Illinois State Chairman

Steve Bangert

First let me say that it is both an honor and a privilege to be serving as the Illinois Ducks Unlimited state chairman. I have been a member of Ducks Unlimited for 13 years now and have served in several volunteer positions. I have been an area committee member, area chairman, district chairman, and state volunteer recruitment chairman. Each of these positions offered great challenges and equally great rewards. I am sure that the next two years as state chairman will be nothing less that the best two years of my DU volunteer career.

Like many of you, I am an avid sportsman and conservationist. Since I was old enough to tag along with my father, I have enjoyed fishing and hunting for many varieties of wildlife. However, ducks have always been my favorite of all species. They are some of the most colorful and graceful creatures on earth. There is nothing quite like watching Mallards maple leaf into the decoys, or a Pintail cup his wings and dive in from a high altitude with the wind whistling thru his wings, or listening to the beautiful Wood Duck whistle at first light.

It is for these reasons and many more that I joined Ducks Unlimited and continue to serve as a volunteer. I want to ensure that we continue to have the opportunity to witness such natural wonders for generations to come. The threat of loosing this heritage is real and ever present. We all must do our part to continue the Ducks Unlimited vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow, and forever.

Your Illinois State Chairman,
Steve Bangert