This issue of the DU Newsletter brought to you by: CajunGrocer

Rescue the Duck Factory
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Thanks to loyal DU supporters, we are close to our Dec. 31 goal of rescuing 10,000 acres of critical waterfowl breeding grounds. You can help DU exceed this goal—donate today!

Featured Member Photo
First Light, Grizzly Island



Submitted by DU member Frank Balog
Click for full-size photo

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Each page features a breathtaking photo of waterfowl, wetlands or retrievers, a daily reminder of DU's vision and mission. Get yours today, with a donation of $15 or more!

Member Tip
Bag it

It's a good idea to keep your hunting license, wallet and a small camera in a sealable bag inside your waders. Should you swamp your waders, at least these items won't get wet or lost.

-Blake E. Matray
Skandia, Mich.

Chapter Spotlight
Middle Peninsula, Virginia

The Middle Peninsula Chapter was once declining, but reorganized in 1999 and has continued its efforts year in and year out. The chapter has high hopes for the years ahead.

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Amazing Duck Facts
Mystery ducks

The location of the spectacled eider's wintering grounds remained a mystery until March 1995, when researchers followed birds marked with satellite transmitters into the heart of the Bering Sea. There they found massive concentrations of spectacled eiders gathered in pack ice fissures.

Feature | Cold-weather hunting tips

Let waterfowl behavior guide you this winter

by Chris Jennings

As the mercury continues to drop in the Northern states, the full migration will be on and hunters who are prepared will be the ones who reap the benefits. Knowing what birds are going to do when the ice sets in will allow hunters to plan accordingly.

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DU recognizes a "Planet in Peril"

CNN series shows plight of wetlands, other resources

Watch "Planet in Peril: Battle Lines" in HDTV on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 9 p.m. ET on CNN. Hosted by Anderson Cooper, Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta and "Oprah Winfrey Show" correspondent and National Geographic host Lisa Ling. CNN's award-winning series examines the environmental conflicts between growing populations and natural resources.

Watch preview

Waterfowler's Holiday Wishlist 2008

Are you scurrying to find gifts for a waterfowl hunter who has everything? Garages packed full of gear don't necessarily hold "everything." These suggestions have everyone in mind.

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DU Magazine | Hunting a bad wind

Adjust to overcome unfavorable wind direction

by Wade Bourne

I'm not sure there is such a thing as a "bad wind" in waterfowl hunting. In my book, any wind is better than no wind. But for those who hunt from permanent blinds, every season brings days when the wind blows from a bad direction. Most permanent blinds and pits cannot be turned to adjust for shifting winds, so fixed-blind hunters are commonly confined to facing one direction. They have to make the most of their opportunities regardless of which way the wind is blowing.

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Shortcuts to Duck Identification

Methods for determining a duck's species from afar

by Keith Sutton

When trying to identify ducks, hunters must observe several things. Differences in size, shape, plumage patterns, colors, wingbeat, flocking behavior, voice and habitat all help separate one species from another. By observing these and other characteristics, you'll soon be distinguishing ducks you once thought impossible to identify.

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DU News | DU, Army Corps of Engineers sign memorandum of understanding

Memorandum will ensure future partnerships throughout Mississippi River Valley

Ducks Unlimited and the Mississippi Valley Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cemented an enduring partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding on Nov. 24.

This regional MOU ties six districts within the Corps' Mississippi Valley Division and three DU regional offices into one team for environmental success in protecting, restoring and managing habitat in the United States.

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Partner Spotlight | The Wetland Collection

Another new season and another great new collection of optical frames that has the spirit of the outdoors and the quality you expect. The Wetland Collection features two new designs—DU-8 & DU-9—made from pure titanium and handmade acetate, in colors inspired by nature. Check out these new styles.