ABOUT US

THE HABITAT ORGANIZATION

BACKGROUND & MISSION

In 1982, a group of pheasant hunters recognized the connection between upland habitat loss and the declining populations of pheasants and quail. They saw the need for an organization dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation, leading to the formation of Pheasants Forever as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Pheasants Forever's mission work quickly developed its reputation as "The Habitat Organization," a tagline the nonprofit conservation group proudly uses to this day.

In 2005, in response to continuing declines in quail populations and suitable wildlife habitat, Pheasants Forever established a Quail Division. The mission of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever is to conserve pheasants, quail, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education, and conservation advocacy. As a recognizable leader in wildlife habitat projects, Pheasants Forever has become a leading advocate for wildlife habitat conservation.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Women on the Wing initiative inspires and provides opportunities for women to become engaged, dynamic conservationists.

WOMEN ON THE WING INITIATIVE

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Women on the Wing initiative inspires and provides opportunities for women to become engaged, dynamic conservationists. Women on the Wing draws from its members' experiences and passion for the outdoor lifestyle to cultivate new outdoor women and connect female landowners, farmers, ranchers, hunters, and bird dog enthusiasts. We are dedicated to carrying on our planning traditions and advancing the missions of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever.

ACTIVITIES

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, this chapter will focus on creating opportunities to introduce a new demographic of women to outdoor sports. The chapter will host various outdoor events, including conservation activities, learn-to-hunt and training events, wing hunting excursions, and field-to-table gatherings where women can learn how to prepare and cook game meat after a hunt.

PARTNERS & OPPORTUNITIES

The chapter's partnerships with the California Waterfowl Association and the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) will enhance opportunities to co-host many exciting events.

THE WOMEN BEHIND THE INITIATIVE

  • Lauren Stamm

    REGIONAL DIRECTOR

    Lauren has been an avid member and volunteer with Quail Forever since 2021 and sits on the board of her local chapter in Las Vegas. Prior to joining the QF team, she was employed as a registered nurse since 2008 within a variety of specialties including oncology, trauma, orthopedics, and neurosurgery. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Western Governors University in 2016. In addition to her passion for upland hunting, Stamm enjoys training her bird dogs, big game hunting, archery, canyoneering, backpacking, fly fishing, waterfowl hunting, and being a mom to a rambunctious six-year-old.

  • Karina von Middendorf

    PRESIDENT

    Karina is a Psychotherapist, and Behavioral Health Consultant with a passion for outdoor adventure. Raised in Northern California and South Florida, she enjoys both upland and waterfowl hunting, training her versatile hunting dog, big game hunting in the U.S. and abroad, equestrian sports, flying light aircraft, shooting sports, boating and scuba diving. As an active member of several outdoor organizations, she founded the Wine Country Chapter of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Women on the Wing initiative, aiming to empower women through hunting and outdoor activities. Her goal is to create more accessible opportunities for women and youth to engage in wildlife conservation and outdoor skills, creating respect and and a deep connection to wildlife their habitats.

  • Danielle Duran

    SECRETARY

    Danielle joins the Women on the Wing, Wine Country Chapter Board, driven by her passion for community and strengthening connections to food, nature, and each other. Inspired by her Green Beret father, she discovered a love for shooting and wing hunting to engage more deeply with food sources. She enjoys sharing her hunts through storytelling, meals, and "food hikes" that reconnect her with nature. Outside her work advancing Quality Culture in Biotech/Pharma, Danielle spends time outdoors with her nature-loving child, exploring, fishing, and cooking together. She’s excited to inspire other women and girls to appreciate the outdoors and hunting through meaningful experiences.

  • Carla Wytmar

    TREASURER

    Carla, a lifelong city and country girl with a deep love for the outdoors and a need to be near water, is passionate about experiences, taking risks, and building genuine connections. With over 30 years in the food and wine industry, she's also a certified sommelier, relationship coach, and Equus Coach®, guiding others to reconnect with their inner wisdom through interactions with horses. Carla’s adventurous spirit extends to her love of dogs, golf, shooting, tennis, sailing, fitness, live music, and photography. An athlete and explorer, she's climbed, run, sailed, and even skydived, always eager to learn and grow.

  • Brenna McCoubrey

    MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

    Brenna is a new Northern California resident and the newest member of the Wine Country Chapter. Her love for the outdoors was shaped by early hunting experiences in New England and time spent exploring the wilderness with her German Shorthaired Pointer. She brings six years of experience in the firearms industry, specializing in marketing and public relations, and currently serves as the Sporting Operations Manager at a hunt club in Northern California. Brenna is passionate about educating others on hunting and firearms safety, and she is committed to fostering a strong, connected outdoor community—both in person and through our social media platforms.

CONTACT US TO GET INVOLVED*

CONTACT US TO GET INVOLVED*

Want to connect with nature and like-minded women? Reach out to us for details on our events, from learn-to-hunt sessions to field-to-table gatherings.