This issue of the DU Newsletter proudly brought to you by:
Sam Houston Duck Co.

Pre-Season Prep First DU Event in Iraq Deke Heads West July Gear Guide ...and more

DU volunteers host first banquet in Iraq

There are more than 4,500 DU events every year, but only one has been held in a combat zone. Pennsylvania Army National Guard soldiers hosted the first-ever banquet on Iraqi soil at Camp Taji, Iraq, on June 13.

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Our favorite June photos
Member photo slideshow

Check out some of our favorite DU member photos from June!

Watch slideshow

Member Tip
Range finder

To determine the correct distance to shoot ducks over decoys, try this method. Before the season opens, I place an old piece of cane pole 30 yards in front of my blind. I measure the distance using a string 32 yards long. Once the season opens, the first thing I do in the morning is find my marker and place my favorite oversized bluebill decoy beside it. Then I place my spread around it. This is a simple way to ensure decoying ducks will be within proper killing range. This has helped us keep crippling losses near zero for a number of seasons.

–Patrick Horvath
Greenfield, Wis.

Chapter Spotlight
St. Croix Valley Chapter,
Stillwater, Minn.

Originally formed in 1976 with eight members, the Stillwater Chapter, now 25 members strong, thrives on their experience, their teamwork and their ability to raise money for the ducks.

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Partner Spotlight
ARKAT

Enhance Brand Dog Food challenges every dog owner to make a difference for tomorrow's wetlands. ARKAT Nutrition and Ducks Unlimited are working together to ensure that dogs and dog owners have wild places and wildlife to enjoy for many years to come.

Visit www.enhance3022.com to learn more about this partnership.

Feature | Pre-Season Prep

Get a jump on the hunting season with these tips

by Chris Jennings

It's July, but September teal and early Canada goose seasons will be here before you know it. Cobweb-covered decoy bags and layout blinds are still nestled in dark garage corners all over the country. When the waterfowl hunting bug strikes, crisp mornings in the field and birds hovering over the decoys will monopolize the mind, so getting your gear ready now may save you time and money as the season approaches.

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July Waterfowl Gear Guide

Dreaming of frosty mornings and waterfowl-filled skies? The E-news editorial team manages to fight off summer's heat with these great new gear ideas for the upcoming season.

View the guide

Special Update | Deke Heads Out West

DU mascot travels to Colorado for summer training

Deke, DU's newest addition, is now 11 months old and in his third stage of training with Mike Stewart at Wildrose Kennels in Oxford, Miss. After training in fast-paced Arkansas rivers earlier this spring, Deke is headed for the cold, swift waters and reservoirs of Colorado. Going to the mountains for the summer will provide a cooler climate and prevent heat exhaustion for both dog and trainer so they can continue to focus on Deke's final training levels.

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DU Magazine | Pre-Season Work-Up – Choosing a Duck Call

Find the right call to match your style of hunting

by Wade Bourne

Over the years, I've made a practice of naming my duck calls. The two I use most frequently are Dominator and Convincer. To me, they are more than inanimate instruments made of acrylic and wood. Instead, they have life and personality. They embody my hopes and help me (sometimes) fulfill my hunting dreams.

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Featured Videos | Vanishing Gulf Coast & Realistic Decoy Rigging

In Vanishing Gulf Coast, DU conservation staff and supporters talk about the importance of wetlands conservation to Louisiana's Gulf Coast. And get a jump on the season with Wade Bourne's lesson on Realistic Decoy Rigging.

DU News | Recent Headlines

Ducks Unlimited supports bill to benefit hunters
    Act makes hunting opportunity on public lands top priority

Iowa marsh gets makeover
    Jemmerson Slough Wildlife Management Area's new life

DU-TV premieres on Outdoor Channel tomorrow
    Get a sneak preview of the season now

Partner Spotlight | Yamaha Outdoors

Learn how to maximize your Yamaha ATV or Side-by-Side vehicle in the outdoors each week from outdoor experts Bob Humphrey and Steve Hickoff. From duck calling to food plotting and even recipes, our experts offer a wide variety of tips each week at YamahaOutdoors.com.