By Todd Schaller, WWA Vice President & Education Committee Chair

This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s August, 2023 Newsletter edition.

Over the past few months we have talked about the various stages of a hunter (What’s Your Story and The Evolution of Duck Hunters) – Shooter, Limiting Out, Trophy, Method and Sportsperson.  What those articles didn’t address, however, was how does the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association connect with hunters that fall within each of the five stages.

In looking at the various stages, some elements are similar – such as a passion for waterfowl, hunting and the desire to improve skills or challenge themselves.  The element that may differ among these hunters is the motivation within waterfowl hunting.  Early stage hunters are motivated more within the individual outing (shooting, harvest).  The later stages seem to find motivation beyond the outing and it becomes more about the experience (conservation work in action, friends/family).

Looking at the stages from this angle, the majority of WWA’s programs have a connection to every stage of hunting.  Depending on the program, the connection maybe stronger with a particular stage, however there is a connection nonetheless.

For example, there is WWA’s learn to hunt program (Waterfowlers Academy).  This program connects with the student participants in providing the opportunity to experience waterfowl hunting.  It has an equal connection with the mentor, who views it as an opportunity to give back to waterfowl hunting.

WWA’s Wood Duck box program has a slightly different connection.  The later stage hunter places nesting structures, viewing this as an opportunity to give back to conservation by improving nesting success.  The early stage hunter maybe less interested in being involved with placing Wood Duck boxes, however their benefit is opportunity from the success of the nesting structures.

Listing a few of the many WWA programs lets you think through what hunter stage benefits from each program: Adopt a Wildlife Area, wild rice, Abrams property, Black Tern nesting, acres of habitat restoration (public and private), participation on WDNR Migratory Committee, advocating for State Waterfowl Stamp increase, efforts to create a Sandhill Crane hunting season, school education programs, Wood Duck curriculum, Waterfowl Hunters Expo, Chapter events (golf outings, shoots, banquets).

Then there is our newsletter and social media outreach education, including our Words from the Wardens column, wild game recipes, regulation updates, Sandhill Crane biology articles, program updates, volunteer opportunities, decoy carving, historical articles, hunting tips and more.

The continued focus on our three identified mission goals of habitat restoration, education and advocacy allows WWA to be relevant for all five stages of hunters. These goals also allow WWA to be relevant to non-hunters, conservationists and others with an interest in natural resources.

I’ll admit my bias, however it seems WWA is the “Complete Package”.

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Author’s note: for reference, the five phases consist of:

• Shooter Phase – focused on pulling the trigger and the excitement of shooting.
• Limiting Out Phase – driven by the desire to harvest a limit and posting “pile pics”.
• Trophy Phase – focused on the trophy aspect, like a new species or a lanyard full of bands.
• Method Phase – how they hunt, gear or equipment is the highlight of their experience. Can include shifting to a more challenging hunting style –  motorboat to kayak or changing gauge of shotgun.
• Sportsperson Phase – focused on enjoying the overall experience (friends, natural world) and looking to give back to conservation.