather Farm
10-10:30 BREAK
10:30-12 Gamebird Necropsy Session
Megan Lighty, Penn State Animal Diagnostic Lab
ADJOURN
