By Andy Kay
I have a grandson now, a fine young fellow from DeFuniak Springs, where he lives with parents Keaton and Kim MacDonald. Keaton’s family has been there since before the Civil War, but young Kelton has something special going for him.
You see, he is the newest of a special breed, a Legacy Greenwing member of Ducks Unlimited. Legacy Greenwings are an idea DU came up with a few years ago to encourage parents to enroll their youngsters. For a one-time fee of $250.00, a child becomes a member of DU until age 22, both a savings for parents and a way for the world’s best conservation organization to save the cost of renewal notices and lost members.
Well, you say, what can you expect from a Grandfather who has spent most of his adult life as a DU volunteer? Can’t argue with you there, but I need to get something off my chest: If you think you’re a duck hunter and don’t belong to DU, you’re a phony. I don’t care how good a shot you are, how well you set a spread of dekes or train a dog. If you leave DU out, you are cheating both yourself and the ducks.
Since 1937, DU has been an organization of hunters, for hunters and about hunters. Its goals have been that of hunters and all who enjoy our natural world and the endless fascination of the lives of ducks and geese. From its beginnings to the tremendous wetland authority it is today, DU has never wavered from its primary function, the continued support of wetland habitat for waterfowl. That function is supported by its million members who contribute time and money to see that DU has the tools to not only continue to meet its goals, but to exceed and expand them.
If you shoot at ducks and don’t join DU, you’re not holding up your end. I know that some license and stamp money goes to wetland conservation, but it’s not enough, and raising money is not the only solution; we need direction for the people and agencies spending that money. Today DU works with state, Federal and provincial governments in Mexico, Canada and the US to provide a united and informed voice for the well-being of the ducks and geese of North America, and the benefit of those who pursue these magnificent birds.
My term as State Chairman for Florida Ducks Unlimited is ending. My successor, Gus King of Bartow, is all set to take the reins and lead the state organization on to bigger and better things. We have cooperative projects around the State that offer shelter and food to waterfowl and in some cases, hunting opportunities to waterfowlers and others.
The more members there are from Florida, the more money there is to develop projects like the T. M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management area. Increased DU membership means increased hunting opportunities and more birds. Whether you are a Legacy Greenwing like Kelton, an annual member or a Life sponsor like me, you are a valuable part of wetland conservation as a DU member. Your dollars go into wetland habitat at the rate of 80 cents for every dollar collected, an enviable amount compared to other organizations.
Because of the migratory habits of waterfowl, those habitat dollars mean more birds for you, whether they are spent in the Saint Marks Refuge or the Maritimes in Canada. More DU members mean more ducks, its that simple.
Joining is easy. On the internet, go to www.ducks.org and follow the directions. No computer, no problem. Mail a check for $25.00 to DU, 1 Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120. If you want to have even more fun, make plans to attend a DU event near you. There is a list of upcoming events in this issue. While there you will be fed, entertained and offered the chance to win prizes, bid on auction items and meet with other hunters and those concerned about the future of waterfowl.
Virtually everyone I hunt ducks with today is a result of meeting at a DU function, and I hate to think of all the ideas and skills I’ve stolen from them over the years. You’re new hunting partner is waiting to meet you, all you have to do is show up.
If you live anywhere near the Vero Beach area, why not come to the DU dinner to be held April 3rd at the Polish American Club in Wabasso? Dave Nolte the Area Chair will be glad to welcome you and provide great evenings entertainment. If you need a ticket, just give me a call at 772 571-1064 or email me at captainquack@outdrs.net. I’ll see you get one.
I hope that you will join your fellow hunters in supporting DU no matter how you join. For the cost of two boxes of steel shot, you’ll get a great magazine, new friends and the knowledge that your money is going for a great cause. My son-in-law, Keaton, is very skillful deer hunter and this year he was able to start practicing his waterfowling skills with me. He’s a good shot and a great hunting companion, who also provided a few laughs when he discovered the boat was a little shorter than he thought and wound up taking a bath in 5 feet of January-cold water. His son, Kelton, will be a great duck hunter, if I have anything to say about it, and with the help of DU and its members, the birds will be there for him. Why not help insure the future of our sport and join Ducks Unlimited? Do it today, for your grandson and for yourself.
Andy Kay is the former Florida State Chairman for Ducks Unlimited. |
