By Bruce Urben, WWA President
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s June, 2022 Newsletter edition.
You have heard me say on many occasions in this newsletter that hunting is conservation. This has been confirmed through various and very smart conservationists. If that holds, then hunters, in this case waterfowl hunters, are also conservationists.
Bruce (left) cleans out a wood duck box house placed by his chapter on WWA’s Abrams property this past March
What can we do to practice this ethic when we are not hunting? Here are a few thoughts:
- Mentor a non-hunter during season or in the off season. The buzz word for this is R3 – recruitment, retention and reactivation of new or existing hunters. Participate in a Learn to Hunt program to help carry on the tradition. Coach a new shot gunner in proper technique at the range to limit wounded loss.
- Become a member of Wisconsin Waterfowl Association if you are not already. Your membership supports the mission of habitat improvement, education and hunter advocacy. Every dollar raised can leverage $2-$3 for important work in conservation. Help us recruit new members or start a new chapter! Be involved and stay abreast of policy issues affecting waterfowl or waterfowl hunters and make yourself available to support advocacy with your legislators when called upon to make a difference.
- Purchase state and federal waterfowl stamps to support wetland habitat improvement. Yes, hunters are required to purchase these, but why not “double down” by purchasing one more for conservation. This funding directly benefits WWA’s work on the ground.
- Help our waterfowl hens. Build, install and maintain brooding structures like wood duck boxes or hen houses. More nest success means more waterfowl on the landscape. WWA has wood duck boxes for sale and while we are currently sold out we are working to restock our supply!
- Adopt a habitat area. Public wildlife areas cannot all be maintained by conservation agency funding. Budgets are tight and there is more maintenance necessary each year. They need our help. Cut brush, paint gates, pick up trash, pull invasive weeds or cut trees or limbs. WWA has a number of Adopt-a-Wildlife areas that need more volunteer help; if you’re interested fill out our online volunteer form here.
- Include waterfowl and habitat as your legacy. You can leave a legacy through planned giving to your conservation organization. WWA has developed helpful information to guide you in designating a beneficiary in your will or as a planned gift. What a great gift to leave behind to continue your conservation ethic for your kids and grandchildren. There is more information to help you with your planning here.
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Duck ID signage placed on the Lake Mills/Zeloski Marsh Wildlife Area by WWA volunteers
Fine tune your duck identification. We are told that on average in Wisconsin a waterfowler hunts three to five days per year and harvests less than five ducks each year. Not many ducks held in the hunter’s hand, let alone by watching in the field. Spend some time in the marsh with binoculars in the off season to better identify duck species by color, shape, flight patterns and gender. Although it is scientifically known that hunting does NOT substantially impact waterfowl numbers – we do know the limiting factors are habitat, water and weather – the old adage is still true, dead hens don’t lay eggs.
- Get out and hunt! Legislation was passed back in 1937 called the Pittman-Robertson Act. It was named after two cooperating legislators, Key Pittman and Absalon Robertson. The legislation created a fund paid from an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammo purchases. This funding is earmarked for wildlife conservation and education purposes. WWA can receive funding from this account for its mission in habitat and education. This of course does not include funding from purchases of licenses, stamps and other fees, all earmarked to support conservation practices.
Well, clearly there is plenty to do before the first season arrives in September. With your help, conservation will continue to thrive and great work will be done… because you are a conservationist!