Ignore the missing tail feathers (which became a Tack plaything en route to a completed retrieve) – check out those spurs
By Bruce Ross, Executive Director bruceross@wi.rr.com
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s November, 2021 Newsletter edition.
The temperatures are dropping and I’m hoping to see new birds over the decoys soon. The Packers are 7-1 (unbelievable/unsustainable luck playing a role, but so what!). And (nearly unbelievably) a sandhill crane hunt is being discussed in the Wisconsin legislature.
I was hoping for a bit more free time to pursue some hunting with new pup Tack, but that will come in the next few days. However, he has collected his first few pheasants and ducks—he’s figuring it out.
But mostly, my recent weeks have been consumed with the sandhill crane (SHC) hunt issue. WWA foresaw that the farmer crop damage issues would bring it to a head and we’ve done our homework. We developed a team to consider the issue over a year ago, have talked to all the right people, know the hard issues, and are being consulted in how to make the legislation better.
I’ve testified in a Senate hearing, made remarks to the Governor in just the past week, and engaged legislative authors on the bill. And our board has outreached to key legislators to gain their ear as well. This effort has further informed our perspective on this hunt, and we are sharing with you the current arguments for and against the hunt.
There are a lot of strong opinions on such a hunt (which currently takes place in over a third of the nation’s states and Canadian provinces). And the political overlay with how it was introduced will certainly make it more difficult to achieve the bipartisan approach necessary in this time of divided state government. As we’ve said from the get-go, Wisconsin is a bit different. Like the duck stamp issue, it may take more than one legislative session to get to the finish line.
Our other missions are moving forward, too. Check out Peter’s article on some recent duck stamp-funded habitat work – great stuff. The Habitat Committee continues to look for more potential projects – and as a result, the project queue is fuller than any time since my arrival – well done! Keep those project ideas coming as we will be able to get more grant $$ as we have more projects!!
And education efforts are in full swing, ranging from the EXPO to Learn-to-Hunts and Youth Hunts at opposite corners of the state. Regarding the EXPO, it looks like we will be incorporating the Wisconsin’s Decoy Carving Contest and Exhibit into the event next August! What a great addition!
Want to help put EXPO2 on the ground in August of 2022? We have outstanding committee leadership – and can use your help in any committee. But particularly, we can fill a couple more spots in volunteer coordination (working with WWA VP Todd Schaller) and fundraising (working with former WWA Executive Director Don Kirby). And we are always anxious to bring aboard tomorrow’s leaders today. Tell me how you want to play a role.
Two additional – probably unrelated – thoughts: Take a quick look through the early season hunting violations article to help you stay out of legal trouble in the marsh (or open water or fields), and follow our Facebook page if you haven’t already. We are only a few page likes away from our annual goal, so bring your friends to the party too!
Two Bruce Urben decoys found in the “other” Bruce’s house
Don’t miss the article on Wisconsin Decoy carver, Bruce Urben, written by Bruce’s son, Eric. These names should be more than a little familiar to WWA members. Bruce, our President for the past eight years, is the firmament on which many of WWA’s accomplishments over that time rest. He manages to fit some carving in around his WWA efforts. And, I suppose, around his hunting. I am tickled to have two Urben decoys in places of honor in my house. Eric, from his close perspective, and from that of a member of WWA’s Hall of Fame, shares some details!
Finally, as we come to the end of the year, please think about becoming a sustaining member of WWA, or making a one-time donation, or better yet, or even consider protecting the state’s waterfowling legacy as we launch a WWA Legacy program next month. As you can see from this newsletter (and hear the linked podcast), we are busy trying to keep the Wisconsin waterfowling flame bright, and we need your help. Thanks for considering it.
Hope your calling practice is paying off for you this season!
See you in the marsh!
Bruce