It is that time of year again, the duck banding season is upon us and our partners at WDNR have some opportunities to share. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to the contact listed for each location and be sure to fill out the WDNR 2019 Volunteer Agreement form that can be downloaded here as well.
Collins Marsh:
Contact: Steve Easterly, Wildlife Biologist at [email]Stephen.Easterly@Wisconsin.gov[/email]
Once again we’re reaching out to seek assistance with duck banding operations on Collins Marsh. This year will be a bit different in set up. As some of you may be aware, the marsh is in full draw down so we’ll be using the secondary site which means no extra people in the blind to see the cannons launch. The draw down is being conducted to implement some much needed repairs to the dam and main berm as well as for the overall health of the marsh. Unless otherwise assigned please go to the big parking lot off highway JJ, north of the nature center, see map, below. We’ll have everyone meet there and wait until the shot is taken. It’s a bit far, but the shop is too close to the secondary site and we don’t want any added disturbance.
I’m hoping to get the first shot in on Thursday August 1st, and going Tuesday and Thursday after that. the dates are below. please check your schedules and let me know when you’re available.
- Aug 1
- Aug 6
- Aug 8
- Aug 13
- Aug 15
- Aug 20
- Aug 22
- Aug 27
- Aug 29
- If needed Sept 5
Lower Wolf River Bottom
Contact: Bryan Woodbury, Wildlife Biologist at [email]bryan.woodbury@wisconsin.gov[/email]
We are beginning to make preparations for what I’m sure will be another excellent year! We will be banding on Monday and Thursday nights from late July (25, 29) through August (1, 5, 8, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29) and as always DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE based on weather and duck activity. If you are interested in joining us this year, please send me a list of dates that are you available to come so that I can begin to put together a schedule!
Do to the popularity of this event, we are asking that EVERYONE confirms their date(s) with me. We need to make sure that we have adequate vehicles to transport volunteers and the only way we can do that is if we know who is coming. Therefore we ask that if you are confirmed for a night, please do not bring additional guests without first confirming that we have space in vehicles to accommodate everyone. Thanks and we hope to see you all soon.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU SUPPLY ME THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
- If you want to help, and on which day(s).
- The names of any persons who will be coming along with you.
If you could fill out the WDNR 2019 Volunteer Agreement Form before you arrive, that would help out a lot! Volunteers must be over the age of 16 – unless part of a school or youth group or accompanied by parent or legal guardian.
Sheboygan Marsh
Contact: Josh Jackl, Wildlife Biologist at [email]joshua.jackl@wisconsin.gov[/email]
After a five-year hiatus we are again banding ducks at Sheboygan Marsh this summer! To ensure this a quality experience for everyone, volunteers must RSVP with me in order to participate. We love sharing this unique experience with everyone but also must know who is volunteering with us. Feel free to forward this to friends, family, and co-workers to expose them to a cool hands-on wildlife activity, but please RSVP with me for confirmation. We have a smaller quota of 200 mallards this year so at this time we are planning to band each week Wednesday, starting July 31 and going until we reach our quota, or August 28, whichever comes first. Tentative schedule is below:
- July 31
- August 7
- August 14
- August 21
- August 28
If you want to help us band ducks on any of those days please email me at the contact info given above with your name(s) and let me know which date(s). Plan to be at the Sheboygan Marsh shop (W8180 Hulls Crossing Drive) by 5:00 am to wait for the cannon shot (this time gets a little later as summer goes on so the first shot is the earliest). If you plan on bringing children we ask that they be at least 8 years old or are very capable of staying calm while handling ducks. Children must have a parent accompany them.
We’ll have plenty of bug spray for all you early risers but you’ll want to bring your own rubber boots and clothing that can get wet and dirty (pooped on by ducks).
I’ll be sending out a confirmation email the week of the 29th to those that have emailed me to reserve their spot to volunteer for the first shot.
Please let me know if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you on the marsh!