By Bruce Ross, Executive Director bross@wisducks.org
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s July, 2022 Newsletter edition.
Here’s a pic of my “new” dog Tack, sporting some jewelry he received for running successfully in Hunting Retriever Club tests in June. With these recent results, he’s now considered a “started dog”. My wife Pam (a jewelry hound herself) is pleased with the ribbons, and I guess I am too. But like most of us, I’m more interested in how he’ll do in the field this fall.
That said, I am very pleased with how Tack is developing under the tutelage of Justin VanDeHey, (Cooperstown kennels, and owner of Tack’s Dad, Teddy). And the pressure and distractions that come from some competition can only help when Tack’s feeling the excitement of the blind or boat.
Tick tock, the EXPO’s less than 60 days away!
Justin is one of the EXPO’s featured dog trainers on August 27th; he was great last year when explaining some techniques for making your dog more enjoyable in a hunting scenario. And there will be lots of opportunities to learn something that will help you for this fall’s waterfowl season at the 2nd annual Waterfowl Hunters EXPO, now less than two months away. Mark your calendar for 27 August to come to Oshkosh for a day of all things waterfowling. It’s family-and dog-friendly, with activities to entertain and educate so you’ll enjoy the ‘22 season more. Many new things this year, including a national Decoy Carving Contest and youth zone run by the Youth Conservation Congress. Starting next week, there will be special deals on tickets (raffles and discounts) if you buy in advance. And $85 dollars in free benefits if you volunteer for half a day! Check it out now before you forget!
And follow the EXPO on Facebook for daily information on vendors, presenters and other EXPO activities – and other cool waterfowling information!
More Summer fun with WWA!
Pull the trigger at the always-fun Ozaukee Shoot in Fredonia or the Green Bay Chapter’s shoot in Shiocton. And more shooting fun in August at the WWA state shoot, and a banquet in West Bend.
Are you a terrible golfer? Doesn’t matter in this foursome scramble. But timing does matter – last call for the last golf outing of the season at my favorite course: Royal St Pat’s in Wrightstown. This is your last opportunity to get into the early bird raffle, just by signing up. Guns, games, prizes and fun await.
WWA expands Learn to Hunt through $50K grant
Looks like WWA will be receiving that R3 grant from the DNR that I’ve been talking about. We will need mentors to help, and being a mentor brings some interesting benefits. Want to play a role? Reach out to me at bross@wisducks.org.
WWA looks to expand habitat efforts to DNR lands
WWA is collaborating with the DNR to establish a new public lands biologist. This additional WWA staff person would be responsible for working with DNR wildlife area managers to identify public wetlands that need attention – restoration or maintenance and develop the associated plans. This would be a dramatic expansion of WWA capacity to put more “wet” back in to the “land.” And the EXPO will likely play a role too, by underwriting at least a part of this position. But we could use more funding to help make this work, so let me know if you want to contribute to the new initiative – bross@wisducks.org.
There continues to be a lot going on with your WWA – I want to believe we are at an inflection point in delivering more impact for our members. Stay tuned, and thanks for your support!