Insights

By Don Young, Executive Vice President

Opening Day
Habitat conservation is an essential part of the waterfowling tradition

The September/October edition of Ducks Unlimited is, year in and year out, one of DU members' favorites, and for good reason. Its arrival is a harbinger of autumn and the onset of the annual southward migration of ducks and geese. It also reminds us that another year of waterfowl hunting is about to begin. Within a matter of weeks, early teal seasons will be open, followed by opening days starting in Alaska and Canada , and then more openers cascading south to coincide with the restless movements of cross-continent migratory ducks and geese.

Whether duck hunters are rich or poor, live in the North or South, they anticipate and celebrate opening day like no other day of the year. Every duck hunter's heart pounds when the season's first flock of mallards turns to the duck call. We beam with pride when our dogs deliver to hand the first bird of the season. On opening day, we rediscover everything that makes duck hunting special to us. More than any other day of the season, that first morning reattaches meaning to all the work and details of duck hunting. It reminds us why we care so passionately about the birds and their future.

Inside the cover of this magazine, we've created a diversity of stories that will educate and entertain you about this sport and grand tradition that has no parallel in the hunting world. You'll read about the latest and greatest gear, to make your hunt more satisfying. We've also consulted with expert hunters about tips and tactics—some tried-and-true ones and others that reflect the need to adapt to changing hunting conditions. As always, we've assembled some important information on waterfowl behavior and on conservation issues that affect the birds that are the focus of our enthusiasm.

Hold that opening day greenhead in your hands, and in a very personal and powerful way that bird connects you to a northern prairie pothole or remote boreal forest marsh you've never seen. That special connection between duck hunting and conservation is at the core of Ducks Unlimited. Without productive breeding habitat, that connection is lost, and along with it the wonders and traditions of opening day. Preserving that connection was the driving force behind those far-sighted waterfowlers who founded DU, and it remains so today.

The future of the Prairie Pothole Region and boreal forest are less secure than ever, and DU is committed to saving these essential breeding grounds for the ducks. You can help. You can help by celebrating opening day, by nurturing and passing on the tradition every day of the season to a family member or friend. And you can help by taking time to attend a DU event, making a donation or serving as a volunteer. After all, the time-honored traditions of opening day ultimately depend upon your support.

Wishing you a great opening day and a wonderful fall season . . .