Wisconsin Waterfowl Association eNews - October 2015

Perseverance. Google's on-line definition seemed to fit for today's purpose: steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. I learned a lesson in this attribute, this past weekend, during our northern opener, near Hayward, with my kids, my dad, and my long-time friend, Jay.

Jay and I have hunted together, nearly every year since we graduated from college, back in '91, sometimes a lot, like when we shared a blind rental on Lake Sinissippi as co-workers, and, more lately, just a little - as one of us would travel from one side of the state to the other, to rejoin the gathering.

The past couple of years, Jay has been challenged. He survived two heart attacks after we hunted the north opener in 2012, a career change, and then open-heart surgery in June of this year. We made the plan for me to travel west this year, to be sure he could get out at least once, as he continues to heal. Sunday, tucked into the shadow of a cut bank on a tiny point on a small island, he and my son dropped the first two geese to come into our spread. When I went out with the dogs, and lifted Jay's jumbo-sized bird, it was sporting a band. His first. In 40 years of hunting. It was a good day.

We all face challenges in our lives. We all have dreams that are yet unfulfilled. We will only overcome them, if we continue to get up, get ready, and give it our best shot.

This past month was very busy for your Association, here's some high-lights:

Our West Allis & South Shore/Racine teams hosted two terrific outreach events during the month. We owe these teams a hearty thank you for their hard work in making these great events come to life.
On the 10th, I joined the other members of the DNR ad-hoc committee to begin discussions of what, if any, changes might be made to the current set of three waterfowl hunting zones in Wisconsin, for the 2017-2020 seasons. Due to changes by the USFWS, in how seasons are set, this change, which normally would have happened in 2016, will be delayed one year, and then we'll ride those changes (if any), for four years, instead of the normal five year cycle. We'll keep you posted as this process moves along.
Regional Director, Tom Seibert, and Board Director, Al Klug, joined me at the 2nd annual Fall meeting of the Hunting Works for Wisconsin coalition, on the 21st. We enjoyed some good networking time, following the presentations, and I discovered on the sporting clays range, that the long hot summer without shooting hadn't totally diminished my skills!
We submitted another grant application to the Cellcom Green Gifts program, in hopes of continuing our expansion of disabled accessible hunting blinds at the Abrams long-term project.
I joined in with about a dozen other partners on a conference call to discuss potential solutions to the de-watering of Upper Nine Mile Flowage, in Vilas County. The beaver dam which held water levels on this impoundment blew out in the spring of 2014. This was a "top ten" wild rice harvesting lake, as well as an important food resource for migrating waterfowl. Although solutions are difficult, due to ownership issues, we remain hopeful that a plan can be devised to return this area to its previous condition. Similarly, our board of directors has discussed, in August and September meetings, the issue of the Totagatic Flowage, in NW Wisconsin, which faces de-watering, by the DNR, due to its dam being in poor condition. For more information about this issue, see the September 4th and October 2nd editions of the Wisconsin Outdoor News.
Peter had a strong month, too, completing a number of projects, despite spending part of the month out west, chasing elk! See his article, below.
Bruce and I will head out again, tomorrow, and to work with another dozen volunteers and DNR staffers, to create different training scenarios to engage the new class of warden recruits, at "Duck School", in Stoddard, near LaCrosse.
Monday, Kelcy and I meet up with the team from the Orion Group, the vendor partner chosen by our board, to begin the process of completely replacing our website - wisducks.org! We've been running with the current set-up, courtesy of former president Tom Lutes, since mid-2009, so this revamp is well overdue, and we're very excited to finally be in a position to see this project to fruition!

Thanks for being a part of our Association. If your membership has lapsed, consider taking a moment now to renew it. With year-end approaching, if your situation allows, consider making a contribution to our new endowment fund, or to our regular operating funds. Each person matters, every contribution helps us continue our works, all around the state. Thanks for your time, attention, participation AND perseverance, toward helping WWA meet our goals.

See you on the water,

Don Kirby - WWA Executive Director; dpkwwa@gmail.com

Abrams Property Update

Well, sometimes getting ready for the season takes a different turn. Its not all just working the dog, checking your waders for leaks, and practicing with your calls during your commute. Sometimes, it means getting on the mower!

In late August, when a group of us joined together to prep the waterfowl blinds at our Abrams Property for the coming hunt, we were surprised to find how much overgrowth there was on the trail from the north parking area. For an able-bodied person, it wasn't an issue, but we were concerned it might hamper those in wheelchairs, etc. After being unable to secure assistance from several inquiries to vendors, Bruce Urben and I loaded up his John Deere, and did the work ourselves!

WWA President Bruce Urben Mowing Abrams

Now, the trails are opened up, the food plots got a high-trim to help return the seed heads into the clover, and the two deer hunting blinds are as ready as the waterfowl blinds, to be used by folks for the coming seasons.

We remain hopeful to be able to expand the disabled-

accessible deer hunting blind offerings, in the future off a trail from the southern parking area (off Oak Orchard Road), as we await word on grant applications to the Lumberjack RC&D and through Cellcom's Green Gifts Grant program.

We'll keep you posted on those opportunities. Meanwhile, if you know someone who is differently-abled, please be sure they are aware of the opportunities for accessibility at our Abrams long-term project!

Project Program Update

August and September proved to be as busy as I had thought they might be. I was all over the state, from Stevens Point to Green Bay to Milwaukee, constructing projects. If my office is any indication of how much work got done in the field, WWA was pretty successful. There is no open space on the desk, and piles of project files, permits and other random paperwork are scattered about on the floor. I have been warned it needs cleaning and organizing. However, it does not look like I'll get it cleaned before the southern opener as I'm looking at a few new projects in the center part of the state during this last week of September/beginning of October, and we all know opening day take precedent over everything else.

I could not tell you the amount of acres we have completed at this point, that will take some time to summarize, but we did do six projects in 7 weeks and we still have a four more to complete in the coming month.

We had great conditions this year with a dry summer allowing a lot of construction to occur, and then, post-construction, we had some good rains which left many of these wetlands full of water for the first time since they were impacted 100 years ago. I have been getting many reports that the ducks have responded, utilizing these new wetlands.

It's always great to be able to get this kind of positive feedback and to know that you have restored another wetland that will help continue the waterfowling traditions and, come spring, will continue to support the breeding population within Wisconsin.

Peter Ziegler, Project Director - wwawetlands@gmail.com

Calendars Are Here & In Businesses Near You!

Just like the past couple months, we want to feature some of the businesses that are offering 2016 Conservation Calendar raffles, and are ready to make your sale. These are places our local chapters partner with; small businesses in their communities - who are able to place our Calendars out on their register counters and offer them to the patrons who visit their shops. Make sure you take a moment to get your supply, of this year's limited edition:

Dave's A1 Saw, Mower & Rentals - Reedsburg

Check out this spot for all kinds of goodies, as you get ready for fall, and make sure to let him know we sent you there for your Calendar!

Beagle's Bar & Grill - Lyndon Station

Finished hunting the Wisconsin River, and find yourself in Lyndon Station, and looking for a place to catch the game, or just wet your whistle? Stop in here, get a cold one, and a Calendar!

River Road Kennel - Lena

If you're stopping by to have Bob Olson help you with training your hunting companion, or just giving your canine a great spot to stay while you're off on holiday - be sure to ask for a Calendar while you're talking about duck hunting! (920)848-3939

Anjero's Sports Bar & Grill - Mauston

If you're swinging through this town, whether a local or just passing by on 90/94, look for your Calendars here, or the "other place" in town! Neither will do you wrong! 608-847-4000

Dream Lanes - Madison

If you're in Madison, seeking a Calendar, and bowling will fill the bill - then swing by this place - but be sure that WWA Board Member, Chris Ferch is there, to get you your fix!

(608)221-3596

Harm-A-Rita's Pub - Mauston

If you're swinging through this town, whether a local or just passing by on 90/94, look for your Calendars here, or the "other place" in town...! Neither will do you wrong! (608)847-5959

Thanks to all of these local businesses who have chosen to support WWA and our calendar raffle efforts. If you stop in to see them, let them know you saw this note, and tell them "thanks" for helping WWA! We'll feature any additional local businesses we've missed, who're helping WWA sell Calendars, next month!

President's Note

Well, we waited for a year but the Northern Duck opener finally came last weekend. Word I heard while afield is that the early opener was well received, even though the fog and cool morning temps made hunting a challenge. It was great to get back in the marsh, listening to and watching the wildlife wake up with decoys in the water!

Wisconsin Waterfowl Association's events continue this fall with upcoming programs including the Green Bay Chapter's Waterfowl Learn to Hunt program taking place on October 9th - 10th this year. We're very excited that eleven brand new waterfowlers will get a chance to learn a new sport with a personal mentor's assistance. I know the mentors are just as excited as the students. If any of you would like to hold a Waterfowl Learn to Hunt in your area feel free to contact me directly or through our website at www.wisducks.org. We would love to coordinate one in your area.

Clumps of Eurasian Watermilfoil

Invasive species are always an issue in Wisconsin, but recently we have seen invasive plants spread profusely in our waters of the State. WWA is partnering with the UW Extension office and Pulaski High School through one of our Green Bay Chapter volunteers in constructing invasive wash stations. These wash stations will be located at Boat landings at Shawano Lake and Geano Beach on the West Shore of Green Bay. Similar efforts are being coordinated by the WWA's Waukesha Chapter volunteers for cleaning stations at the New Bark River and Vernon Marsh areas.

Invasive plants can "take over" and choke out native species and change the ecology of the watershed substantially. We hope that these pilot cleaning stations will prove successful in controlling spread in these areas. Please help by removing invasive plants, waterbugs and shellfish from your equipment before leaving the boat launch!

Check our website for a fundraising event in your area, without your help, WWA cannot continue its important habitat and education work!

I hope you all have a chance to get out and enjoy the wonderful Wisconsin outdoors this fall. If you do get that chance, remember to take a youth with you as "they are our future"!

Bruce Urben, WWA President

Events Update

Thanks to all of our members who supported us by attending one of our September events. It is because of your support that our chapters, and WWA, can exist. Please, think of volunteering of your time by joining a committee in your area to help our crew of volunteers bring exciting events to your community. Each year at this time I get a big picture of the need for this organization as I walk into the field and see the wildlife that flourishes because of the wild habitat that we protect and restore. If I'm lucky, I even get to harvest a little. Thanks again for all of your support.

I will be doing several weeks of "field research" this month, so if you're trying to reach me via phone or email, please be patient. Hopefully I will be successful so that I can check out which recipe for duck and goose is the biggest hit with my hungry guests. I wish you all luck as well, please have a safe and enjoyable hunt.

Before you hit the marshes and fields, however, remember one of our fine sponsors is Sherpers, Inc. located in

southeast Wisconsin with stores in both Hales Corners and Oconomowoc. This fine, locally owned, sporting goods store has almost everything you may need at the last minute to make your hunting trip a success. I know I'm always running around trying to locate some boot repair item or camping item hours before my planned departure, and I've found I can always count on Sherpers to carry these sometimes hard to find items! Our friends over at Cabela's and Scheels are always reliable for those firearm and ammo needs as well.

Our 2016 Conservation Calendar Raffle sales have been

going great and because we have a very limited amount to sell this year, you'd best grab one now from one of our volunteers. I make no promise that they will be available during the Christmas rush as in year's past. And, don't forget, by reducing the number of calendars we're selling, your odds for winning have gone UP! This year one in eleven of you will be a winner of a gun or other great prize.

Happy Hunting to All.

Tom Seibert - Regional Director - tseibert1@wi.rr.com; 414.750.8260

Upcoming Events

While our fall events have wrapped up for the year, we do still have some great late 2015/early 2016 winter events to mark on your calendars!

December 10, 2015 - Lakeshore Chapter Banquet
January 30, 2016 - Fox River Chapter Banquet
February 22, 2016 - Northern Wetlands Chapter Banquet

As always, please check our Events link on our website for all of our upcoming WWA events.

Sponsor Spotlight - Nutro

It was only about a month ago that I was loading our latest shipment of dog food into Tom's storage unit (we always try to schedule this for the hottest day of any given month!), and it made me reflect again on the power of this continued sponsorship of our Association. Nutro not only provides a significant financial and product contribution to WWA, but their near omni-presence at our outreach events means that our members have the opportunity to talk with animal nutrition experts, while hanging out, talking about the next season, waiting for their ticket number to be called, or waiting for their buddy to return from the bar with the next round!

This year, we featured foods from their MAX line at our events. Here's what they say about it:

MAX� DOG FOOD

Feed your dog naturally. MAX� Dog Food offers great-tasting recipes that use only natural proteins, such as real chicken, lamb or beef. We never use artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, chicken by-product meals or ground corn. And we make every recipe right here in our own U.S. facilities. Finally: an affordable dog food with the natural nutrition your dog deserves.

Whether you choose the Max line up, or perhaps a selection from the Natural Choice line up like I do for our YLM, Jake, you can have the confidence of knowing that you're making a good call for the health of your hunting buddy, or as my wife says, "our campfire dog".

All of us at WWA thank the "Nutro guys" for all their years of support, and attendance at our events. We're proud to partner with this fine company and offer their products to our members. For more information about Nutro animal foods, check out their website at: http://www.nutro.com/

Southern & Mississippi River Duck Zones Open 1/2 Hour Before Sunrise October 3rd.

From WDNR Weekly News:

MADISON -- One-half hour before sunrise on Saturday, Oct. 3, duck hunters in the Southern and Mississippi River Zones will be in the field a bit earlier than usual for another fall duck hunt. New in 2015, opening day shooting hours will now begin one-half hour before sunrise (previously 9 a.m.) -- this change is a result of a shift in public desires.

"With good spring breeding counts and improving water levels, Wisconsin waterfowl hunters could have potential for a good hunting season," said Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources migratory game bird ecologist Kent Van Horn.

The Southern Zone will run from Oct. 3-11, close for a 5-day split, then remain open from Oct. 17 to Dec. 6. The Mississippi Zone will be open Oct. 3-9, close for a 7-day split, and reopen from Oct. 17 to Dec. 8.

Read on...

Family Scores Unprecedented Duck Stamp Contest Trifecta

From The Birding Wire, Wednesday September 23, 2015

As the Kentucky Derby of wildlife and waterfowl art, one might say the Hautman brothers achieved an extraordinary trifecta last week.

The Hautman brothers - a trio of wildlife artists from Minnesota - are no strangers to Duck Stamp Stardom. Before last week, they had won 11 Federal Duck Stamp art contests between them.

They'd probably be favorites of Las Vegas bookmakers - if they accepted wagering on duck stamp art contests in Nevada, that is.

After this year, they might.

The Hautmans - Joseph, Robert and James (in that order) - made Duck Stamp history Sept. 18 & 19 when they swept the top three places of the annual event that decides the coming year's artwork for the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp.

Joseph Hautman - 1st Place

Joseph Hautman of Plymouth, Minn., took top honors with his outstanding acrylic painting of a pair of trumpeter swans. It marked Joseph's fifth Federal Duck Stamp contest win, making him one of only two artists to have his art appear on five duck stamps.

As a result, Joseph's painting will be used on the 2016-2017 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, or Duck Stamp, which will go on sale in late June 2016.

Robert Hautman - 2nd Place

Robert Hautman of Delano, Minn., placed second with his acrylic of a pair of mallards. Robert Hautman has won the Federal Duck Stamp contest twice.

James Hautman - 3rd Place

James Hautman of Chaska, Minn., a four-time winner, placed third with his acrylic painting of a pair of mallards.

Read on...

Ban On Import of Harvested Birds From Canada Lifted

From Kent VanHorn, WDNR Migratory Game Bird Ecologist:

In prior communications from me or others, you may have heard that there was a ban on bringing birds or bird parts from Canada into the United States as a result of Avian Influenza concerns.

This would have prevented US upland and waterfowl bird hunters that travel to Canada this fall from bringing home their harvested game. Those of us in the management of bird hunting have been working with federal agencies to have this restriction removed prior to hunting seasons and our efforts have been successful.

So, in case you have not heard this week, the previously issued USDA restrictions on the import of birds or bird products from Canada over Avian Influenza concerns has been lifted. Bird hunters travelling to Canada and through Ontario will be able to bring home their game as usual.

Please see link below for details and communicate to others as appropriate.

Thanks and good hunting!

Read on...

In This Issue:

Don Kirby's October Update

Abrams Property Update

Project Program Update

Get Your 2016 Calendars Now!

President's Note

Events Update

Upcoming Events

Sponsor Spotlight - Nutro

Southern & Mississippi River Open 1/2 Hour Before Sunrise

Family Scores Unprecedented Duck Stamp Trifecta

Ban On Canadian Imports Lifted

Conservation Calendar Raffle

WWA's Life Members

In Memoriam

Please Support Our Statewide Sponsors & Donors

Gold Level Sponsors

Nutro Natural Pet Foods

Silver Level Sponsors

Gear The Way You'd Design It�

Mathews Solocam -

Catch Us If You Can

Milwaukee Tool

L.W. Meyer, Inc. / Milwaukee Tool

Parker Bows

Vortex Optics -

The Force of Optics

Bronze Level Sponsors

State Level Sponsors

Imagine. Innovate. Integrate.

DyeSport - Clothing & Uniforms

Final Approach Brand

Threads Colors & Creations

Serious Products For People Who Are Serious About the Outdoors

Wisconsin Duck Hunting

Winery

Door County, WI

Vineyard & Winery Green Bay, WI

State Level Donors

Epic Waterfowl - Making Wings Lock by the Flock

von Stiehl Winery - Algoma, WI

Realism That Gets Results

Longleaf Camo -
Only Nature Does It Better

Innovators In Waterfowl Hunting

Wild Wings Collection

The Wisconsin Waterfowl Association is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission focuses on wetland and upland habitat restoration, youth and adult environmental education and environmental- and hunter-based legislation.

To contact us call (800) 524-8460 or (262) 968-1722, email wwainfo@centurytel.net or visit our website at www.wisducks.org

Sincerely,

Don Kirby
Executive Director
Wisconsin Waterfowl Association
PO Box 427
Wales, Wisconsin 53183
wwainfo@centurytel.net
800-524-8460

Conservation Calendar Raffle

Thank you to everyone who purchased our 2015 WWA/ Pheasants Forever Conservation Calendar! This raffle, again, turned into an immensely successful fundraiser for our organization and raised almost $20,000 for our mission of habitat, education and legislation in the state of Wisconsin.

Our ninth 2015 drawing was held on September 15, 2015 at Stadium Bar in Oshkosh, WI and results are now posted online. Results can also be obtained by request via email at wwainfo@centurytel.net or by calling (262) 968-1722 or writing to PO Box 427, Wales, WI 53183.

Congratulations to all who won prizes in last month's drawings and good luck to everyone entered for the remainder of 2015!

Raffle prizes for each month will be drawn on the 15th date of that month and all drawings will be held at Stadium Bar, 301 Knapp Street, Oshkosh, WI 54902 at 6:00 p.m. The drawing is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend and watch the calendar drawings each month.

Thank You WWA Life Members!

Life Sponsor

Dale Arenz
Ted Olson

Wetland Life Member

Tom Lutes
Patrick Smith
Erich Pitz

Life Members

Raymond Petersen
Bruce Urben
Brian Hadler
David R. VanLanen
John Wetzel
Scott Zoellick
Cal Barstow
Terry G. Doughty
Bill Peebles
Jim Weix
Leonard & Arleen Wurman
Jeff Nania
John Holmes
Rob Monette
Guy McFarren
John Regan
Jerry Burns
Jerry Gadamus
Don Moore
Arthur Anderson
Don Kloetzke
Buzz Balzer
David Uihlein, Sr.
Robert Kieckhefer
Mark Drollinger
Jason Alvarado
Scott Hedin
Austin Wheaton
Tom Seibert
Larry Kirby
Sharon Kirby
Keith A. Pamperin
Lance Voeltner
Benjamin Larson
Randy Helback
Don Kirby
Robert Swanson
Michael Alaimo

Legacy Life Members: Gone, but Not Forgotten

Les Didier

For information on how to support WWA's habitat, education and legislative programs by becoming a Life Member please visit our website or email us. All membership contributions to WWA are tax deductible as permitted by law.

In Memoriam

Thanks to all those that have cherished the memory of a loved one by donating in memoriam to the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association.

Those recently memorialized were:

Mr. Stephan Rogge
Donors: Bob & Helen Harold, Law Offices of O'Flaherty Heim Egan & Birnbaum Ltd, La Crosse County Bar Association

Mr. Leroy Depies
Donors: Greg & Kris Rausch, Dave & Jen Bublitz, Dwight & Kim Campnell, Phil & Michelle Neary, Tim & Jodi Wade, Dennis Guttmann, Jim & Liz Freck, Brian & Lisa Hutchinson

Mr. Bob Kuehl
Donors: Walter H. Drew, Mrs. Penny Kuehl, Donald & Ruth Purdy

Mr. John (Jay) DeZutel

Donors: Donna & Gary, Cindy & Marty, The Cedar Creek Chapter of WWA

Mr. Leo M. Guttmann (father of Cedar Creek chapter member Dennis Guttmann)

Donors: Greg & Kris Rausch, Mike & Deb Depies, Rita Rausch, Jim & Liz Freck, Tim & Jodie Wade

Mr. Robert Barth

Donors: The Service & Management Staff of Robinson Heating & Cooling - Scott Tweedale, Ed Desotell, Ben Stein, Dennis Jolly, Kevin Berg, Eric Selissen, Mike Taicher, Steve Watermolen, Brad Davister, Rick Krueger

If you'd like to consider a lasting and meaningful memorial fund contribution for that friend, hunting partner, co-worker or relative with WWA, please contact us at (800) 524-8460 or wwainfo@centurytel.net. Each contribution will offer:

a personalized letter to the family of the deceased,
a letter from WWA sent to the donor confirming contribution for tax purposes (address & individual donation amount must be supplied),
the option for the donor to designate which WWA program they wish their contributions be put towards, and
a listing in this section for the duration of one year.