STUTTGART – How do you tell the difference between lesser and greater scaup? The difference between common and red-breasted mergansers? Or how about the difference between a mallard hen and a mottled duck?
Even some veteran waterfowl hunters might have trouble making the distinctions. But following the 2009 Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Conservation Camp, several youths from across the state shouldn’t have any problem telling the species apart.
Duck identification was one of numerous programs offered to young waterfowl enthusiasts at the annual DU Greenwing Camp, which was held January 29 – February 1 near Stuttgart. Celebrating its 17th year, this year’s gathering welcomed 17 teenagers from Arkansas and two from Canada for four days of in-depth, hands-on education about waterfowl conservation.
The Arkansas campers were nominated by Ducks Unlimited volunteers representing the 13 volunteer districts in the state to take part in the unique camp. The two Canadian teens were chosen to represent DU Canada after participating in the Great Greenwing Adventure held annually near Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Kneeling: Ben Cottrill, Brandon Capps, Dylan Moon, Catie Mourer, Lauren Dunklin, Austin Gann, Betsy Ives, Sunni Booker (counselor). Middle: Tommy Haas, Dillon Cox, Bailey Simpson, Blake Clayton, Sam Brown, Kelsey Freeland, Susan Gregory (counselor), Keith Futrell (counselor), Back: Barrett Whiting, John David Sonnier, Tom Smalling (state Greenwing chairman). Hillary Dunklin, Brian Davis (counselor), Jacob Hughes, Dustin Jeffress, Luke Naylor (counselor), Rich Johnson (counselor).
The camp is a collective effort by Ducks Unlimited, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation. AGFC Commissioner George Dunklin and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones donated the use of their hunting lodges for this year’s camp.
“The camp helps establish or strengthen an enduring impression of wildlife conservation and DU’s efforts, not only in the campers, but their parents and friends who they tell about their weekend at the camp,” said Brian Davis, Ducks Unlimited regional biologist. “They learn and see first hand how DU and the AGFC promote wetland and waterfowl conservation, and that our collective mission is not only focused and accomplished through hard work, but that it can be fun and fulfilling at the same time. Our Greenwings are the future sportsmen and sportswomen of Arkansas, flag bearers of waterfowl conservation and volunteers of Ducks Unlimited.”
Campers learned about basic biology and management of waterfowl, wetlands ecology, waterfowl identification, hunting safety and ethics, retriever training and many other valuable activities. At times, the camp can seem like a rigorous high school biology class, but one that students acknowledge as fun and extremely rewarding.
The camp included numerous activities such as field observation of ducks and geese, collection and identification of aquatic invertebrates and field trips to various wetlands ecosystems. With the youth waterfowl hunt falling on the same weekend as the camp this year, the teens were also able to participate in a waterfowl hunt at Five oaks Duck Lodge.
“The young waterfowlers also received hands-on experience in such areas as waterfowl identification and duck banding operations,” said Luke Naylor, AGFC Waterfowl Coordinator. “Campers took part in banding 35 mallards that the AGFC captured at Lee LeBlanc Wildlife Management Area during the camp.”
The DU Greenwing Conservation Camp, conducted each year since 1992, seeks youths between the ages of 15 and 17. The camp was developed to strengthen DU’s youth outdoor education efforts. Prospective youths are identified by a DU volunteer to attend the free camp.
Not only do the youths leave the camp with a greater understanding of the importance of waterfowl and wetlands throughout North America, they also form lasting friendships with fellow campers.
This year, two campers were selected to attend the week long DU Canada Great Greenwing Adventure near Winnipeg, Manitoba this summer. Winners of the Canada trips are Dustin Jeffress of Beebe and Dillon Cox of Pocahontas. Alternates are Hillary Dunklin of Humphrey and Kelsey Freeland of Tillar.
To learn more about the Arkansas Greenwing Conservation Camp, contact Tom Smalling, State Greenwing Chairman, at 870-236-0708 or contact any of the volunteer district chairmen (click here for by district volunteer contact listings).