By Bruce Ross, Executive Director
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s August Volunteer Newsletter edition.
Even with 6 months under my belt I’m still amazed at the things I learn each day about what WWA is into… and of course, it is being done by volunteers!
Look right, look left, and marvel at the work WWA volunteers are doing just in the past (or next) 30 days:
- Coordinating the state’s Waterfowl calling contest (this weekend!), a feeder to the Stuttgart World’s Championship competition (thanks Rob+team).
2017 Youth Duck & Goose Calling Contest winners
- Purple loosestrife beetle “cultivation” and deployment (thanks Mike+team).
- Assisting with duck banding throughout the state (thanks , well, to many…!).
- Coordinating with like-minded organizations such as WI Wildlife Association and Sportsmen for Wetlands Coalition to promote shared interests. (Thanks Urbs!).
- Considering, and developing WIWaterfowler surveys to help shape next year’s season. (Thanks Randy, Urbs+team).
- Coordinating the funding and building of hundreds of wood duck boxes. (Thanks Erich!).
- Putting on enjoyable banquets & golf outings (Thanks Richie, Kevin, etc+teams).
- Hosting the state’s only IWCA-sanctioned decoy carving contest (Thanks Urbs, Diane+team).
Judging taking place inside the 3rd Annual Decoy Carving Contest
- Putting on sporting clay shoots throughout the state (Thanks Ian, Urbs, Jim/Mike+teams).
- Cultivating supportive corporate sponsors (Thanks Marty, Joe, Jim & many others+team).
- Developing, placing, monitoring and, finally, retrieving nesting platforms for the endangered Black Tern. (Thanks Mike+team).
- Expanding WWA educational offerings, including Learn-to-Hunts for waterfowling newbies (Thanks Ian, Urbs+team).
- Reviewing and providing important feedback to DNR strategies, policies and plans so they represent our member’s viewpoints. (Thanks Randy+team).
- Developing ways to expand WWA’s habitat impact (Thanks Mike, Jim).
- Exploring new ways to engage social media followers (Thanks, I think, Ian+team—I mean, did you see the video—if so, you know why I’m not positive a thanks is warranted).
- And more, I’m sure, that I failed to list. Really. But thanks!
Now I’d ask you to look right, look left again. Any of your friends want to join the fun or have an impact? Ask them. In addition to the activities above, there’s a slew of unconventional volunteer opportunities. Think we’re missing something you want to do? Let me know!