By Brad Heidel, Executive Director – bheidel@wisducks.org
This article appeared in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s February 2026 Newsletter edition.
The Waterfowler’s Arc
As February begins, it’s a reminder that waterfowl seasons across the country have come to a close. That always brings a bit of melancholy. But waterfowl hunters are eternally optimistic, so like many of you, I’m already looking ahead to a possible spring snow goose hunt and, before we know it, opening day of the teal season.
Thinking about what’s ahead also brings to mind our Waterfowler’s Academy and the ongoing need to recruit new hunters, retain our current band of duck-hunting brothers and sisters, and reactivate those who have drifted away from the traditions of waterfowl hunting for one reason or another. A strong and engaged community ensures that everything we love about this sport continues well into the future.
The Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s Waterfowlers Academy is the umbrella term we use to cover all of our R3 efforts -recruitment, retention, and reactivation – along with our education efforts. These initiatives are built around what we call the Waterfowlers Arc. Our goal is to guide hunters through this arc, regardless of when their first hunt occurs, toward becoming lifelong hunters and conservationists.
In 2025, our volunteers and staff had much to be proud of as we fulfilled our mission to educate waterfowlers and support their progression from natural resource consumers to dedicated stewards. Here are just a few highlights:
WWA hosted five Waterfowler’s Academy novice hunter events:
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Participants in WWA’s For Women by Women 2025 event Craig Martin Legacy Youth Hunt – Prairie du Chien Chapter
- Green Bay Learn to Hunt Event – Green Bay Chapter
- Crex Meadows Learn to Hunt – WWA partnership with Pheasants Forever
- For Women, By Women Learn to Hunt – Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
- Learn to Cook Waterfowl Demonstration – McKenzie Environmental Center
The WWA Waterfowl Hunters Expo welcomed more than 10,000 attendees. The Expo provides opportunities for hunters at every stage of the Waterfowler’s Arc to learn from the pros about the latest techniques and products, while also reconnecting with our rich waterfowl hunting traditions.
WWA partnered with the Okayest Hunter Podcast Network’s UpDuck Podcast to produce a weekly “Migration Report” short-format podcast throughout the 2025 waterfowl season. The program generated more than 30,000 views.
Our WWA Wood Duck educational curriculum – designed, created, and tested by Brillion School District teachers Ryan and Jessica Peterson- is aligned with state and national standards. It teaches wetland ecology through the lens of the beautiful wood duck. The curriculum has been provided to more than 10 Wisconsin schools and is already being used in classrooms today.
Looking ahead to 2026, our organization plans to expand opportunities for new hunters to become waterfowlers, while also creating meaningful ways for those moving through the Waterfowler’s Arc to give back. This work only happens because of you. Whether you choose to get involved as a mentor, volunteer at an event, introduce someone new to the sport, or support WWA through membership or a donation, your engagement directly shapes the future of waterfowl hunting in Wisconsin. Together, we can ensure these traditions and the conservation ethic that defines them are passed on to the next generation.
