By Bruce Urben, President
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s July 2019 Volunteer eNewsletter.
Not too long ago we were all wondering when, and to where, all of the spring rain would be gone. There was flooding throughout Wisconsin. It seemed to rain an inch or more every other day. It sure helped to fill those wetlands and kick start the pond flora that our waterfowl depend on each year. But, I am sure many of us thought, enough is enough. Now it is mid July and we could use more rain! Go figure.
Our waterfowl ponds are a lush green paradise for all sorts of wildlife. Frogs, snipe, ducks, geese, muskrats, deer, turkeys and a whole host of feathered friends make use of the wetlands. Just last week we saw a hen wood duck with her brood on one of the ponds and they immediately disappeared into the grass. Nature sure has a way of protecting the species.
I am a firm believer that nature eventually balances itself out. Wet periods are followed by dry spells and annually we see consistent moisture. It’s a good thing our wildlife are flexible enough to work around Mother Nature’s schedule!
Speaking of schedules, July is a busy month for your WWA. The 14th was the 5th annual Ozaukee County Sporting Clays shoot in Fredonia, WI, and this following Saturday (20th) is the 9th Annual Abrams Sporting Clays shoot at J&H Game Farm near Navarro, WI. This is a great time to sharpen your shooting skill on the range for this fall and win some great raffles being offered.
On July 24th, we hold the 9th Annual Fox Valley Golf Outing at Royal St.Patrick’s Golf Course near Wrightstown, great prizes and great fellowship will prevail, consider joining us! July 26-27th is the 3rd Annual Decoy Carving Contest and Exhibition at Cabela’s in Richfield, WI. Come out to see some beautiful examples of carved waterfowl, watch a carver at work and take part in our raffles, a great way to spend a Saturday remembering our waterfowling heritage and tradition and supporting your WWA. Of course if you are a carver, enter one of your decoys too!
After July we can take a short breath and start all over in August!
Thanks to all of our volunteers for your continued support, and… hope to see you in July!