By Brad Heidel, Executive Director – bheidel@wisducks.org
This article appeared in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s September 2025 Newsletter edition.
Many of you may or may not know that Bruce Ross, Wisconsin Waterfowl Executive Director, was an officer in the United States Coast Guard. So, in the spirit of the US Coast Guard, on September 25th of 2025, Mr. Ross turned over the helm of Wisconsin Waterfowl Association to me. Needless to say, I graciously accepted the new role.
Just a quick bit about myself. I grew up in a small town in the central part of the state called Green Lake. After completing my Wisconsin DNR Hunter Safety class and passing, I began hunting with my family at the age of 12. Many will recall that our WI Duck Opener was always held on the first Monday of October, and I typically spent it on Lake Puckaway. A special day in our family and a reason to skip school, much to the chagrin of our football coach. Still today, our state opener holds a special place for our family.
I would like to think that those days spent in the marsh marked the beginning of a career working for great non-profit organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation. Those include leadership positions with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Pheasants and Quail Forever, International Hunter Education Association, and Delta Waterfowl. All HUNTER-based organizations. The lessons I have learned in those national organizations I will bring to our state organization to make it the best it can be.
Wisconsin Waterfowl Association is the duck hunter’s organization for the state. You can rest assured that if it does not benefit Wisconsin ducks or duck hunters, our/your organization will not do it. We will continue our strong work with our partners to restore and enhance wetlands. We will continue to recruit new hunters and work to retain those who already hunt. No other organization advocates for duck hunters more than WWA!
Please know that your membership, donations, and volunteer hours truly make a difference. If you are not currently a member, please show your support for your organization by becoming one. If you are a member or volunteer – Thank you!
Continue to look for great things from Wisconsin Waterfowl Association.
See you in the marsh,
Brad
