NEWS
For immediate release: 4/21/25
Contact: FPGF President Kevyn Quamme
m: 608-209-3842
Tristan Bagley, 13, Appointed to FPGF Board,
Youngest State Conservation Group Board Member
POYNETTE, WI—Thirteen-year-old Tristan Bagley of Packwaukee has been traveling with his grandpa Keith Bagley to spend volunteer hours sexing chicks and fulfilling other hands-on duties.
Harold Drake of Juneau said, “Tristan’s hard work separating day-old hens from roosters helps restore my faith in the next generation.” Drake and both Bagleys together have donated hundreds of volunteer hours in recent years to help Manager Kelly Maguire at the State Game Farm in Poynette produce and release about 75,000 pheasants each year on 85-90 public hunting grounds.
Drake is long-time Secretary of the Friends of Poynette Game Farm (FPGF), and Keith Bagley is Vice President. Fellow Board members noticed that Tristan was helping a lot without pay at the new hatchery as well as at FPGF booths at sports shows and youth events, plus attending FPGF Board meetings. So, at its March 17, 2025, meeting, FPGF Board President Kevyn Quamme made history by appointing Tristan to fill a director’s vacancy, making him what they believe is the youngest conservation group board member in Wisconsin history. At its elections in May, young Bagley is expected to be nominated and elected to fill a full three-year-term on the Friends Board.
Quamme said, “Tristan is a great example of a hard-working contributor who may not talk a lot but always steps up and pitches in. I know quite a few sportsmen’s clubs and conservation groups that would welcome more members of any age like that.”
Young Bagley simply said, “I’m glad to help. It’s fun. I’m learning a lot and meeting a lot of interesting people.”
Quamme said that Tristan may also help FPGF recruit, retain, and reactivate (R3) hunters. The group’s work includes both hosting Learn to Hunt events for youth and adults but also helping the State Game Farm provide free pheasants for dozens of other R3 events conducted by local groups all across Wisconsin.
“Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer with fresh perspectives, your unique insights and dedication are valuable assets to our cause,” said Quamme. “You decide if you’d like to be a mentor, dog handler, sports show booth worker, or member of the Board, and you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Influence Strategy: Contribute your expertise to shape the future direction of our organization and have meaningful impact as we pass along our hunting heritage;
- Foster Collaboration: Have fun working with like-minded shooting sports enthusiasts, sharing your thoughts and ideas;
- Amplify Impact: Make a tangible difference by being part of initiatives that help other individuals and organizations also make a lasting impact;
- Help Yourself: Enhance your leadership skills, expand your network of contacts, and gain valuable experience that will enrich your life.”
FPGF Treasurer Linda Woldt added, “No matter what your skills are, there’s a place for you with the Friends of Poynette Game Farm, a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit organization. Please act today to be part of something greater than yourself. Join now to make a difference and leave a lasting legacy.”
Visit www.friendspgf.com or follow us on Facebook.
At a time of tight budgets, many volunteers and Friends groups are making a positive difference at state properties all across Wisconsin.