MN Volunteer Spotlight Archive

Greg and Paul Erickson, Garrison Chapter
Greg & Paul Erickson, Garrison Chapter

Greg Erickson first got involved with DU in 1985 when he went to the Garrison DU banquet. At the time it was called Spirit Island Chapter. Erickson has been to every Garrison Banquet since, except two that he missed for hunting trips.

Greg, his brother Paul, their wives Michelle and Therese, and a few other dedicated volunteers took over the Garrison committee 10 years ago. Garrison went from having one membership event to having three events including the membership dinner, sponsor dinner and one of the first DU ice-fishing contests ever held. The Garrison Chapter is currently the top fund-raising chapter in the state, and one of the top 100 in the nation. In 2007, this chapter was in the top 33 in the nation. That is an amazing accomplishment considering Garrison, Minn., is a town of 235 people!

The Ericksons by their President's Top 100 banner


Greg Dzieweczynski, Metro Area District Chair

Greg Dzieweczynski, Metro Area District Chair
"Ski" enjoying the sunshine in Hawaii
"Greg Dzieweczynski, also known as "Greg D," "Ski" and "Greg Alphabet," has been privileged to be part of a rich outdoors, hunting, fishing and conservation heritage. His first duck hunt, at the age of 11, was with his father. "The pure enjoyment and the awe of seeing birds in flight was amazing," said Dzieweczynski. This level of appreciation and passion is even stronger today. "Ski" has been an active member and volunteer in DU for 20+ years. He has served as a committee member, area chair, zone chair and district chair. The personal reward he receives from his involvement in the organization is the great people, a family of folks he has been fortunate enough to call friends. His most gratifying accomplishments as a member of the DU team have been: creating the waterfowling tradition with his brother for his sons; being a team member on a number of chapters that were successful in achieving their "Top Flight" status; and obtaining a donation of land valued by the DNR at over $450,000 that was enrolled in a conservation easement. "We need to ensure a legacy of wetland and waterfowl for future generations. We accomplish this conservation goal through our commitment of time and resources in preserving and protecting this heritage. No organization is in a better position or works harder than DU to preserve the habitat for the ducks and the sport for all of us."



Steve Schreiner, Southeast MN
Steve Schreiner, SE MN

Steve Schreiner got started with DU in about 1998 when some friends asked him to come out and help. He was instantly hooked. Schreiner appreciates and agrees with the things DU stands for, including promoting conservation and maintaining habitats. He has been a committee member for his local chapter for all 10 years, has co-chaired at least six sponsor banquets and has served as treasurer for the past four years. Schreiner enjoys being involved with DU and encourages others to join so they can feel the same sense of pride regarding wildlife and their natural environment.

Schreiner is all smiles at a DU event


Curt Schuft, Central Minnesota Zone Chair

Curt Schuft: The Voice of the Ducks
Schuft at the mic as the "Voice of the DUCKS"
Curt Schuft first got involved with DU in his twenties. Schuft described himself as "a typical off-again-on-again member who occasionally attended a local banquet." One day a friend contacted him about joining the local DU committee with him. Schuft was a little skeptical as he thought this was something of a closed group that one must be invited to join. He agreed to go to the meeting six years ago and has been a member ever since. Schuft and his family have a long history of hunting waterfowl. Schuft is currently the zone chairman in the central region of Minnesota, operating under the guidance of Regional Director Terry Kostinec. He has held the zone chair position for the last two years and has thoroughly enjoyed working with the Hutchinson, Glencoe and Atwater chapters.

"Meeting new people and aiding them in running successful events of their own has been very rewarding. As any DU committee member knows, recruiting new members – especially committee members – is the sustaining function of our organization. Recruiting can be a daunting task, but, as members of DU, we must remember our goals. Encouraging others to join us is extremely important. Our organization is one that is open to others who share our commitment to waterfowl and their habitat. Joining is not some secret or just for the chosen few."

Schuft encourages anyone interested in joining to call or email and find out about where you might spend some time with new friends making a difference in today's environment. "Joining a committee requires only a small commitment of your time, but may be one of the most fun and fulfilling things you do. I know, because that is how it happened for me. My time spent working on behalf of the ducks is anything but work. It means joining my peers in giving something back to the outdoors and continuing a tradition for others, which I so dearly enjoy. Thanks to all of you who have chosen to do the same."



Tony Paul, Perham Chapter
Tony Paul, Perham Chapter
Tony Paul enjoying the fruits of his labor in North Dakota

It was about 12 years ago that Tony Paul's dad got tickets for the Perham banquet for Tony and his wife. They have been going to the event ever since. Paul's father is a chairman and district chairman for the Leavenworth and Atchison chapters in Kansas. So it was in Tony's genes to get involved with Ducks Unlimited. Paul got involved with the banquet committee about four years ago and became a co-chairman of the Perham Chapter last year. Currently, he is the treasurer/co-chairman of the Perham Chapter. Being involved with DU has been very rewarding. Earlier this summer, he was invited out to central North Dakota for a weekend to help look for nests. It was a blast (see photo). "Ducks Unlimited is much more than just ducks! Wetlands benefit all kinds of plants and wildlife, and with being out in North Dakota and seeing all the native prairies, you realize how many different species of plants and animals are involved with restoration projects. Being involved with DU is a fun experience and I would encourage anyone that is interested to call and get involved."



Doug Johnson, Jackson County

Doug Johnson got involved in the Ducks Unlimited chapter in Jackson County shortly after moving there from South Dakota in 1980. Committee member Gary Berkner invited Johnson to a committee meeting and to become a member.

"I feel all conservation organizations are extremely important, and without them we wouldn't be able to enjoy the great outdoors," said Johnson. He is also a member of Pheasants Forever, NWTF, MDHA and the Jackson County Conservation League. Johnson helps emcee five banquets a year, but admits most of his efforts are with the local chapter. He has been the area chair, treasurer, donation chair and has co-chaired their annual sponsor banquet in May for several years. Johnson said, "Although I enjoy most hunting and fishing experiences...my favorite is spending time in a duck slough or field hunting ducks and geese. Even on a day when they aren't flying, I thoroughly enjoy being out and about.

"Working with your local DU chapter is very satisfying...knowing that you are doing something to help the environment and protecting the outdoors for future generations. I've enjoyed the time spent with fellow committee members, many who have become close hunting friends. I also appreciate the support of our regional directors. The best way to recruit new members is to ask someone to join your committee," said Johnson.

John Marks, Metro

JoJohn Marks first got involved as a Greenwing when he was about 8 years old. As he got older, he began to realize the importance of conservation of wetlands throughout North America and that DU was doing great things in raising funds and making sure the dollars were going to the right places. Now, as the store manager of the Woodbury Sportsman's Warehouse, John not only serves as the area chair of the Woodbury committee, but helps many other DU events through generous donations from the store. He has served as a DU volunteer in North Dakota, Wisconsin and Washington prior to his current position. "My experiences with DU are something that I will never forget. I got involved mostly because of the hunting trips I used to take with my father and brother. They are something I cherish and I want the youth of tomorrow to have the opportunity to experience with their families. Whether you enjoy duck, goose, pheasant, deer or turkey hunting, we all benefit from conservation. I encourage everyone to support their local Ducks Unlimited chapters with their banquets and events because it benefits everyone."



Tim Roble, Northwest Minnesota District Chair
Tim Roble, Northwest MN District Chair
Roble and his son on a successful hunt.

I got involved with DU 19 years ago in Bemidji helping with the Bemidji State University chapter.  At the time it was one of the first college chapters.  With the direction of Rod Pickett, it was a great success.  Rod was my mentor and he conveyed to me what DU did and why it was important to be involved. After I graduated from college, I moved to the Perham area where I got involved with the local chapter and was Area Chair for several years, after 5 or 6 years of serving as area chair I got burned out and slid back to committee member status.  Regional Director Terry Kostinec asked if I would help him and become an area chair once again.  From there I moved to district chair.  The reason I feel I need to be involved with DU is because of the way our country is changing.  The loss of our wetlands needs to be slowed or stopped so our next generations can enjoy waterfowling and good water quality as I have.  Being a DU volunteer also gives me the opportunity to meet new friends outside of my professional life. Seeing the work that DU has done is very rewarding.



Joe Schlagel, Southwest Minnesota District Chair
Joe Schlagel, SW MN District Chair
Schlagel on a perfect day in the marsh.
Coming from a family of avid hunters I originally became interested in Ducks Unlimited about 8 years ago because of its mission to help protect the wetlands which in turn could ensure that I could continue to hunt for years to come.  Since that time I have served as a committee member, area chairman, zone chairman, and am currently the southwest area district chairman.  I have also been active with the State Convention committee for four years currently serving as the state convention prize chairman as well as the state convention chair elect.   In addition to my volunteer positions, my wife and I are also members of the Feather Society.  Since getting involved with Ducks Unlimited I have met a lot of new people and made friends that will last a lifetime.  I strongly encourage anyone to get involved with Ducks Unlimited.  It is a lot of fun for everyone, not just duck hunters.  You are out for a cause to help save all types of hunting, not just waterfowl.


Jeff Olson, Wantonwan County Minnesota Area Chair
Jeff Olson, Wantonwan Co MN Area Chair
Olson, (right) and co-chair Charlie Beckius
I've enjoyed waterfowl hunting since I was in high school and been a member of DU since 2001. My friends and I would go out every weekend during the hunting season. In 2006 I received a post card stating DU was interested in re-starting a chapter in Watonwan County. I went to the meeting and started the planning process. We didn't have much time but set a goal to top flight our first year. We achieved our goal and had 100 people in attendance. We were off to a great start. I immediately started planning for the next banquet. In 2007 we increased our membership, dollars raised, and came very close to top flight again. For 2008 we are having a   Waterfowler Hunters’ Party in January and have some great things planned for our banquet in August. I've been the Area Chairman for  Watonwan County since 2006. I would tell people that it doesn't involve that much time and effort to volunteer for DU. I moved away from the Watonwan County area and currently live about an hour away. I could be a part of my local chapter, but I feel an obligation to the members that come to the events in Watonwan County. I enjoy seeing the people at the events and talking to them, getting to know the new people, and seeing the joy on their faces when they win prizes. We've tried to make our events family-friendly and encourage people to bring their spouse and kids along. I love to see the Greenwings at the events. Each year we've increased our Greenwing membership which is a great accomplishment. Without our youth our hunting traditions will cease.  My wife serves as a committee member with me and is a Hunt and Home advisor.  While I am thrilled to be receiving this recognition, I know that nothing gets done without the support and cooperation of all the other volunteers.


Matt King, Hermantown Arrowhead Area Chair
Matt King, Hermantown Arrowhead Area Chair
King with his hunting buddies.
I first became involved with Ducks Unlimited at a recruitment meeting that Regional Director Dick Birch held in January of 07. At this meeting I volunteered to be the chairman of a new Hermantown Arrowhead chapter. I volunteered to become a Ducks Unlimited Volunteer was because I'm an avid hunter and many of the wetlands in our nation are being bought and developed into something other than wetlands.  We held our first banquet in September 07, where we were able to draw a crowd of over 200 people to help raise money towards wetlands for the Ducks. I would encourage people to get involved with Ducks Unlimited to help save the habitat for wildlife. Along with saving habitat you may also make some new friendships as I know I have.


Nate Bergeland, Eden Prairie Area Chair
Nate Bergeland, Eden Prairie Area Chair
Bergeland and his Pope and Young record mountain lion.
I’ve been a sponsor or a member of DU since 1992.  From an early age, each one of my children has become a Greenwing Legacy member.  In 2007, I became the Chairmen of the Eden Prairie Ducks Unlimited Chapter.  I have worked with DU to identify ways to preserve our farm habitat and the water quality of our shallow lake in western MN.  In 2008, I became a Gold Sponsor.

The Eden Prairie chapter has a great legacy since 1983 with Ducks Unlimited.  Unfortunately, the chapter was starting to show either a lack of leadership or committee enthusiasm to the extent that there almost wasn’t a banquet in 2006.  When they asked for a volunteer to run the committee, I felt it was my calling to accept a position in an area where I was deeply passionate.  

Ducks are a wonderful by-product of all the work that DU exhibits.  Preserving our critical   habitat has an incredible impact on all wildlife from the invertebrates to waterfowl to large mammals.  I have always had a passion for the outdoors, witnessing the complexity of nature, and enjoying God’s living creatures.  Ducks Unlimited provides the opportunity for me to “give forward” by providing my resources and talents so that future generations can enjoy the sanctity of the wild or the teetering bluebill missiles decoying into a windswept pattern.

Fortunately, we have a great DU committee in the Eden Prairie Chapter.  We have two rules: 1) Have fun! and 2) Do what you can.  Without our great team, we certainly wouldn’t have had the great success we had at our 2007 banquet.

I would encourage those of you who are members, become involved with DU!  Every committee can use additional help in some capacity.  Volunteer with your time and your pocketbook.  Consider a land gift or approaching your company about matching donations.  If you work for the local, state or federal government, become a champion for DU within that organization.  Buy a Greenwing Legacy membership for your child or grandchild.  Many DU members could easily become Sponsors and many Sponsors could easily become Gold sponsors.  So, set it up, challenge yourself, volunteer.


Dale Lusti, Minnesota State Convention Chair
Dale Lusti enjoying healthy waters.
I attended my first DU event in Buffalo, during the spring of 1990 as a result of my neighbor asking me if I would like to attend.  Previously I had not volunteered because I thought that I had no skills to offer, such as working in the marsh, restoring habitat, etc. I volunteered because I finally realized that the local chapter is a fund raising arm for DU and that I do not need to be directly involved in the physical restoration work.

I have served as the treasurer and area chair of my local chapter, zone chair, district chair and I am in my 2nd year as the MN DU Convention Chair.  I provided assistance with the Treasurer function to 4 other chapters and have started two new chapters; each of which has earned “Top Flight” status.

Although I am not a hard-core water-fowler, I have been excited by the vision of wildlife in the air (particularly ducks and geese) since I was a little kid on the farm.  My senses still get piqued to the faintest quack or honk in the air.

Since my involvement with DU, I have visited waters that have not been restored, and have noticed their dirt and lack of organisms in the water that wildlife like to feed upon, and can see why there are no waterfowl on those waters.  I have also visited waters that DU restored and noticed the cleaner food producing waters that do hold waterfowl.  I have also witnessed the great successes of nesting waterfowl in the North Dakota Prairie, where upwards of 100 nesting pairs of ducks per acre reside in the spring.  DU does the physical work based upon scientific methods, with dollars that we supply.

To an effective DU volunteer you simply need to have the desire to want to make a difference for the ducks, clean water, and future generations.  No matter your skill level or amount of time available, you can (and will) make a difference volunteering with your local committee.  I did, still do, and couldn’t be happier with my DU involvement.

As a result of my involvement with DU, my wife (Julie) and daughter (Liz) are both actively involved with DU both on the local and state level.  My son (Rich) and his family are all active on the Greenwing level.