By Bruce Ross, Executive Director bruceross@wi.rr.com
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s March, 2021 Newsletter edition
Mark Kakatsch
Mark Kakatsch was just honored with the prestigious Mississippi Flyway Council Heritage Award. The Mississippi Flyway Council, Law Enforcement Committee (representing fourteen states & three Canadian Provinces) developed the Waterfowl Heritage Award to recognize a citizen, a group of citizens or an organization for outstanding long-term support in the promotion of the sport of waterfowling, waterfowl law enforcement, waterfowl biology and waterfowl management benefiting the resource and the public
Mark, a former member of WWA’s Board of Directors, is currently leading the WI Wildlife Federation’s Migratory Bird Committee and for his lifetime has been an ubiquitous force for waterfowling ‘good’ in the state. Here are some of the accomplishments that led to Mark’s recognition. Mark has:
- Been the leader of the LTH Waterfowl Program at Horicon Marsh; for over 20 years he introduced hundreds of new hunters to waterfowling (including kids, adults, and new DNR staff).
- Served as an energetic leader in numerous waterfowl organizations (WWA, WWF, DU).
- Served on the Conservation Congress Migratory Committee.
- Provided key insights and assistance with the WI Waterfowl Management Plan.
- Acted as chair of the WI Wildlife Federation Migratory Committee, ensuring science and hunter opportunity are accounted for when setting season structure and proposing law changes.
- Been the eyes and ears on the Horicon Marsh.
- An active partner and supporter of State Conservation Law Enforcement.
Throughout this lifetime of contribution, Mark has brought a common sense approach to regulations changes and sharing hunter input, and all of the work he’s done… including being a driving force on the upcoming Waterfowl Hunters EXPO!
Congratulations Mark!