By Bruce Urben, President
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s February 2020 Newsletter edition.
Last Saturday, January 25th, your Wisconsin Waterfowl Association held its 36th annual State Meeting at the Lambeau Field Atrium in Green Bay, WI.
This year we had over 70 attendees that came together to honor some of WWA’s invaluable volunteers and sponsors, and to listen to some experts talking about waterfowl habitat, biology, regulations and waterfowl health.
We learned from Dr. Drew Fowler, WDNR researcher, that there is no science based or biological reason that harvesting two hen mallards in Wisconsin would adversely impact the mallard population based on his research.
Dr. Sarah Orlofske presenting on waterfowl parasites at WWA’s 2020 State Meeting
We were enlightened by Dr. Sarah Orlofske, UW Stevens Point parasite expert, with information that her parasite research is leading to identification of certain parasites found in our waterfowl that are specific to specific waterfowl. This may lead to some landmark waterfowl management alternatives.
Tracy Hames, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, provided evidence that small upland wetlands in Wisconsin are worth their weight in gold in Waterfowl habitat and control of our surface and groundwater resources. This fits directly into your WWA’s wheelhouse of providing habitat improvement on private property on smaller projects.
Peter Ziegler, WWA’s habitat specialist, again confirmed his habitat improvement projects that were completed in 2019 were being successful in holding water and attracting feeding and breeding waterfowl, many in their first year!
Taylor Finger, WDNR Migratory Game bird Biologist, gave us an update of the recently completed waterfowl season and a glimpse into the future potential waterfowl zone and regulatory changes. He welcomed a plethora of questions from the audience and encouraged all to contact him for questions and comments.
4th Annual WWA Hall of Fame Inductees L to R Dan Witthuhn, Corey Linsley and John Regan
And… I would be remiss not to mention and honor this year’s WWA Hall Of Fame inductees. These are the volunteers that played a significant role in establishing WWA as a leader in Habitat, Education and Policy in Wisconsin.
Congratulations to Dan Witthuhn from the Appleton/Valley Chapter, John Regan former Board of Director and Chilton Chapter volunteer and the Green Bay Packers Organization as this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, our fourth class to be installed.
Corey Linsley, center for the Green Bay Packers, accepted the award on behalf of the Green Bay Packers, and a warm acceptance text from Mark Murphy, Packer’s President and CEO was read by Executive Director Bruce Ross.
Thanks Corey for all of the photo opportunities you gave to our attendees!
Russ Olson (left) accepts the 2019 Volunteer of the Year award from Executive Director, Bruce Ross
The last honor was presented to Russ Olson, current long-time WWA Board of Directors member and member of the Executive Committee as WWA’s 2019 Statewide Volunteer of the Year! Russ was honored for his leadership, support and implementation of innovative development principles to move WWA into the future of sustainability. Congrats, Russ!
If you missed this year’s State Meeting, stay tuned for next year’s event and the potential for your WWA in bringing back the recently discontinued Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunters Conference in 2021. Stay tuned!
It is officially time to begin our 2020 fundraising season and we hope to see all of you at one of our upcoming events. Check out the events page on our website at to find a banquet, golf outing, shoot or bash in your area. See you there.
Thank you for supporting WWA!
WWA’s 2020 Board of Directors and Green Bay Packer’s center, Corey Linsley, at the 2020 State Meeting. Pictured from left to right: Bruce Urben, Tim Gerdmann, Randy Helbach, Jim Freck, Russ Olson, Peter Strenn, Corey Linsley, Rob Monette, Dennis Nelson, Ian Bartelmez, Todd Schultz, Mike Depies and Andy Ducato.