By Bruce Ross, Executive Director bross@wisducks.org
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s November, 2022 Newsletter edition.
We’re a little less than halfway through the season. The marsh where I usually hunt hasn’t seen any sort of northerly wind for over two weeks. The birds are stale, and with air temps that mimicked June’s more than they did October’s, well, the shooting has been slow. But there are few places I’d rather be right now, and I’m trying to enjoy every moment.
Marv Tibbitts
Especially as none of us knows how long those moments will last. I am extremely saddened to report the loss of long-time WWA Baraboo volunteer, Marv Tibbitts, just ten days ago. Marv, aged 62, had just retired and was looking forward to that retirement with his wife, Vickie, another well-recognized WWA volunteer. Marv had just returned from a memorable North Dakota hunting trip with WWA’s former Regional Director and current Class A Specialist, Tom Seibert. Upon returning, the two (and several others) collaborated on a successful WWA Hunter’s Bash in Baraboo. Marv enjoyed those two things for only three days before a stroke suddenly took him. RIP, Marv, you will be missed. A lesson to all of us to enjoy this life while we have it.
So, I’m trying to wring as much joy from this season as possible. My dog, Tack, is giving me so me nice moments – he’s figured out what going into the marsh is all about, sitting quietly (for the most part), scanning the sky for birds (his duck ID remains a challenge) and taking (most) of my guidance for difficult retrieves. I’m glad to have invested so much time and treasure into his preparation. (I’m less enthused that my wife tried to turn him into a lion for Halloween, but I suppose we each take our joy from him in different ways.)
And, almost as much as my time in a marsh, I take my greatest professional satisfaction from making a difference in the organization I serve. I’m sure you can relate. And, with the help and guidance of so many of you, WWA is becoming ever more impactful. More projects, a growing and very active membership, stronger finances, the EXPO, growing educational offerings, stronger waterfowler advocacy… and with some big announcements expected in the next few months, make no mistake, your WWA is becoming more impactful.
A recent chapter example: Mike Depies led the Cedar Creek and Midland Wings Chapters in the construction of a multi-use, disabled accessible blind at Jackson Marsh. This project required hundreds of volunteer hours and leveraged a new WWA chapter grant of $2,000 to obtain additional funds from the local community to expand local hunting opportunities. Mike and his team’s results are just one example of the impact that Wisconsin Waterfowlers are making for our passion.
As 2022 wanes, WWA is preparing to make the most of the new year. With recent successes, a sound financial position and talented volunteers, we are poised for a big 2023. We’re laying plans now on where to invest WWA’s time and treasure, and I’d be very interested in what YOU think we should be doing for the state’s waterfowlers. You can tell me personally at bross@wisducks.org.
You, too, can play a more active role in our successes. We are great at finding opportunities for each person’s unique abilities and interests. I’d welcome a personal conversation with you to help find the right fit.