By Bruce Ross, Executive Director [email]bross@wisducks.org[/email]
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s August, 2023 Newsletter edition.
With less than a month to go, what should you do to get ready for the season?
I’m not talking about cleaning /repainting decoys, regaining your shooting eye, or leak testing your waders. Our VP Todd Schaller covers that here.- While 28 years with the Coast Guard makes me hyper-conscious about safe boating, I’m not going there because our warden’s corner covers that nicely.
- Nor am I specifically referring to tuning up your retriever (although I’d like to thank Justin Vandehey of Cooperstown Kennels for accepting my Tack for just that purpose in July).
I am, of course, referring to the Waterfowl Hunters EXPO we are hosting on 26 August in Oshkosh. Our EXPO partners and WWA are offering up the perfect one-stop-shop to ensure you are ready for the imminent waterfowl season at the cost of ONLY $10! And parking is FREE. [My editor tells me my articles are too long, but what does she know?!? I’m positive you’ll want to dive into these next details.]
As I write this, 131 exhibitors and vendors have maxed out the terrific Sunnyview Exposition center’s 185 booths to offer state waterfowlers the latest gear, boats, technology, services, hunts, and information. The word is out among these exhibitors, and they want in on our action. And the beneficiary is you, the Wisconsin Waterfowler.
Sherper’s is hosting the state calling contest contest again (including a low-key kids’ contest), a calling clinic by world champion callers, and The Fowl Life’s “meat calling contest”(where you don’t have to be a stage caller to win some serious gear.)
Even more jaw-dropping art is planned this year, as hundreds of carvers compete for best in show decoy honors, and the state’s selects the 2024 turkey, pheasant, and waterfowl stamp art.
A couple dozen seminars will up your waterfowling game, whether you’re a newbie or seasoned veteran. Speaking of newbies, we have a special invitation: The first 25 newbies who bought their first state duck stamp in the past two years will get their admission price refunded at the WWA booth. And for the fairer sex, a special “Women in Waterfowl” panel discussion to encourage more women (and hopefully, better behavior) into the marsh
While some activities are outside, the vast majority of the EXPO is rain-sheltered, so plan to come, rain or shine.
Bring your kids for a full day of inexpensive fun — 12 and under are free, and we have a hhuuuge menu of youth activities, hosted by the Youth Conservation Congress and sponsored by the Brandan A. Kalmerton foundation. Not only do they guarantee a fun day for ages 6-18, but they are sweetening the pot by giving away nearly $5000 dollars of prizes, from an MEC reloader to a new shotgun (thank you Fleet Farm) to a guided hunt by CNH Outdoors and dozens more. Not to be missed!
And don’t forget your four-legged kids, too! Retriever races ($100’s in prizes) for us amateurs, presentations, demos, and free drinking water!
Don’t be ‘that guy’ who forgot the EXPO was happening on August 26th and fell asleep on the couch watching “Pride and Prejudice” for the seventh time [It is a great movie]. Mark your calendars now and set your alarm — it generates almost as much anticipation as opening day!
I’ve barely scratched the surface of what awaits your visit to the EXPO, but my editor tells me the deadline for this article was two days ago….
But she’d also chastise me if I didn’t mention that this crazy great extravaganza can only happen at such a low price point through the generosity of our sponsors — please make a point to stop by their booth and thank them!
I hope to see you amongst the thousands of patrons there, but if not, maybe in the marsh this fall. Be safe out there!