By Bruce Ross, Executive Director bross@wisducks.org
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s February, 2025 Newsletter edition.
WWA’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year Dave Elwing
Dave Elwing from Adell, WI, was unanimously selected by WWA staff as our Volunteer of the Year. Dave epitomizes the concept of “Leadership from the front” which is entirely consistent with his career as a Marine Corps officer.
Dave joined WWA after retiring from his service career and returning to his home state of Wisconsin with his wife, Kathy. Being an avid duck hunter and prior Ducks Unlimited volunteer, he saw an opportunity to make a local difference with WWA and joined the board five years ago, where he was quickly elected Board Secretary, producing the quickest and most complete minutes you’ll find.
Elwing helps at the Midland Wings Chapter’s Inaugural Learn to Hunt
But that’s just the appetizer of what he brings to the WWA table. Dave makes a point of helping local chapters, and when one of those chapters needed even more help, he volunteered to lead the chapter while maintaining his directorship role. As a result, the chapter has produced superb fundraising and on-the-ground habitat results. The chapter stood up its first learn-to hunt this year as well! He tells me his heart has always been at the chapter level.
Dave leads a team of Wood Duckers
Dave’s woodworking talent, and none-too-shy attitude helped construct and gain lumber donations for a disabled accessible hunting blind — with a 100-foot boardwalk! He was one of WWA’s first recurring donors, routinely jumps into a recurring volunteer role staffing WWA’s EXPO booth and led an outreach effort to Eau Claire’s sport show. When WWA was in transition between wood duck box organizers, he coordinated volunteer box production at his home workshop, producing 100 boxes to fill the temporary gap.
WWA is incredibly fortunate to have Dave as a strong, energetic and talented leader!
In recognition of this honor, Dave will receive a custom made Hooded Merganser decoy and plaque, made by nationally renowned carver Bruce Urben!
Elwing’s hand-carved Volunteer of the Year award