Hunters Savor Pheasant Beer Revival

A New Brew for a Time-Honored Tradition

In the heart of the Midwest, where the fields stretch endlessly and the air grows cooler with each passing day, a familiar sight is making its way into coolers and store shelves: beer cans wrapped in blaze orange camouflage, adorned with the Pheasants Forever logo. This isn’t just any beer—it’s an American lager that has been crafted through a partnership between Grain Belt Beer, a well-known brand from Minnesota, and the conservation group Pheasants Forever. While this collaboration isn’t entirely new, it’s returning for another round, and it's capturing the attention of hunters not just for its taste, but for what it represents.

The beer is available in regions where pheasant hunting is deeply embedded in local culture—specifically in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. These are places where hunters gear up each season, armed with shotguns and ready to chase ringnecks through the tall grass. The Grain Belt lager comes in eye-catching orange camo cans, a nod to the safety gear that keeps everyone visible in the field. There’s also a lighter version called Premium Light, which features blue camo cans and bottles, all carrying the iconic pheasant emblem. Every purchase contributes to a larger cause: proceeds go directly to Pheasants Forever’s efforts to preserve wildlife habitats across the region.

This partnership first launched last year and was met with overwhelming success. Shannon Hoheisel, who manages corporate partnerships for Pheasants Forever, described the renewal as “very exciting.” She highlighted how the initial run of cans sold out quickly, and now the organization is doubling down on its commitment to conservation while offering what they call “Good Land and Good Beer.” For outdoor enthusiasts, this kind of collaboration feels natural—pairing a refreshing drink with a cause that ensures the fields remain full of birds for generations to come.

Pheasants Forever has been dedicated to habitat preservation since 1982, working alongside its sister organization, Quail Forever, to invest over a billion dollars into conservation projects. This has resulted in the restoration of 31 million acres of land nationwide, transforming marginal areas into prime habitats for wildlife. From restored prairies and wetlands to uplands, these efforts benefit not only pheasants but a wide range of game and non-game species. Recently, Quail Forever announced a new reserve in Iowa, located near Centerville and Rathbun Lake, which is already drawing praise from hunters who recognize the value of such projects for future seasons.

The timing of this collaboration could not be better, especially in Iowa, where the Department of Natural Resources is predicting a particularly strong pheasant season. Officials have dubbed it a “banner year,” prompting hunters to mark their calendars and prepare their gear. In 2025, Iowa will celebrate the 100th anniversary of pheasant hunting in the state. The season will run from October 25 to January 10, 2026, providing ample opportunities for hunters to spend weekends in the field with their dogs, walking rows, and potentially spotting a few birds.

But this beer deal goes beyond just the product itself. Pheasants Forever is incorporating it into its “On the Wing” podcast, a platform where hunters share stories from the field. Grain Belt sponsors a segment titled “Premium Moments in the Field,” inviting listeners to submit their own memorable hunts—whether they were perfect or hilariously chaotic. Each week, one submission is featured on the show, and the winner receives a prize pack filled with Grain Belt merchandise. Participation is simple, with details available on Pheasants Forever’s social media pages. Imagine opening a can after a long day in the field, then hearing your own story—or someone else’s—play back on the airwaves. It’s a unique way to connect with the outdoors and the community that cherishes it.