By Bruce Urben, President
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s September, 2020 Volunteer Newsletter edition.
Not all of our WWA members are waterfowlers, but a good number of you are or have been. All of our members, however, are sure to have a passion for the outdoors and our wetland habitat resources. Something that is near and dear to all of us here at WWA.
As you know, our fundraisers are key to allowing us to fund on-the-ground habitat improvement projects in Wisconsin. Our small improvement projects serve our homegrown waterfowl well. Our project work is in full swing now with drier than normal conditions. We are always interested in more projects! Please check out our website at wisducks.org under the “habitat” button and submit a project application for your property. Winter is usually a great time to get earthwork completed, as long as Mother Nature cooperates with a hard freeze on the landscape. If you, a neighbor or a hunting buddy have an itch to improve your marginal wetland, please contact us with your interest!
Photo credit Bruce Urben
On another note, many of us were fortunate to be able to get out for early Teal season this year. The weather was cooperative and from all accounts, the Teal were here as well. I for one can tell you it was re-energizing to get out to watch the sunrise, listen to the wildlife awakening at daylight and even harvest a Teal or two!
By now I am sure most waterfowlers have their opening day plans set and all of their gear checked and rechecked. Please be sure all of your plans include safety on your checklist. Boating safety includes proper PFD’s and all of us need to be reminded of our Hunter Safety T-A-B-K rules before we enter the shore blind, layout blind or boat. Remember, safety is “NO” accident.
Unfortunately, WDNR has cancelled all Learn to Hunt programs for the remainder of 2020 because of COVID-19. Wisconsin law does, however, allow mentored hunting to proceed. I would encourage us all to take a family member hunting this year. I know I will be in the blind and boat with all of my grandkids this year on their first waterfowling experience. They are all finishing their Hunter Safety training as we speak (virtually of course). Remember, our youth are our future… pass it on!
Your WWA is back on the banquet circuit. We are cramming a number of postponed events into the last few months of the year. I hope to see many of you at one of our events. Check our website for one in your area.
Lastly, I want to thank all of our volunteers; your tireless work and support allows our mission to proceed… even during the worst pandemic since the 1900’s! Let’s keep the torch burning.