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This issue of the DU Newsletter proudly brought to you by:
The DU Sporting Expo
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- Video contest winner!
- Next season starts now
- March Gear Guide
- Deke Training Tip:
Finding Birds in Deep Woods
- Chapter Spotlight: Milwaukee School of Engineering
...and more
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Favorite Member Photos
Check out our selections for the past month
We've picked our favorite member photos of the day from February and put them together for you.
View the slideshow now!
Member Tip
Starting Right
It is always wise to help beginning duck hunters gain practical experience before their inaugural hunt. Using a portable skeet thrower, try to creatively present them with shots similar to those they will encounter while duck hunting. Also, have them shoot while wearing their hunting coat. Realistic shooting practice will help beginners gain confidence, resulting in better success in the field.
–Martin Robillard
Calgary, Alberta
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
Milwaukee School of Engineering Chapter
With an enrollment of just over 5,000 students, the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) does not show up on too many radar screens. A premier school for engineering, MSOE is very well respected in higher education circles and is now on the DU radar screen as a remarkable Cinderella-story chapter in the 2009 Sweet 16 of DU College Chapters.
Read more
Are You Carhartt Tough?
Enter the contest today
Ducks Unlimited knows Carhartt coveralls, coats and hooded pullovers are popular among duck and goose hunters. And we know that when you're not hunting, many of you work outdoors and require tough work wear. Well, how tough are you? Are you Carhartt Tough?
Enter the "Are You Carhartt Tough?" contest and win a weekend duck hunting trip this coming season!
Partner Spotlight
Bank of America
A Ducks Unlimited debit card featuring a beautiful cupped mallard is now available. Visit www.ducks.org to see the new card. Also, if you have a Ducks Unlimited WorldPoints® card, did you know you can convert unused points into cash donations to reward waterfowl and wetlands conservation? Consider putting your points to good use! You also can apply online for the Ducks Unlimited WorldPoints® Platinum Plus® Visa Card—once you get the card and make qualifying transactions, you will receive a FREE $25 Bass Pro Shops gift card!
Apply online now |
Feature | Next Season Starts Now
Successful hunting begins with proper gear care and storage in the off season
 Now that it's all over for this season, it's easy to throw all your gear into a big pile in the shed, rinse off the dog and go to sleep. But before you hit the sack for a week, address that pile of gear—you'll be glad you did when opening day arrives next fall. To keep things orderly and working in the future, we need to go to work now.
Read more | More hunting tips
Video Contest | We Have a Winner!
The winning entry, chosen by you
During the 2009-2010 waterfowl hunting season, we asked you to take your video camera into the field and bring back footage of your hunting experiences and tips. The finalists were chosen, you cast your votes and now we're proud to present the winning video: "Eyes Toward the Skies" by Dan Graumann of Rapid City, S.D. Dan will receive the Beretta Xtrema2 shotgun, generously donated as our grand prize!
See the winning video & other finalists
Gear Up | March Gear Guide
The month of March offers a wide variety of activities for sportsmen and women, including the start of the spring migration for waterfowl, fishing, turkey hunting,  photography and dog training, just to name a few. The DU E-Newsletter editorial team has collected several items that will come in handy, no matter what adventures you have planned for spring.
View the guide | Past gear guides
DU Magazine | The Moveable Feast
During spring migration, waterfowl need an abundance of food to return to the breeding grounds in good condition
The spring migration is one of the most important yet least understood periods in the annual cycle of waterfowl. Our current knowledge of migrating and wintering waterfowl ecology suggests that food availability is the primary factor limiting waterfowl populations outside of breeding season. Learn more about DU's research into the feeding habits of migrating waterfowl.
Read more | More DU Magazine features
Featured Video | Adjusting to Changing Weather & Wind Conditions
Whether it's spring setting in or a storm brewing next fall, changing weather means it's time to adjust your hunting strategy. DU-TV's Jared Brown tells you how in this Better Waterfowling video tip.
Watch video | More videos
DU News | Recent Headlines
James Hautman named DU Artist of the Year
Wildlife artists raise millions for habitat conservation
 Sixteen Texas DU chapters make Top 100
Texas DU volunteers leading the conservation mission
Ducks Unlimited urges partnership in carp solution
DU releases position on invasive Asian carp
Iowa DNR, DU Pledge $2 million toward Iowa conservation
Freshwater lakes to benefit through Living Lakes Initiative
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
To print the recipe, use your mouse to highlight the recipe text. Go to File > Print and choose "Selection" for Print range. The recipe will be in color unless you set your printer to grayscale.
Recipe Spotlight
Grilled Duck Pizza with Balsamic Cherries |
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| Ingredients |
- 4 boneless, skinless (wild) duck breast halves
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ¼ c. olive oil + additional for drizzling
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, flat-leaf parsley, etc.), divided
- ½ c. dried cherries
- 1/3 c. balsamic vinegar
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- 1 red onion, peeled & sliced ½-inch thick
- 4 oz. shiitake (or other wild) mushrooms, stemmed
- 1 16-oz. pkg. thin pre-baked pizza crust, 12-inch diameter
- 6 oz. shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 oz. soft goat cheese, crumbled
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| Cooking Instructions |
- Rub ducks with salt and pepper. Combine olive oil, garlic and half the herbs. Pour over ducks, cover and refrigerate 1 hour or longer, turning occasionally.
- Combine dried cherries and vinegar; set aside.
- Grill ducks over a medium-heat barbecue until just cooked. Let stand 10 minutes and cut into slices.
- Drizzle onions and mushrooms with additional olive oil.
- Grill onions until carmelized and tender, about 8 minutes. Grill mushrooms until tender, about 4 minutes; slice.
- Grill pizza crust until almost crisp, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from grill and lightly brush olive oil over one side.
- Sprinkle oiled crust with half the mozzarella (or Jack) cheese. Arrange onions, mushrooms and duck slices over cheese.
- Drain cherries and scatter over top of pizza. Top with goat cheese, remaining mozzarella and herbs.
- Return pizza to grill and cook covered until cheese melts and crust is crisp, 4-5 minutes.
- Cut into wedges and serve immediately.
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