This issue of the DU Newsletter proudly brought to you by:
The DU National Convention

• 2010 Nesting Forecast • Your invitation to DU's   National Convention   & Sporting Expo • April Gear Guide • Deke Training Tip:   Off-season Retriever   Health Check-up • Chapter Spotlight:   Brazos Valley ...and more

Favorite Member Photos
Check out our selections for the past month

We've picked our favorite member photos of the day from March and put them together for you.

View the slideshow now!

Member Tip
Wood duck box predator guards

A predator guard will help improve the chances of a successful wood duck hatch by preventing egg-eating raccoons from entering your nest box. All boxes should include predator guards, or galvanized sheet metal cones. This is by far the most effective predator deterrent.

Instructions: Cut a 36"-diameter circle of sheet metal. Cut an appropriately sized hole in the middle to accommodate the pole. Remove an 8" slice from the circle, join the edges to form the cone and rivet together.
Click here for wood duck box plans & information.

Monthly Dog Training Tip
From the basics to the blind

Gain retriever training insight from Mike Stewart of Wildrose Kennels as he trains Deke, Drake and a number of other dogs in everything a waterfowl retriever needs to know. From puppy to hunting partner, Stewart offers dog owners everything from the basics to complex training tips.



Watch it now | View older tips

Chapter Spotlight
Brazos Valley Chapter

The Brazos Valley DU Chapter had nothing short of a packed house for their banquet this past February in College Station, Texas. With more than 400 pre-sold tickets, the chapter improved its revenue by over 30 percent and gained 100 new members.

Read more

Win a Missouri River fishing adventure from The Contemporary Sportsman!

Subscribe to The Contemporary Sportsman today and you may be the lucky winner of a fishing adventure in Montana. Spend three nights and two days fishing for big browns and fat rainbows on the Missouri River with David Carnahan and Jim Stenson. The staff at The Contemporary Sportsman will pick the lucky winner on July 1, 2010, so enter today!



The Contemporary Sportsman is not just another fly-fishing and wing-shooting magazine. It's a window into the complete fishing and shooting experience, within the context of travel, culture, history, conservation, art and food. Learn more and subscribe today!

Partner Spotlight
The McGee Group

The Ducks Unlimited Polarized Sunglass Collection has the spirit of the outdoors and the quality you expect. The collection consists of frame designs featuring the finest titanium and handmade acetate materials, twin-flex spring hinges and premium polarized Zeiss lenses for optimum sun protection. You are guaranteed to be satisfied with the Ducks Unlimited Sunglass Collection!



Visit www.dueyewear.com to shop today. The first 250 customers to order any DU sunglasses will receive a limited-edition Ducks Unlimited medallion!

Feature | Duck Production in 2010

Waterfowl should find excellent breeding habitat on the U.S. prairies this year

Spring is in full swing across the United States, and as people prepare for the warmth that is sure to come, ducks are doing the same. The breeding grounds are defrosting, and as if on cue, breeding pairs flock to the prairies in search of somewhere to raise the next generation of North America's waterfowl population. Waterfowl are investing their future in the protections offered by prairie wetlands this time of year, and they should find exactly the water conditions they're looking for when they arrive in the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region (PPR).

Read more

Gear Up | April Gear Guide: Retrievers

The off-season is a great time to focus on dog training. This month's gear guide has a few items that can help any trainer get a retriever ready for next season. While a dog is man's best friend, a solid retriever also is one of the best conservation tools in the field.

View the guide | Past gear guides

Join us for the DU National Convention & Sporting Expo in Texas!

Your video invitation from Jim Ronquest of RNT Calls

Jim Ronquest of RNT Calls invites you to join him for a special Ducks Unlimited week in Grapevine, Texas, May 26-30, 2010. Join other DU members May 26-30 for DU's 73rd National Convention at the Gaylord Texan Resort and two exciting days at the DU Sporting Expo, May 28-30. This year's convention will be jam packed with updates on DU's conservation priorities, leadership programs and opportunities to meet your fellow DU members from all over the country. And the first-annual DU Sporting Expo will feature vendors and exhibits geared toward all outdoorsmen, from waterfowl and deer hunters to deep-sea anglers. Register online for these events before it's too late! We'll see you there!

Visit convention.ducks.org and expo.ducks.org for more information.

DU Magazine | Progress and Peril in the Boreal Forest

Millions of acres have recently received protection in this region, but grave threats remain for wetlands and waterfowl

While the contribution the prairies and parklands make to continental waterfowl populations is widely recognized, the importance of North America's boreal forest to ducks and geese remains a well-kept secret among waterfowlers. This is likely because relatively few people have traveled to this remote northern region other than a handful of adventurous sportsmen, pilot-biologists, and wildlife researchers. But those who have seen the boreal forest, especially from the air, know firsthand that it contains great wetland landscapes and abundant waterfowl.

Read more | More DU Magazine features

Featured Video | Shooting Tip: Decoying Puddle Ducks

Gary Goodpaster provides tips for shooting puddle ducks coming into your decoy spread.



Watch video | More videos

DU News | Recent Headlines

Enhancement bill signifies milestone
Canadian funding to go toward wetlands conservation projects

Famous Buckingham gun to reside permanently at Ducks Unlimited
Generous donation puts "Bo Whoop" and "Bo Whoop Two" side by side

Major step forward for Iowa's Water and Land Legacy
DU applauds legislature for passing natural resources and outdoor recreation act

Louisiana CRPA awards DU $1.78 million for restoration project
Conservation and restoration partnership funds awarded

Partner Spotlight | Gaylord Hotels

Unforgettable Birthday Weekend
Exclusive Offer to DU Members

Have your cake and a great rate, too, with a birthday weekend celebration at Gaylord Hotels®. Book the first night of your birthday stay at any Gaylord Hotels® resort destination and we'll give you the second night FREE*.

Mention booking code TLDUB to take advantage of this special offer. Visit www.gaylordhotels.com/ducks for more details!

*Restrictions apply