Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska's QDMA Branch

The mission of The Heartland branch of QDMA is simple, “pay it forward”.  This simple phrase, used many times before, holds true to everything we believe and do as individuals and members of a national organization.  We are blessed to live in the states that we do with the rights that we have, and collectively have dedicated ourselves to the betterment of our sport and heritage.  Hunting to some is a game, to our members and families it is a life style, a gift from someone greater than us. 

 

Throughout the years we will hold multiple events focused on education, for young and old, in order to continue progressing our passion for the great outdoors and the animals we love to hunt, further along, allowing for the growth of this sport for generations to come.  To pass along a heritage to our youth is one thing, but to instill the knowledge to keep it going for generations to come, is the greatest gift we have to give.  To some the word “education” is scary or means work, but as members of QDMA, it only means hanging out with good friends and families, learning hands on what makes these animals amazing and unique, as well as collectively figuring out the best way to hunt them in the later years! 

 

In order to support the growth of QDMA and The Heartland Branch, we will hold a yearly banquet/fundraiser time and date TBD. The purpose of these functions is to monetarily support the efforts of our organization, while educating from the grass-roots levels of every branch to continue the expansion and longevity of our sport.  So how do we pay it forward and where are your funds going? 

 

We have partnered with the Omaha Food Bank (www.omahafoodbank.com) in order to help put a stop to hunger in our areas.  Each year as a result of our banquet/fundraiser we will dedicate 30% of our proceeds to the food bank in efforts to help support them and their valiant fight against hunger.  We will also be dedicating 30% of our proceeds to our local REACH Programs, (Research, Educate, Advocate, Certify, Hunt) that will be governed by the chapter. These programs are intended to help get individuals involved, on a local level as well as a national level, through a multitude of avenues focused on the betterment of our sport.  We are also partnering with the Nebraska Sportsmen’s Foundation, and dedicating 15% of our proceeds, in an effort to start the first deer donation program in the state of Nebraska, modeled after the “HUSH” program from the state of Iowa, focused on stopping hunger. The rest of the proceeds will go to our branch in an effort to fund our expansion.

 

We hope that you will join us in our efforts to continue educating our youth as well as our communities on not only how to prolong our hunting heritage through proper QDM practices, proper hunting ethics and land stewardship, but also through initiatives directed at stopping hunger in our communities. Together we can help make a difference for years to come, help us “pay it forward”.

 

Please visit the Quality Deer Management Association to learn more: www.qdma.com

 

Please visit the Omaha Food Bank to learn more: www.omahafoodbank.org

 

Please visit the Nebraska Sportsmen’s Foundation to learn more: www.nesportsfnd.com