Ticket Information: Tickets can be picked up at Hillsdale Reservoir & Wildlife Area or at the Quail Unlimited registration desk located in the front of the ballroom on the main level of the Overland Park Convention Center. For further assistance, contact Bob Peterson at (417)388-4217.

Hillsdale Reservoir & Wildlife Area near Paola, Kansas has been selected as the demonstration area for this year's Habitat Techniques Demonstration Day sponsored by Quail Unlimited and KDWP. The site is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property in eastern Kansas that is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and is conveniently located just an hour away from the Quail Unlimited (QU) convention site in Overland Park, KS.

Directions: From Hwy 169/7, take 255th St west to Harmony Road north/right. The road winds NW-W over the reservoir then aproximately 1/2 mile to Hillsdale Point entrance on the left. KDWP personnel will be at this location. Turn south/left to site. Guests can follow yellow "Habitat" signs along the entire route. For further assistance, contact Hillsdale Wildlife Area Office, (913)783-4507.

The tremendous success of last year's pre-convention habitat tour in Cass County Missouri, which showcased the conservation efforts of the local private landowners and the national, award-winning West Central Missouri QU chapter, has prompted us to respond to the many requests for a sequel.

To answer some of the most common questions our QU staff members receive regarding the various aspects of quail habitat management, this year we're featuring a "before" habitat management scenario. This scenario more closely resembles that which many landowners are typically facing, natural plant succession, resulting in loss of habitat.

We will be offering hands-on, how-to demonstrations of different quail management practices. Attendants will be divided into groups and then guided along a demo trail to multiple stations demonstrating management practices. Actual equipment and tools will be on site for participants to see first-hand how they work and how to use them as well as recommended techniques and desired outcomes. Snack and restroom breaks will be interspersed, lunch will be included and a prescribed burn demonstration is scheduled (weather permitting) following lunch.

Tour buses will leave the Overland Park Convention Center - Courtyard level by the north main entrance at 7:30 am and return at approximately 4:00 pm. Demo day is open to the public, but reservations must be made in advance at http://www.qu.org/htdd or by calling Connie Dean at 803-637-5731, ext. 223 or emailing her at cdean@qu.org. Cost is only $35 per person whether you drive separately or ride the tour bus (limited seating is available on a first-come, first served reservation basis).

Special transportation on-site will be made available for those who have difficulty walking. Prior arrangements must be made for planning purposes by calling Bob Peterson at 417-359-5807.

Several habitat management topics will be discussed, demonstrated and/or explained such as edge feathering, invasive tree removal, brush piles, native warm season grass drill set-up, adjustment, calibration and use, food plots, chainsaw safety, wildlife habitat appraisal, strip disking, herbicide application, calibrating hand-held and ATV sprayers and prescribed burning. Other topics may be included.