AMERICAN PHEASANT and WATERFOWL SOCIETY
90th Anniversary 2026 CONVENTION
WASHINGTON STATE
*** 2026 Tentative October Date and Trip Schedule PDF Below ***
Registration Forms Below
APWS_2026_Registration_REDESIGNED_CORRECTED.Request Hotels8-27docx
APWS 90th Anniversary Tentative Schedule Below
APWS_90th_Anniversary_Inside_Back_Cover_8x5_600dpi_Bleed 8-15-2026
APWS 2026 90TH Anniversary Convention
Tuesday, October 13 – Monday October 19, 2026
Flights Home – Tuesday October 20, 2026
Hosted by the Washington Ornamental and Gamebird Breeders
Celebrating 90 Years of Conservation & Education
Tentative Itinerary Overview ~ Schedule subject to changes and/or additions
Tuesday, October 13 – Arrival Day: SeaTac Arrival at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Overnight: Country Inn & Suites, SeaTac.
Wednesday, October 14 – Tour Day One: Seattle
Special APWS FULL AGENDA program at the Seattle Aquarium, including private tours, experiences and Animal Care Specialist and guest speakers.
Time to explore Pike Place Market, individually or with the group.
Lunch and dinner on your own, with numerous dining choices in the Pike Place Market area.
Overnight: Country Inn & Suites, SeaTac.
Thursday, October 15 – Tour Day Two: Seattle & Kirkland
Woodland Park Zoo – Private tour. Behind the scenes, and special program with speakers.
Burke Museum – private tour, with special interest in its ornithology collections.
Lunch and dinner arrangements to be announced. Overnight: McMenamins Anderson School.
Friday, October 16 – Tour Day Three: Private Aviaries & Benefit Auction Tour the Bob Dawson Bird Sanctuary, a nonprofit bird sanctuary; refreshments served.
Tour the aviary and beautiful gardens of Kathy and Ed Fries.
Lunch to be hosted at Kathy and Ed Fries’ home.
Group Appetizers and Dinner and APWS Benefit Auction at McMenamins Anderson School. Second overnight: McMenamins Anderson School.
Saturday, October 17 – Tour Day Four: Aviaries, Deception Pass & Olympic Peninsula
Tour the Maynard Axelson Aviary, located on his historic farm, including Maynard’s Presentation on Brant; refreshments served. Scenic stop at Deception Pass Bridge.
Tour the David Blashill Aviary in Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, with lunch hosted by David andWOGBB.
Ferry from Coupeville to Port Townsend, followed by the drive to Port Angeles.
Group Dinner and overnight: Red Lion Hotel, Port Angeles.
Sunday, October 18 – Tour Day Five: Dry Creek Waterfowl & Olympic National Park
Tour Dry Creek Waterfowl, the collection of Arnold and Debbie Schouten, featuring an impressive variety of waterfowl and sea ducks. A local biologist will join APWS to discuss native habitat and lead an interpretive walk through the forested trails on the property.
Lunch at Dry Creek Waterfowl.
Visit Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park or Lake Cresent.
Return to the Red Lion Hotel; dinner on your own at one of Port Angeles’ local restaurants.
Monday, October 19 – Tour Day Six: Scenic Return to SeaTac (Fluid Schedule)
Depart Port Angeles and begin a very scenic return through the Olympic Peninsula towards SeaTac. Stop in the Sequim area, with a possible visit to Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge or the Dungeness River Nature Center and Railroad Bridge Park. Continue through Discovery Bay and across the Hood Canal Bridge, enjoying the scenery along the route. Travel through the Kitsap Peninsula, with a lunch stop and free time in Port Gamble or Poulsbo. Continue toward Gig Harbor and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, with time for a scenic stop and local history as the schedule allows. Possible final private aviary visit, subject to confirmation. Dinner along the route before continuing to SeaTac. Overnight: Country Inn & Suites, SeaTac. A final day featuring Washington scenery, birds and wildlife habitat, local history, lunch and dinner experiences, and an enjoyable ending to our 90th Anniversary Convention.
Make plans now to join us as APWS celebrates 90 years of conservation, education, aviculture, and friendship in the beautiful Pacific Northwest!
Tuesday, October 20 – Departure Day
Flights home from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Janet Trader, APWS Convention Chair – apwsbirds@yahoo.com
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND BUT MUST BE REGISTERED TO ATTEND
AMERICAN PHEASANT and WATERFOWL SOCIETY
*** 2025 Tentative Trip Schedule ***
TOLEDO, FREMONT, PERRYSBURG, OHIO
HOST: KURT LANDIG and JEFF SAILER, TOLDEO ZOO
TENTATIVE DATE: THURSDAY TO SUNDAY – OCTOBER 23-26, 2025
HOTEL BOOKING INFO. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE REGISTRATION FORM FOR BOOKING – Check In Oct 23rd 4:00 PM – Check out Oct 27th NOON
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND BUT MUST BE REGISTERED TO ATTEND
FOR MORE INFORMATION YOU CAN CONTACT JANET TRADER, APWS CONVENTION CHAIR FROM INFO LISTED ON THE FORMS
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A TENTATIVE SCHEDULE.
Changes will be made and be updated on the APWS Website and Facebook Page
ARRIVALS – Thursday October 23, 2025 Hotel Check In 4:00 pm 5:30 pm Welcome Reception with Hors d’ Oeuvres
***
Day 1 Tour Day
Friday October 24, 2025 – Day at the Zoo – Lunch, Some Very Special Speakers and Private Tours
The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, located in Toledo, Ohio is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium houses over 10,000 individual animals from 720 species and participates in around 80 species survival programs. The Toledo Zoo’s bird collection consists of nearly 100 species from six of the seven continents with a primary focus on Asian and Australian/Oceania species. We endeavor to support and manage breeding programs in cooperation with zoos across the country, while also creating exhibits that are enriching and engaging for both birds and guests.
Jeff Sailer is the President/CEO of the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium in Toledo, Ohio. During his nine years at the Toledo Zoo, the business has grown to an average of one million guests each year with many of them visiting Toledo from Michigan and other states around the country. During his tenure, the Zoo has renovated several historic buildings including the Aquarium, ProMedica Museum of Natural History, and the Lodge. The Zoo has been voted the “Best Zoo in the Country” by USA Today as well as voted multiple times for the “Best Zoo Lights Display.” Under his leadership, the Toledo Zoo has continued to be a force in conservation and education – both near and far. Most recently, the Zoo opened a free preschool program accessible to the metro region’s preschools providing access to children across the area regardless of their socio-economic status. Prior to coming to Toledo, Sailer worked as the Director for City Zoo for the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York managing three of the five parks in the WCS system. Before that he was the Curator of Birds at Zoo Miami. He attended graduate school at the University of Florida and has worked around the world with wildlife.
Dinner Location TBA
***
Day 2 Tour Day
Saturday, October 25, 2025 – Private Aviary – Possible Osprey and Eagle Viewing – Cook Out at Kurt’s.
Rutherford B Hayes Library and Museum Tour
Private Aviary Tour of Kurt Landig. One of the most ultimate and knowledgeable breeders of Galliformes. A Leader of Importing of Golden and Amherst Pheasants, Kurt continues to educate and advocate to others of the importance of keeping pure birds/bloodlines and the maintaining of Studbook Programs and Record Keeping. Kurt has traveled extensively all over the world visiting some of the most elite bird collections as well as birds in the wild. His reputation speaks for itself.
Lunch – Cookout at Kurts, Membership Meeting, Osprey and Eagle Viewing.
Late Afternoon Tour of Rutherford B Hayes Presidential Library and Museums. (Museum, Guided Tour od House. Library, Grounds and Tomb) The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums is America’s first presidential library and the forerunner for the federal presidential library system. HPLM is located at President Hayes’ 25-acre wooded estate, called Spiegel Grove. Dinner
Dinner Location TBA
***
Day 3 Tour Day, Benefit Auction and Farewell Dinner (Please Do Not Leave Early. This will be a Great Day!)
Sunday October 26, 2025 – Day of Birding, Tours and Very Interesting Bird Related Topics, Lunch at one of the Refuge Stops.
Magee Marsh Boardwalk for birding and possibly a banding demo from Black Swamp Bird Observatory – Nicole Brickner, Ohio Division of Wildlife
Tour of Magee Marsh Visitor Center – Nicole Brickner
Lunch at the MMVC – APWS bringing lunch
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge – Visitor Center and Tram Ride – Basia Gawin, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Overview of Howard Marsh – Denis Franklin and Sam Wilhelm, Metroparks Toledo
Evening Benefit Auction, Awards, Photo Contest and Group Farewell Dinner at Hotel
******
Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) Visitor Center – Visitors will find information on the area and purchase items in their nature store. The BSBO Visitors’ Center is a good place to stop to get the latest information on sightings and hotspots, to pick up birding area maps designed by Kenn Kaufman, to check out the fabulous selection of bird and nature books in the gift shop, and to meet fellow birders.
Magee Marsh Visitor Center – Newly renovated and fully accessible with impressive dioramas focusing on wetland conservation, bird identification, and migration.
Magee – Ottawa Partnership Trail – Enter at the first large curve in the road before the Magee Marsh Visitor Center (guests should park at the visitor center to access this trail). Important – this is an out and back trail connecting Magee Marsh to Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (Ottawa County): Scattered woodlots provide viewing of migrating songbirds, and several owl species are frequently seen on the area. The refuge is an excellent place to find birds and other wildlife. There are many rare birds sighted here every year. The habitat available on the refuge provides for a variety of many types of wildlife. Established in 1961, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge protects a network of wetlands, grasslands and forests to provide habitat for a variety of migratory birds, resident wildlife and threatened and endangered species. This network of land covers more than 8,000 acres and when combined with the other refuges in the complex, protects more than 10,000 acres. It has been recognized with global significance for its value to wildlife.
Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area (Ottawa County): The open water marsh is a prime spot to see swans and diving and dabbling ducks. A small woodlot at the northern end of the road can hold a spectacular array of migrating warblers and songbirds.
***
DEPARTURES – Monday October 27, 2025 – Departures – Check Out 12:00 Noon
Things to Bring
Binoculars
Camera
(Extra Batteries)
Notebook and Pen
Backpack
Dress In Layers for varying temperatures
Jackets, Hoodie, Sweatshirt, Sweater, Light Raincoat
Hat
Appropriate Comfortable Shoes for Fall weather and walking
Bug Spray
Ohio Bird Guide (One can be downloaded from links below)
Common Birds of Ohio Field Guide pub414.pdf
Free Printable Bird Watching Checklist for Ohio!
~~~~~~~
AMERICAN PHEASANT and WATERFOWL SOCIETY
*** 2024 Trip Schedule ***
OCTOBER 13 – 17, 2024
Janet Trader, Convention Chair
Hosted By John B. and Lucy Collins
Steve and Lisa Humprey
Tommy Geddings and Jane Harrington
Danny and Shari Altman
Columbia South Carolina (The Palmetto State) *The State with the Cheapest Gas*
Hotel and Airport Columbia, SC
Complimentary Breakfast and Airport Shuttle to/from Hotel
Day 1 – Sunday- October 13, 2024 – ***Non Bus Day
4:00 pm Board Meeting at Hotel
6:00 pm Group Dinner at Hotel – Attendees Membership Meeting – **Round Table Discussion Between Registered Attendees, Awards.
Day 2 – Monday – October 14, 2024 – Bus Day
John and Lucy Collins – Aviary Tour
Build a Wood Duck Nest Box Workshop for Registered Attendees
Noon: BBQ Lunch at John and Lucy’s
Presentation: How to Build 8×6 Bird Panels Workshop (To be donated to a Youth with a Pair of Birds)
Group Dinner Blue Vista
Day 3 – Tuesday – October 15, 2024 – Bus Day
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden – Visit the Zoo – Noon: Lunch at Zoo on own – Tour and Speaker
Dinner on own or as a group (all within walking distance)
Day 4 – Wednesday – October 16, 2024 – Bus Day
Steve and Lisa Humphrey – Tour Aviary
Tommy Geddings, Food Truck Lunch, Aviary Tour
Group Dinner at Hotel, Photo Contest and Benefit Auction at Hotel
Day 5 – Thursday – October 17, 2024 – Bus Day
Danny Altman – Tour Aviary –
Park Bus for Lunch Choices ON OWN
South Carolina State Museum
End the evening at City Market The Vista (Walk from the Museum To City Market and back to Hotel as a group or on own)
Friday, October 18, 2024 – Departures
____________________________________________________________________________
APWS 2023 Annual Convention
November 2 – 4 2023
Hosts:
Pinola Conservancy Aviary
Paul Dickson, Owner and Jacob Kraemer, Aviary Director
Shreveport, Louisiana
AND
Bayou Bird Farm – Kelly McMullin and Timothy Bora
Princeton, Louisiana
Some of the Group (with a few missing from the picture) at the Louisiana State Exhibit Building
during the 2023 APWS Convention
APWS Members Enjoying the 2022 Convention – Connecticut -New York – Maine
APWS 2018 CONVENTION ~ Montreal and Québec Canada
September 30 ~ October 5, 2018 ~ Hosts: Clément Pagé and Jean Bourassa
The entire APWS Group at Jean Bourassa’s
AMERICAN PHEASANT and WATERFOWL SOCIETY 2026 CONVENTION
WASHINGTON STATE
*** 2026 Tentative October Date and Trip Schedule To Be Soon Added ***
AMERICAN PHEASANT and WATERFOWL SOCIETY
*** 2025 Tentative Trip Schedule ***
TOLEDO, FREMONT, PERRYSBURG, OHIO
HOST: KURT LANDIG and JEFF SAILER, TOLDEO ZOO
TENTATIVE DATE: THURSDAY TO SUNDAY – OCTOBER 23-26, 2025
HOTEL BOOKING INFO. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE REGISTRATION FORM FOR BOOKING – Check In Oct 23rd 4:00 PM – Check out Oct 27th NOON
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND BUT MUST BE REGISTERED TO ATTEND
FOR MORE INFORMATION YOU CAN CONTACT JANET TRADER, APWS CONVENTION CHAIR FROM INFO LISTED ON THE FORMS
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A TENTATIVE SCHEDULE.
Changes will be made and be updated on the APWS Website and Facebook Page
ARRIVALS – Thursday October 23, 2025 Hotel Check In 4:00 pm 5:30 pm Welcome Reception with Hors d’ Oeuvres
***
Day 1 Tour Day
Friday October 24, 2025 – Day at the Zoo – Lunch, Some Very Special Speakers and Private Tours
The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, located in Toledo, Ohio is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium houses over 10,000 individual animals from 720 species and participates in around 80 species survival programs. The Toledo Zoo’s bird collection consists of nearly 100 species from six of the seven continents with a primary focus on Asian and Australian/Oceania species. We endeavor to support and manage breeding programs in cooperation with zoos across the country, while also creating exhibits that are enriching and engaging for both birds and guests.
Jeff Sailer is the President/CEO of the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium in Toledo, Ohio. During his nine years at the Toledo Zoo, the business has grown to an average of one million guests each year with many of them visiting Toledo from Michigan and other states around the country. During his tenure, the Zoo has renovated several historic buildings including the Aquarium, ProMedica Museum of Natural History, and the Lodge. The Zoo has been voted the “Best Zoo in the Country” by USA Today as well as voted multiple times for the “Best Zoo Lights Display.” Under his leadership, the Toledo Zoo has continued to be a force in conservation and education – both near and far. Most recently, the Zoo opened a free preschool program accessible to the metro region’s preschools providing access to children across the area regardless of their socio-economic status. Prior to coming to Toledo, Sailer worked as the Director for City Zoo for the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York managing three of the five parks in the WCS system. Before that he was the Curator of Birds at Zoo Miami. He attended graduate school at the University of Florida and has worked around the world with wildlife.
Dinner Location TBA
***
Day 2 Tour Day
Saturday, October 25, 2025 – Private Aviary – Possible Osprey and Eagle Viewing – Cook Out at Kurt’s.
Rutherford B Hayes Library and Museum Tour
Private Aviary Tour of Kurt Landig. One of the most ultimate and knowledgeable breeders of Galliformes. A Leader of Importing of Golden and Amherst Pheasants, Kurt continues to educate and advocate to others of the importance of keeping pure birds/bloodlines and the maintaining of Studbook Programs and Record Keeping. Kurt has traveled extensively all over the world visiting some of the most elite bird collections as well as birds in the wild. His reputation speaks for itself.
Lunch – Cookout at Kurts, Membership Meeting, Osprey and Eagle Viewing.
Late Afternoon Tour of Rutherford B Hayes Presidential Library and Museums. (Museum, Guided Tour od House. Library, Grounds and Tomb) The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums is America’s first presidential library and the forerunner for the federal presidential library system. HPLM is located at President Hayes’ 25-acre wooded estate, called Spiegel Grove. Dinner
Dinner Location TBA
***
Day 3 Tour Day, Benefit Auction and Farewell Dinner (Please Do Not Leave Early. This will be a Great Day!)
Sunday October 26, 2025 – Day of Birding, Tours and Very Interesting Bird Related Topics, Lunch at one of the Refuge Stops.
Magee Marsh Boardwalk for birding and possibly a banding demo from Black Swamp Bird Observatory – Nicole Brickner, Ohio Division of Wildlife
Tour of Magee Marsh Visitor Center – Nicole Brickner
Lunch at the MMVC – APWS bringing lunch
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge – Visitor Center and Tram Ride – Basia Gawin, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Overview of Howard Marsh – Denis Franklin and Sam Wilhelm, Metroparks Toledo
Evening Benefit Auction, Awards, Photo Contest and Group Farewell Dinner at Hotel
******
Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) Visitor Center – Visitors will find information on the area and purchase items in their nature store. The BSBO Visitors’ Center is a good place to stop to get the latest information on sightings and hotspots, to pick up birding area maps designed by Kenn Kaufman, to check out the fabulous selection of bird and nature books in the gift shop, and to meet fellow birders.
Magee Marsh Visitor Center – Newly renovated and fully accessible with impressive dioramas focusing on wetland conservation, bird identification, and migration.
Magee – Ottawa Partnership Trail – Enter at the first large curve in the road before the Magee Marsh Visitor Center (guests should park at the visitor center to access this trail). Important – this is an out and back trail connecting Magee Marsh to Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (Ottawa County): Scattered woodlots provide viewing of migrating songbirds, and several owl species are frequently seen on the area. The refuge is an excellent place to find birds and other wildlife. There are many rare birds sighted here every year. The habitat available on the refuge provides for a variety of many types of wildlife. Established in 1961, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge protects a network of wetlands, grasslands and forests to provide habitat for a variety of migratory birds, resident wildlife and threatened and endangered species. This network of land covers more than 8,000 acres and when combined with the other refuges in the complex, protects more than 10,000 acres. It has been recognized with global significance for its value to wildlife.
Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area (Ottawa County): The open water marsh is a prime spot to see swans and diving and dabbling ducks. A small woodlot at the northern end of the road can hold a spectacular array of migrating warblers and songbirds.
***
DEPARTURES – Monday October 27, 2025 – Departures – Check Out 12:00 Noon
Things to Bring
Binoculars
Camera
(Extra Batteries)
Notebook and Pen
Backpack
Dress In Layers for varying temperatures
Jackets, Hoodie, Sweatshirt, Sweater, Light Raincoat
Hat
Appropriate Comfortable Shoes for Fall weather and walking
Bug Spray
Ohio Bird Guide (One can be downloaded from links below)
Common Birds of Ohio Field Guide pub414.pdf
Free Printable Bird Watching Checklist for Ohio!
~~~~~~~
AMERICAN PHEASANT and WATERFOWL SOCIETY
*** 2024 Trip Schedule ***
OCTOBER 13 – 17, 2024
Janet Trader, Convention Chair
Hosted By John B. and Lucy Collins
Steve and Lisa Humprey
Tommy Geddings and Jane Harrington
Danny and Shari Altman
Columbia South Carolina (The Palmetto State) *The State with the Cheapest Gas*
Hotel and Airport Columbia, SC
Complimentary Breakfast and Airport Shuttle to/from Hotel
Day 1 – Sunday- October 13, 2024 – ***Non Bus Day
4:00 pm Board Meeting at Hotel
6:00 pm Group Dinner at Hotel – Attendees Membership Meeting – **Round Table Discussion Between Registered Attendees, Awards.
Day 2 – Monday – October 14, 2024 – Bus Day
John and Lucy Collins – Aviary Tour
Build a Wood Duck Nest Box Workshop for Registered Attendees
Noon: BBQ Lunch at John and Lucy’s
Presentation: How to Build 8×6 Bird Panels Workshop (To be donated to a Youth with a Pair of Birds)
Group Dinner Blue Vista
Day 3 – Tuesday – October 15, 2024 – Bus Day
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden – Visit the Zoo – Noon: Lunch at Zoo on own – Tour and Speaker
Dinner on own or as a group (all within walking distance)
Day 4 – Wednesday – October 16, 2024 – Bus Day
Steve and Lisa Humphrey – Tour Aviary
Tommy Geddings, Food Truck Lunch, Aviary Tour
Group Dinner at Hotel, Photo Contest and Benefit Auction at Hotel
Day 5 – Thursday – October 17, 2024 – Bus Day
Danny Altman – Tour Aviary –
Park Bus for Lunch Choices ON OWN
South Carolina State Museum
End the evening at City Market The Vista (Walk from the Museum To City Market and back to Hotel as a group or on own)
Friday, October 18, 2024 – Departures
____________________________________________________________________________
APWS 2023 Annual Convention
November 2 – 4 2023
Hosts:
Pinola Conservancy Aviary
Paul Dickson, Owner and Jacob Kraemer, Aviary Director
Shreveport, Louisiana
AND
Bayou Bird Farm – Kelly McMullin and Timothy Bora
Princeton, Louisiana
Some of the Group (with a few missing from the picture) at the Louisiana State Exhibit Building
during the 2023 APWS Convention
APWS Members Enjoying the 2022 Convention – Connecticut -New York – Maine
APWS 2018 CONVENTION ~ Montreal and Québec Canada
September 30 ~ October 5, 2018 ~ Hosts: Clément Pagé and Jean Bourassa
The entire APWS Group at Jean Bourassa’s