By Bruce Ross, Executive Director bruceross@wi.rr.com
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s October, 2020 Newsletter edition.
As I write this article on October 1st, I’m channeling David Bowie. I’m Under Pressure. First, from Kelcy, to get this article to her in time for our October newsletter. Then, to clean up all my other urgent WWA to-do’s before I leave to play a role in the DNR’s “Duck School” for new wardens on Friday the 2nd. And then, too, to clean up my boat from last weekend’s muskie fishing (only a little success), and prep my duck boat for the southern opener. And, underlying it all, is a concern that my sole remaining duck dog may have a season-ending injury – fingers crossed for the vet visit that is also tonight!
But I also have to acknowledge that a lot of pressure has been released over the past two months as your WWA fought to remain financially viable by conducting nearly ten events – golf outings, shoots, bashes, banquets, and many raffles. Chapter leaders and volunteers – just amazing – and staff (also pretty darn amazing), and most of all, event and raffle participants – YOU! – have given us reason to be positive, as we begin to look to the new year. THANK YOU!!! While we’re not out of the woods yet, we’re in better shape than I could have expected six months ago.
There’s a lot of other things going with WWA, too:
ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN: After 20 years with WWA, Tom Seibert is retiring (again, but only sort of). Rob Monette will be stepping into Tom’s RD shoes, from his previous volunteer role on the Board of Directors, including a tenure as Vice President. Having an experienced hand in this role will help WWA continue to weather this uncertain pandemic storm. Thanks Rob!
CAUTION – POLITICIANS AT WORK: Did anyone watch the presidential debate a couple of nights ago? I can only manage a “wow”. I think it’s fair to ask how responsive should your elected officials be to your concerns? Paul Smith, outdoor writer for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently asked that question. Here’s a chance to find out. WWA continues to work with the governor’s office and legislators to ensure the WI duck stamp increase of only $5 becomes a reality this coming year. You can help us by telling your state senator and assemblyperson that this is important to you – a quick phone call or email is all it takes. Take action now by reaching out to them; find out who they are and how to contact them here. While you’re at it, tell ‘em that reauthorization of Knowles Nelson Stewardship program should be on their priority list too!
The twelve students, and their instructors, that passed the field day
EDUCATION UP-N-DOWNS: The largest planned learn to hunt effort in WWA experience was summarily curtailed only a few weeks ago by DNR response to the COVID pandemic. But President Bruce Urben and other WWA volunteers, led by Bob Workinger, helped get at least a dozen hunters ready for the season by conducting the Hunter Safety field day for twelve new hunters. But there is a backlog of thousands of people who’ve taken the online course but are unable to complete the field day portion – what a tragedy for the NexGen of Wisconsin hunters!!!
START 2021 WITH A…. CALENDAR: WWA is pleased to be able to offer this year’s only $20 conservation calendar raffle (at least, that we are aware of) this year in Wisconsin. The other “competitor” at this price point, WI Wildlife Federation, has chosen to forgo their very popular calendar offering. WWF is a strong partner with WWA, so we hate to see them forgo the important revenue that comes from their calendar. But we hope to fulfill some of that customer demand by selling out all 5,000 calendars we printed this year. Maybe you haven’t sold calendars for WWA before, but especially if you have a retail business, or a lot of friends and family who’d be interested (they make great Christmas presents), we have a super incentive program to help us achieve this goal. This is an easy way to help your WWA start an uncertain 2021 on a solid financial footing.
GUIDE GUIDE? Do you think WWA should offer a guide listing service for Wisconsin waterfowling outfitters? We’ve received some questions recently, and we’re beginning to think WWA might be a nice clearinghouse to connect local guides to to people who want to learn a new area or technique. Let me know your thinking.
REFUGE CHANGES? We’ve also received some questions from members about the recent changes they’ve seen on state waterfowl refuges. So we’ve created a webpage with the background of how these changes transpired and how you might still offer some input to the DNR.
STAY OUT OF TROUBLE: Finally, with the regular season opener (either two weeks ago in the north zone, or this October 3rd in the south zone), it’ll be advisable to stay out of trouble, especially if you are on the water.
- Check out our feature in the Warden’s corner from Warden Tim Otto.
- And be alert to the bag requirements, which this year allow two hen mallards. Still, make sure you identify the bird you are about to pull the trigger on!! To help, here’s an article I wrote last year for Badger Sportsman to help with the more challenging early season duck identification challenges when birds are frequently in eclipse plumage.
- I spent nearly 28 years with the US Coast Guard during which I saw more than my share of preventable tragedies. Wisconsin is already on track to have the highest number of water-related deaths this year – DON’T BE A STATISTIC. Wear your life jackets as you travel to your spot and back. Remember that no duck is worth your life – or those of your boat mates: take your time, practice safe boating throughout this season, especially during crowded periods (like the openers) and when threatening weather approaches.