By Brad Heidel, Executive Director – bheidel@wisducks.org
This article appeared in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s December 2025 Newsletter edition.
This morning, I was out hunting with my wife. It was one of those mornings as a duck hunter, you know, could be spectacular – or if nothing else, it was a duck hunter’s morning. The wind had been blowing all night from the NW at 25 MPH, putting the wind chill at 9 degrees. The snow was blowing down your neck from behind – perfect!
That morning was the day before Thanksgiving, and though we went home empty-handed, I realized we still had a lot to be thankful for. Organizationally, we have had some significant mission delivery for ducks and duck hunters. Our Wetlands Ecologists, staff of only 4, had a direct impact on over 7,000 acres here in our state, with the bulk of that being on public lands. Our work with private landowners created Public Ducks on Private Lands for all Wisconsin duck hunters. Our fundraising team held countless fundraisers, attended by all of you, to ensure we had the funds to accomplish our meaningful work. All while our Director of Administrative Services, Kelcy, kept us all going in the right direction!
WWA’s Waterfowl Hunters Expo hosted over 10,000 attendees this past August, bringing all of us together to celebrate all that is waterfowl hunting. Our R3/Education team held several learn-to-hunt events this past year, bringing dozens of new hunters into the world of waterfowling. All this, while being the voice of the 58,000 Wisconsin waterfowl hunters. Two significant bills continue to move forward at the state capitol. Both of which have significant impacts on the sport we cherish. The first bill is for the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Fund. This directly impacts our public lands open to public hunting. The Knowles-Nelson is set to expire in the spring of 2026; we hope to see this bill passed, ensuring continued access for hunters and others who enjoy our wild places well into the future.
We are also working behind the scenes with the hope of bringing a Sandhill crane hunt to our state. This is a common-sense solution that we will continue to fight for! None of this can be accomplished without all of our organization’s volunteers, both at the board level and those working in their local communities.
The WWA team and I will continue to work to increase duck production through wetland restoration, to protect our waterfowling heritage through the recruitment and education of new hunters, and to continue advocating for all that is important to duck hunters.
Here at year’s end, I ask that you think of the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association. We count on you for your support to continue the work that directly benefits you as a Wisconsin waterfowl hunter. Thinking of a year-end tax-deductible donation – please consider WWA. Looking for that perfect gift – the gift that keeps on giving, a WWA Raffle Calendar is great for all. 365 days of prizes!
All that being said, know that I am thankful and appreciate the support of our members, volunteers, board of directors, and staff. This season, take the time to think about all that you’re thankful for.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all,
