Talk Waterfowl Hunting...all year long

It used to be that as the trees began to bud, those who congregated around outdoor stores and coffee shops discussing waterfowl hunting, began discussing more seasonally-appropriate outdoor activities such as fishing and boating. As Spring gave way to Summer, waterfowl hunting conversation had faded into the sweltering heat waves, and thoughts of hunting wouldn't return until Fall's first cool breeze.

Fortunately, for those who live and breathe the thought of ducks, decoys and cold northern winds, there is a 24-hour-a-day sanctuary where they can find other hunters talking about goose flutes, layout boats and pit blinds.

Welcome to the world of online forums.

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Living Blind

Many hunters spend a weekend or two each fall cutting willow and oak branches to brush their duck blinds. One weekend last fall, I dug up rhizomes (roots) of cattails and young willow saplings and planted them around my blind. They grew well over the summer and made my blind less conspicuous this season. In the future, a little pruning will be all that is needed to prepare my blind for the hunting season.

- submitted by Mark Ernst, Bedford, Texas

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The Feeding Chuckle

What's the deal with the chuckle? Most hunters chuckle with their calls when ducks are circling close. Is this an effective way to finish birds, or is it an irrelevant call with a reputation greater than its true effectiveness? What role should it play in a hunter's calling strategy? Wade Bourne explains.

Western Kentucky University Chapter – WKU

Chairman: Josh Wilcox Co-chairman: Jake Hurt

"The WKU Chapter has been a pleasure to work with since it was chartered in 2001," said Ben Burnley, DU Kentucky Sr. Regional Director. "The chapter leaders combine a strong belief in the mission of Ducks Unlimited with raising funds in a fun atmosphere. They are not bashful about asking anyone for anything to ‘help the ducks.’"

"We've had a good committee," said Brian Fisher, former WKU chapter chairman. "We've been able to make a lot of local contacts for our sponsors and gone above and beyond what most committees do."

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Farm Bill Update – Sodsaver under attack!

Farm Bill conferees announced recently that they had cleared the way for the Farm Bill – having resolved many of the unresolved differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.

Unfortunately, in resolving those differences, they did so by making cuts to conservation and severely undermining the Ducks Unlimited-supported Sodsaver provision that would discourage the destruction of native prairie, some of the best waterfowl breeding ground in the world.

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Project Webfoot Exceeding Goals for Reaching Students and Teachers

When Project Webfoot launched four years ago its success was measured by reaching 100 classrooms during its pilot year. In its second year, Webfoot hit 257 classrooms, and last year a stellar 575, or 14,375 students. We set an ambitious goal of serving 1000 classrooms (25,000 students) during the 2007-2008 school year and to date over 600 classrooms (15,000 students) have received materials. An additional 400 classes (10,000 students) are scheduled for delivery this spring. With workshop proposals still coming in, we are on track and anticipate exceeding our goal and reaching approximately 1500 classes / 37,500 students by June 30.

Learn More: www.projectwebfoot.org

Mossy Oak® BioLogic®

Waterfowl and upland bird enthusiasts will be happy to hear of BioLogic's new Guide's Choice. BioLogic's Guide's Choice may be the most advanced game bird planting to ever be conceived. The ingredients and ratios have been scientifically selected to ensure seed production, ease of growth and palatability. Highly durable in water environments and able to adapt to moisture conditions in the growing process, Guides Choice is proving to be dependable and successful.

Read More | BioLogic Web site

Mossy Oak® BioLogic® Executive Pens Thriller

Bobby Cole, Mossy Oak® BioLogic® executive, has written The Dummy Line, an action-packed suspenseful novel that will keep readers on the edges of their seats and quite possibility out of the woods at night.

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Hunt & Home: Grilled Manitoba Marinated Steak

Yes, you help can save wetlands from your grill! Use the DU seasonings, sauces and wild rice for a fabulous meal that helps a great cause!

Whisk together wine, vinegar and mustard. Pour over steak, cover and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours. Remove from marinade, pat dry and liberally season with DU Manitoba Wild Game Seasoning.

Place on a well-oiled hot grill and cook to desired doneness. Serve with a side helping of DU Sweet Heat Original BBQ Sauce!