Greg Erickson first got involved with DU in 1985 when he went to the Garrison DU banquet. At the time it was called Spirit Island Chapter. Erickson has been to every Garrison Banquet since, except two that he missed for hunting trips.

Greg, his brother Paul, their wives Michelle and Therese, and a few other dedicated volunteers took over the Garrison committee 10 years ago. Garrison went from having one membership event to having three events including the membership dinner, sponsor dinner and one of the first DU ice-fishing contests ever held. The Garrison Chapter is currently the top fund-raising chapter in the state, and one of the top 100 in the nation. In 2007, this chapter was in the top 33 in the nation. That is an amazing accomplishment considering Garrison, Minn., is a town of 235 people!

Steve Schreiner got started with DU in about 1998 when some friends asked him to come out and help. He was instantly hooked. Schreiner appreciates and agrees with the things DU stands for, including promoting conservation and maintaining habitats. He has been a committee member for his local chapter for all 10 years, has co-chaired at least six sponsor banquets and has served as treasurer for the past four years. Schreiner enjoys being involved with DU and encourages others to join so they can feel the same sense of pride regarding wildlife and their natural environment.

Schuft at the mic as the "Voice of the DUCKS"

"Meeting new people and aiding them in running successful events of their own has been very rewarding. As any DU committee member knows, recruiting new members – especially committee members – is the sustaining function of our organization. Recruiting can be a daunting task, but, as members of DU, we must remember our goals. Encouraging others to join us is extremely important. Our organization is one that is open to others who share our commitment to waterfowl and their habitat. Joining is not some secret or just for the chosen few."

Schuft encourages anyone interested in joining to call or email and find out about where you might spend some time with new friends making a difference in today's environment. "Joining a committee requires only a small commitment of your time, but may be one of the most fun and fulfilling things you do. I know, because that is how it happened for me. My time spent working on behalf of the ducks is anything but work. It means joining my peers in giving something back to the outdoors and continuing a tradition for others, which I so dearly enjoy. Thanks to all of you who have chosen to do the same."

It was about 12 years ago that Tony Paul's dad got tickets for the Perham banquet for Tony and his wife. They have been going to the event ever since. Paul's father is a chairman and district chairman for the Leavenworth and Atchison chapters in Kansas. So it was in Tony's genes to get involved with Ducks Unlimited. Paul got involved with the banquet committee about four years ago and became a co-chairman of the Perham Chapter last year. Currently, he is the treasurer/co-chairman of the Perham Chapter. Being involved with DU has been very rewarding. Earlier this summer, he was invited out to central North Dakota for a weekend to help look for nests. It was a blast (see photo). "Ducks Unlimited is much more than just ducks! Wetlands benefit all kinds of plants and wildlife, and with being out in North Dakota and seeing all the native prairies, you realize how many different species of plants and animals are involved with restoration projects. Being involved with DU is a fun experience and I would encourage anyone that is interested to call and get involved."

Doug Johnson got involved in the Ducks Unlimited chapter in Jackson County shortly after moving there from South Dakota in 1980. Committee member Gary Berkner invited Johnson to a committee meeting and to become a member.

"I feel all conservation organizations are extremely important, and without them we wouldn't be able to enjoy the great outdoors," said Johnson. He is also a member of Pheasants Forever, NWTF, MDHA and the Jackson County Conservation League. Johnson helps emcee five banquets a year, but admits most of his efforts are with the local chapter. He has been the area chair, treasurer, donation chair and has co-chaired their annual sponsor banquet in May for several years. Johnson said, "Although I enjoy most hunting and fishing experiences...my favorite is spending time in a duck slough or field hunting ducks and geese. Even on a day when they aren't flying, I thoroughly enjoy being out and about.

"Working with your local DU chapter is very satisfying...knowing that you are doing something to help the environment and protecting the outdoors for future generations. I've enjoyed the time spent with fellow committee members, many who have become close hunting friends. I also appreciate the support of our regional directors. The best way to recruit new members is to ask someone to join your committee," said Johnson.

Roble and his son on a successful hunt.

I got involved with DU 19 years ago in Bemidji helping with the Bemidji State University chapter.  At the time it was one of the first college chapters.  With the direction of Rod Pickett, it was a great success.  Rod was my mentor and he conveyed to me what DU did and why it was important to be involved. After I graduated from college, I moved to the Perham area where I got involved with the local chapter and was Area Chair for several years, after 5 or 6 years of serving as area chair I got burned out and slid back to committee member status.  Regional Director Terry Kostinec asked if I would help him and become an area chair once again.  From there I moved to district chair.  The reason I feel I need to be involved with DU is because of the way our country is changing.  The loss of our wetlands needs to be slowed or stopped so our next generations can enjoy waterfowling and good water quality as I have.  Being a DU volunteer also gives me the opportunity to meet new friends outside of my professional life. Seeing the work that DU has done is very rewarding.

Dale Lusti enjoying healthy waters.

I have served as the treasurer and area chair of my local chapter, zone chair, district chair and I am in my 2nd year as the MN DU Convention Chair.  I provided assistance with the Treasurer function to 4 other chapters and have started two new chapters; each of which has earned “Top Flight” status.

Although I am not a hard-core water-fowler, I have been excited by the vision of wildlife in the air (particularly ducks and geese) since I was a little kid on the farm.  My senses still get piqued to the faintest quack or honk in the air.

Since my involvement with DU, I have visited waters that have not been restored, and have noticed their dirt and lack of organisms in the water that wildlife like to feed upon, and can see why there are no waterfowl on those waters.  I have also visited waters that DU restored and noticed the cleaner food producing waters that do hold waterfowl.  I have also witnessed the great successes of nesting waterfowl in the North Dakota Prairie, where upwards of 100 nesting pairs of ducks per acre reside in the spring.  DU does the physical work based upon scientific methods, with dollars that we supply.

To an effective DU volunteer you simply need to have the desire to want to make a difference for the ducks, clean water, and future generations.  No matter your skill level or amount of time available, you can (and will) make a difference volunteering with your local committee.  I did, still do, and couldn’t be happier with my DU involvement.

As a result of my involvement with DU, my wife (Julie) and daughter (Liz) are both actively involved with DU both on the local and state level.  My son (Rich) and his family are all active on the Greenwing level.