Out in the Midwest, where the fields stretch wide and the air turns crisp with fall, a familiar sight is popping up in coolers and store shelves: beer cans decked out in blaze orange camo, sporting the Pheasants Forever logo. It's not just any brew—it's an American lager born from a team-up between Grain Belt Beer, a staple from Minnesota, and the conservation group Pheasants Forever. This partnership isn't new, but it's back for round two, and it's got hunters buzzing about more than just the taste.
The beer hits shelves in spots where pheasant hunting runs deep in the culture—Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. These are the states where guys gear up each season, shotguns in hand, chasing ringnecks through the tall grass. Grain Belt's lager comes wrapped in that eye-catching orange camo, a nod to the safety gear that keeps everyone visible out there. And it's not alone; there's a light version called Premium Light, done up in blue camo cans and bottles, all featuring the pheasant emblem. Every sip supports something bigger: proceeds go straight to Pheasants Forever's work on wildlife habitat across the region.
This collaboration started last year, and by all accounts, it was a hit. Shannon Hoheisel, who handles corporate partnerships for Pheasants Forever, called the renewal "very exciting" in a recent statement. She pointed out how the first run of cans flew off the shelves, and now they're doubling down to push conservation efforts while folks enjoy what they call "Good Land and Good Beer." It's the kind of tie-in that feels right for the outdoors crowd—pairing a cold one with the cause that keeps the fields full of birds.
Pheasants Forever has been at this game since 1982, teaming up with its sister outfit, Quail Forever, to pour over a billion dollars into habitat projects. That's covered a whopping 31 million acres nationwide, turning marginal land into prime spots for wildlife. Think restored prairies, wetlands, and uplands that benefit not just pheasants but all sorts of game and critters. Just lately, Quail Forever unveiled a fresh reserve down in Iowa, tucked near Centerville and Rathbun Lake. It's the kind of project that gets hunters nodding in approval, knowing it means better days afield for years to come.
Timing couldn't be better, especially in Iowa, where the Department of Natural Resources is forecasting a standout season for pheasant numbers. Staff there are calling it a "banner year," which has guys marking their calendars and checking their gear. The state hits a milestone in 2025—it's the 100th anniversary of pheasant hunting kicking off there. Seasons open October 25 and wrap up January 10, 2026, giving plenty of weekends to get out with the dog, walk the rows, and maybe flush a few birds.
But this beer deal goes beyond the drink itself. Pheasants Forever is tying it into their "On the Wing" podcast, a spot where hunters share tales from the field. Grain Belt sponsors a segment called "Premium moments in the field," inviting listeners to send in their own stories about those memorable hunts—the ones where everything lines up just right, or maybe the ones that go hilariously wrong. Each week, they pick one submission to feature on the show, and the winner scores a prize pack loaded with Grain Belt merch. It's easy to jump in; details are all over Pheasants Forever's social media pages. Imagine cracking open a can after a long day, then hearing your buddy's story—or your own—echoing back on the airwaves.
For many in these parts, this beer represents more than refreshment. It's a reminder of why they head out at dawn, enduring the cold and the mud. Conservation isn't some abstract idea; it's what ensures the next generation can experience the same thrills. Grain Belt and Pheasants Forever are banking on that connection, blending tradition with a bit of fun. Sales help fund the fence lines, the seed mixes, and the partnerships that rebuild what development and time have worn down.
Hunters know the drill: populations fluctuate with weather, farming practices, and habitat loss. That's where groups like Pheasants Forever step in, advocating for policies and projects that tip the scales back in favor of the birds. Their track record speaks volumes—millions of acres touched, billions invested. The new Iowa reserve is a prime example, offering public access near popular spots like Rathbun Lake, where folks can hunt, fish, or just take in the scenery.
As the season approaches, stores in those six states are stocking up. Whether you're grabbing a six-pack for the tailgate or to unwind by the fire after a hunt, it's hard not to appreciate the full circle. From the brewery in Minnesota to the fields of the Dakotas, this lager bridges the gap between enjoyment and giving back. Hoheisel summed it up best: it's about working together to celebrate the land while making sure it stays worth celebrating.
So next time you're in the beer aisle, spotting that orange or blue camo might just spark a plan for the weekend. Maybe it's time to dust off the vest, load up the truck, and head out. With predictions like Iowa's, and extras like the podcast contests, this fall feels primed for stories that'll last longer than the season itself.
