Attendees of the 2012 Ducks Unlimited Wisconsin State Convention in Green Bay last week were pleased to welcome Rep. Reid Ribble of Wisconsin's 8th district as he joined them for lunch. Ribble accepted the invitation sent to all members of the Wisconsin congressional delegation to attend this year's event marking the 75th anniversary of DU.

The congressman was greeted by incoming Wisconsin State Chairman Jim Gronowski and outgoing State Chairman Nels Swenson. During his visit, Ribble spoke with a number of constituents, meeting several for the first time. Among those that visited with the congressman was DU Senior Vice President Bruce Deadman, a resident in Ribble's congressional district, who has worked with the congressman's office to advocate for such issues as the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA).

Ribble caught the spirit of the event quickly and joined others in buying raffle tickets for a 75th-anniversary commemorative shotgun. He also expressed interest in joining the many members of Congress attending the DU 75th Anniversary Gala to be held on Capitol Hill on April 17. All DU members are welcome at this special event; more information is available online at www.ducks.org/75DC.

There may be opportunities to invite members of Congress to attend DU's state conventions and informally visit with attendees. It's important that we invite a broad cross-section of elected officials in both parties.