Wisconsin Waterfowl Association
Dedicated to the Conservation of Wisconsin's Waterfowl and Wetland Resources.
Facebook    Twitter    LinkedIn    Pinterest
Thank You To WWA's

2016 Sponsors & Donors

Gold Level Sponsors

Silver Level Sponsors

Bronze Level Sponsors

State Level Sponsors

State Level Donors
LIFE SPONSORS
  • Dale Arenz
  • Ted Olson
  • Jack Olson
WETLAND LIFE MEMBERS
  • Tom Lutes
  • Patrick Smith
  • Erich Pitz
LIFE MEMBERS
  • Randy Hess
  • 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 Helbach
  • Don Kirby
  • Robert Swanson
  • Michael Alaimo

CANINE LIFE MEMBERS

  • Creed Ferch
  • Gunner Seibert
  • Zoe Regan
  • Reggie Rechek
  • Sophie Vanden Boogart
  • Moose Vanden Boogart
  • Max White
  • Eve Monette
LEGACY LIFE MEMBERS
Gone but not forgotten
  • Les Didier
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. Norman J. Brady

Donor: Dale W. Arenz



Mr. Robert E. Strous

Donor: Bruce Urben



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 
 
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. 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
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
AUGUST 2016

Join Us August 30th for a Night of Winning

Don Kirby, Executive Director, 262.224.4949  


That was a hot one! Yesterday, your WWA staff and a number of key volunteers worked together to host the 2nd annual Madison Area Golf Outing, with afternoon temps in the upper 80's, and enough humidity to really keep things sweaty. A special thanks to everyone who helped out, to our terrific sponsor group, including Don Miller Subaru, our Hole in One host, and to all the great members of the foursomes - many of whom I've seen at our other events this year. For 2017, this outing will move forward in the calendar, to June 20th, which will give us a once-a-month opportunity to golf with WWA, in May, June, and July. More on that, to come. I'd also like to thank everyone who assisted with last week's Fox Valley Scramble, presented by Financial Consulting Services, for another great event - our sixth year, in the books. These events have grown over the years, from a small way for staff to "give back" during the slower summer months, into their own set of traditions for many - and it's really fun to see the fellowship of WWA supporters coming together for a few hours, to enjoy our great outdoors.



This August has a little less urgency than previous years, as all of the hub-bub of the hunting season-setting process is already completed, as we've covered in-depth, earlier in the year. This is certainly welcome to us, as your support staff, as this month is one of our busiest already, with plenty of volunteer-lead outreach activities going on, all over the place! September 1st will be here, before we know it!



Speaking of future plans, my family and I will be heading out to visit my in-laws in Canton, Ohio, this evening. It is a conveniently timed trip, planned to coincide with Mr. Favre's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Interestingly, I know that our own board of directors will be having their first discussions of a potential WWA "hall of fame" - recognizing some of the great contributors to our association's success over the past thirty-plus years. An interesting concept to be sure. We'll keep you posted on their deliberations on this idea, and what might come of it...



Remember to mark your calendars for Tuesday night, August 30th. We're moving the "Ducks Before Bucks" night of winning from its inaugural appearance last year in November, to just before the start of hunting seasons. We'll keep it "quick & dirty", you'll be in and out in less than 2 hours, with some really great stuff being drawn, after the last few tickets are sold, plus a few stand-alone games and raffles, all hosted in the indoor/outdoor comfort of MidPoint Eatery & Sports Pub in Johnson Creek. It's there that we'll draw the Grand Prize Cannon Widebody gun vault - the attendance-based prize for our 6 event sporting clays shoot series, that wraps up on the 20th. You won't want to miss it!



We've got lots more in this update, and so I'll let you read on to the words of others. It won't be long before the first crisp night, make this preparation, or joining in one of our upcoming membership events part of your tradition, and the seasons will be here before you know it!
 
See you on the water...Don

Project Program Updates

Peter Ziegler
Peter Ziegler, Project Director, 262.470.4310


WWA will begin its project construction season this week. July, while it may seem late, is about the normal timing for when we start our project construction. If we are not waiting for winter, we are targeting the driest period of the summer. I think that's obvious when you realize you're dealing with 80,000 lbs equipment on wet soils!



We will begin later in the week on a project located near New London. This project will restore hydrology (water) to about a 12 acre wetland basin which is drained by a man made cut in a natural topography. This
2015 Summer Construction
area should support excellent habitat for a lot of waterbirds and wildlife in general. It is near to other quality wetland habitat and with the additional wetland acreage will make the general area far more attractive to wetland dependent species.



Stay tuned as we will keep more regular updates of project progression and construction on our facebook page as we go through what I call the construction season.
2016 State Stamp Competition Winners

By Bruce Urben, President



The State stamp judging competition was held on Thursday, July 28th at the WDNR office in Madison, WI. This year, 29 artists from around the state submitted artwork to be considered for the 2017 waterfowl, turkey and pheasant stamps. Sales of these stamps bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for habitat management and restoration projects, education, research, equipment purchases and administration of species management programs in the State.



This year the judging panel for the competition included Tim Eisele (state outdoor writer and conservationist), Doug Fendry (Wisconsin field rep for Pheasants Forever), and myself (pictured above with this year's winners). The State stamp judging is fashioned after the Federal stamp competition. The Stamp program has deep roots in Wisconsin as the Waterfowl stamp has been around since 1978 while the turkey (1991) and pheasant (1996) are relative newcomers!



The contest was very competitive with excellent submissions but the judges were able to come up with Three blue ribbon winners in each category:
  • Waterfowl - A pair of canvasback ducks in flight by Sara Stack of Marengo, WI
  • Wild Turkey - A group of turkeys in a coulee by Caleb Metrich of Lake Tomahawk, WI
  • Pheasant - A rooster in grass by Craig Bairbert of Tony, WI


 
Congratulations to our first place winners this year which will have their artwork displayed on the 2017 stamps as well as to the runners up in each category:
  • Waterfowl, 2nd-Keith Raddatz (Watertown, WI), 3rd Peter McCoy (Friendship, WI)
  • Wild Turkey, 2nd-John Nemec Jr. (Peshtigo, WI), 3rd Craig Fairbert (Tony, WI)
  • Pheasant, 2nd-Brian Kuether (Greenfield, WI), 3rd (tie) Caleb Metrich (Lake Tomahawk, WI), Todd Haefner (Janesville, WI) 
The winning artwork will be displayed at the State Fair beginning August 4th through August 14th in West Allis, WI.



If you are a State artist and would like more information about submitting artwork for the State contests contact Krista Pham at WDNR at 608-261-8458.
Tom's Event Corner

Tom Seibert, Regional Director, 414.750.8260
I want to thank all of the sporting clay shooters who have made this year's Shooting Series a huge success so far. The turnout has been much greater
My dog, Gunner, showing off his new WWA Canine Life Member collar!
than expected. Thank you! I have bucket prizes for some of you from the previous shoots that you can pick up at our last shoot of the year,our State Shoot at Wern Valley. Please plan to pick your prize up at the State Shoot on August 20th as my schedule gets extremely busy for the next several months afterwards and then my vacation hunting season starts, so see you at the WWA State Shoot and remember to bring those duck hunting pumps and autos because we shoot triples.



Remember to stop by at the Cabela's Waterfowl Weekend at Richfield for the WWA State Duck & Goose Calling Contest on the 13th. You can compete yourself or pick up some tips on becoming a better caller from the pro's. There are also some great deals in the store so make your plans now and if it takes all day, no worries, WWA is selling brats for lunch with the proceeds going for wetland restorations here in the State.
 
With hunting season fast approaching, now is the time to get your 4-legged hunting buddy in shape. We now have the Eukanuba brand dog food from Mars Pet Foods at our events. This is the top of the line food for hard working and hunting dogs. We also have the Sport Dog Training E-collars again this year. We now are offering Canine Life Memberships for your hunting companion for just $50. Your dog will receive a Drake brand, WWA embroidered camo dog collar and recognition on our website. These memberships are going like shells on opening day, so get your dog's membership now. We have the collars in stock but we'll need to order soon and there might be a delay so order now.
 
We have a Browning Cynergy Raffle going right now that will be drawn the end of the month at our Ducks Before Bucks event. Our Sporting Clay shooters have had a chance to get these tickets as we have had them at the shoots and golf outings. Tickets are $10 each and only 400 will be sold and we only have a couple of dozen left so we are now offering them to our entire membership. This awesome several thousand dollar prize won't last long so give me call and I will get a ticket out to you.
 
Again, thanks for all you do for the Waterfowl of Wisconsin.
Make Your Dog a WWA Life Member

And be entered to win a SportDOG Brand eCollar Set!



Hopefully by now most of you have had the chance to check out our new and improved Life Membership categories, but this month we'd like to highlight the unique opportunity to get that special canine in your life some sweet WWA swag while also gifting yourself with an entry into a drawing for a SportDOG Brand eCollar set. 



For just $50 (tax deductible donation) your dog will become a WWA Life member and receive a Drake brand, embroidered dog collar as modeled here by our first canine life member, Creed Ferch. Your dog's name will be added to our Life Member listings online and in the Life Membership listing in all of our eNewsletters. Additionally, if you purchase a canine life membership anytime in the month of A ugust you will be entered into our drawing for a SportDOG Brand eCollar set.   So, what are you waiting for?  Sign up that special dog in your life today!

Sponsor Spotlight - Cabela's

Cabela's
August seems an appropriate month to recognize all of the contributions of our long-time sponsor partners at Cabela's - with our WI State Duck & Goose Championships hosted at the Richfield site again in just 10 days, we'll enjoy their incredible hospitality as we determine the "who's who" of waterfowl calling, and who will represent the state at nationals in Stuttgart in November. The intrepid staff there not only provide a great venue, but support us with raffle items, the opportunity to earn more $$ with an awesome food booth, and pretty much treat us like family, every time we're there.



Although that is pretty terrific, any of you that attend any of our outreach events know that we also have an incredible package of Cabela's products at nearly all of our fundraising events as well. This year's furniture & grilling package continues to draw rave responses, but from those who hope to win, and those who we help to load their prize into vehicles!

 

Thanks to Cabela's, and the teams at their four stores in Wisconsin (Prairie du Chien, Sun Prairie, Green Bay, and Richfield), for all of the assistance you provide to WWA over the year, and helping make our events so appealing for our members and friends. Want to learn more about Cabela's? Just click on the logo link in the margin of this newsletter - it will take you directly to their website, and much, much more!
AUGUST 2016

SEPTEMBER 2016



WWA'S 2016 CALENDAR RAFFLE



Thank you to everyone who purchased our 2016 Conservation Calendar! This raffle was again an immensely successful fundraiser for our organization's mission.  



NEW for 2016: Drawings will be held on the SECOND MONDAY of each 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. 


Winner's results are posted online by noon on the Tuesday following the drawing and can also be obtained by request via email or by calling (262) 968-1722 or writing to PO Box 427, Wales, WI 53183. 
  
Good luck to all who are entered! 
WaukeshaShoot
State Shoot at Wern Valley is #6, the final Shoot in the 2016 Shoot Series!

Register - Shoot - Win!  6 Unique Events at Awesome Venues to Choose From!



Shoot #6, our 17th Annual State Shoot at Wern Valley Sportsman's Club is just around the corner, taking place Saturday August 20th, and we have a special "Duck Hunt" sporting clays shoot lined up for our last shoot of the series, as well as some pretty amazing raffles and prizes you won't want to miss!



For just $50 ($25 youth 17 & under), you get (50) rounds of the Sporting Clays Course especially designed for duck hunters and duck hunting situations, a special "Shooter's Raffle" (a ticket for each target you break), entry into the Grand Door Prize drawing AND some great prizes in Adult, Youth AND Lewis Class, including CASH, shells and hunts! Plus, if you've shot at one of our other shoots in the series, you'll receive $5 off your pre-registration entry fee.   Check out some of the awesome prizes you could win:

Items from the Brewers and Packers 

  • SportDOG training collar set
  • "SUPER 7" Major Prize Page Raffles - you could win:
    • A Shopko/StackON metal gun/storage & safe set plus $100 Sherpers gift card valued at $450
    • A Cabela's 2016 outdoor furniture & stainless steel grill and tool set valued at $350
    • A "Mini-Milwaukee" 12v tool set valued at $200
    • A guided bow-fishing trip for (4) with Marxman Outdoors valued at $400
    • A Parker Bushwacker scoped crossbow & soft case valued at $475
    • A Porter's Redhead Handcarved Decoy plus 2 gift certificates & 2 camo bottle openers valued at $175
    •  Another "Mini-Milwaukee" 12v tool set valued at $200
  • Mars/Eukanuba dog food package
  • WWA clothing
  • Parallel 44 Wine & Tour certificate
  • vonStiehl Wine & Tour certificate
  • Kent Fasteel ammo
  • WWA banquet tickets!
  • Final Approach "UP and Attem" layout blind power back rest
  • And LOTS more!!
2016 Shoot Series Grand Prize (guns,etc not included)
As with all Shoots in the Series, you'll also get your 1-year WWA membership, AND an entry to win the GRAND PRIZE for 2016 - an incredible CANNON wide-body firearms vault (pictured at right)! 



Check out all the details on the Series, here , and don't forget, we'll be drawing the grand prize at our Ducks Before Bucks event taking place August 30th at MidPoint Eatery in Johnson Creek.  Entry is just $25 ($20 if you've shot with WWA this year, the $5 shooters coupon applies here, too!) and gets you entry to the event along with raffles, games, drinks, snacks, cigar samples on the outdoor patio and Bird Dog whisky samples.

Calling Them In: Recruit a Volunteer, Win BIG!

RecruitTwo Beretta A300 Outlander 12 g. shotguns will be given away, at the 2017 meeting next January, to help our chapters build better teams.


Do you know of someone who might like to help WWA and our great state of Wisconsin by becoming a member of one of WWA's volunteer committees?  Well, have we got a deal for you! Starting in 2016 WWA will be running a promotional volunteer recruitment program and we'll be giving away TWO Beretta A300 Outlander 12ga shotguns:  
  • One Beretta will be given to an existing volunteer who recruits a new volunteer. (Recruiters gun)
  • One Beretta will be given to a newly recruited volunteer. (Recruit gun)
For each new volunteer, the recruiter and the new recruit will each receive a chance towards a gun.


There is no limit as to how many people you can recruit!  Click here to learn how you can win this gun.

DNR Working to Identify Locations, Plan Treatment for an Invasive Wetland Plant
From the DNR Weekly News, July 26, 2016



A summer photograph of tall mannagrass (Glyceria maxima) in front of cattails. Note the widely spread seed head and light green color. Credit: DNR
MADISON, Wis. - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is launching a project to eliminate localized populations of an aquatic invasive species commonly known as tall mannagrass and is seeking help from property owners to map the invader's whereabouts.


The reed, formally known as Glyceria maxima, is constrained to very wet conditions and tends to be found in marshes, streams and drainage ditches, said Jason Granberg, DNR water resources management specialist. Elsewhere, the plant has posed a threat to dairy and beef cattle because consumption of its young shoots may sicken or kill animals. It also makes water stagnant and unpalatable for animals to drink.  Read On...



Draft Master Plan for Horicon-Shaw Planning Group Available for Public Input
HORICON, Wis. - The Horicon-Shaw Planning Group draft master plan is available for public review and comment through Friday, August 19.



The Horicon-Shaw Planning Group, located in Dodge County, includes Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area, Shaw Marsh Wildlife Area, Sinnissippi Extensive Wildlife Habitat, and the Horicon Rough Fish Station. Primary objectives of the draft plan include maintenance of open wetland habitats, such as emergent marsh for a wide variety of wildlife.



While public comments may be submitted through Aug. 19, a public meeting Aug. 3 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center will provide an additional opportunity to submit feedback. The Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center is located at N7725 Highway 28, Horicon - the meeting agenda is as follows:

  • 5:30-6:15 p.m. - open house with informational displays available and staff present for questions and discussion;
  • 6:15-6:30 p.m. - formal presentation providing an overview of the draft plan;
  • 6:30-6:45 p.m. - formal question-and-answer period; and
  • 6:45-7:30 p.m. - additional open house and one-on-one questions and discussion.
The draft master plan and environmental analysis, maps, and other background information will be available at the public meeting. These materials can also be found online and at the Horicon DNR Service Center and public libraries in Beaver Dam, Horicon, Hustisford, Mayville, and Waupun.



Public comments may submitted at the Aug. 3 public meeting, on the Department of Natural Resources website or sent to the following department staff via mail, telephone or email:
Horicon Marsh Outdoor Skills Day Aug. 6

9:30am - 12:30pm



Archery, birding, cooking, hunting and fishing are amont the fun things to be taught by the DNR staff and expert volunteers during this free and family-friendly August Horicon Marsh Outdoors Skills Day. No registrations is required and the event is perfect for all ages.   Get all the details here.



7 Ways for Improving Your Shooting

From Wildfowl Magazine



In the glory days of waterfowling, sportsmen developed shooting skills in the field by firing at wild birds. These days, the amount of time a typical duck or goose hunter can spend in the field doesn't come close to providing the practice necessary for refining the art of hitting webbed feet on the wing.



In the same manner that a duck dog can't learn the art of fetching on wild birds, avid waterfowl hunters have to find other, more creative ways to practice the demanding types of shooting challenges we face.


Clay Target Practice

Clay target games such as skeet, trap and sporting clays are wonderful ways to become more familiar with the fundamentals of shooting a shotgun. The problem with these clay target games is the flight of the bird is all too predictable, making it a far cry from the shooting situations hunters face in the field.  Read on...

 Home  /     About  /   Contact


Wisconsin Waterfowl Association | PO Box 427 | Wales | WI | 53183