By Bruce Ross, Executive Director bross@wisducks.org
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s January, 2022 Newsletter edition.
WWA volunteers complete spring cleanup work at Jackson Marsh
Bummed not to have a local chapter in your ‘hood? Maybe you – and your community – are missing out on all the things that WWA can do! Like “backyard” habitat projects, off-season public marsh work, fun community events and inclusion amongst the hard nucleus of waterfowl movers and shakers! You may be missing opportunities to better connect with your future duck hunting bubbas!
Be a change maker; it doesn’t have to be terribly time consuming! Start small and build as big as you want:
- Dip your toe in the water and run a Class A raffle this year. Work with our experts to design your own raffle, get family and friends to sell a few tickets, then draw the winning ticket(s) and award the prize!
- Organize a “drop in” party at a local eatery/pub. Reserve a corner of your local fun place (brew pubs are great!), set up three to four raffles, invite your friends and welcome the pub’s already present patrons. No big meal or event to coordinate, you’re just creating some additional fun at a place that’s already fun!
- Organize a sporting clays shoot. We’ve got the model, you just need to apply it to your local sporting clays club. Or organize a golf outing (it helps to have a lot of golfing friends)
- Want a bigger challenge? Get five of your duck hunting bubbas to put on a pizza and beer “Bash”. Designed for 50-75 attendees, these low-key events require reserving a small venue, feature simple buffet style foods (carry-in pizza works), an open keg, low entry costs and five to seven raffles. Have you hosted a bachelor/bachelorette party? These are even easier!
- Longing for the traditional banquet? We can help there, too.
A portion of the funds raised may also be able to be retained to further educational or habitat projects in your local community.
Maybe you’d prefer to start with mentored hunting or learn-to-hunt initiatives. Or even wood duck box projects in your local marsh, or by caring for a local wetland. WWA can do these things with you. But it takes someone like you to raise your hand. You can do that by filling out this volunteer interest form.