Conservation, good times come together at Arkansas Greenwing Conservation Camp   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 2008 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 Feb. 14-17 near Stuttgart. Celebrating its 16th 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 youths were chosen to represent DU Canada after participating in the Great Greenwing Adventure held annually near Winnipeg, Manitoba. Kneeling l-r: Chase Reid, Little Rock; Allison Delancey, Lowell; Madison Futrell, Pocahontas; Stephanie Palmer, Batesville; Haley Mourer, Batesville. Middle row l-r: Bob Butler, DU Regional Director & counselor; Brandon Martin, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Katelyn Pfeffer, Pocahontas; Lexa Mortiz, DeWitt; Rachel Mortiz, DeWitt; Hallie Horton, DeWitt; Sunni Booker, DU volunteer & counselor; Susan Gregory, AGFC Regional Biologist & counselor; JR Haywood, Piggott. Back row l-r: Luke Naylor, AGFC Migratory Bird Biologist & counselor; Dax Baker, Fort Smith; Zach Somervell, McGehee; Nelson Laing, Little Rock; Jay Counts, Conway; Tom Smalling, DU State Greenwing Chairman & counselor; Aaron Hitchins, Eaganville, Ontario; Gunnar Rodgers, West Memphis; Ross Clark, Monette; Art Singleton, Monticello; Rich Johnson, AGFC Wetlands Coordinator & counselor; Keith Futrell, DU Zone Chairman & counselor; Brian Davis, DU Regional Biologist & counselor; Trey Reid, AGFC Field Editor & counselor. The camp is a collective effort by Ducks Unlimited, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 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, AGFC and the USFWS 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. The young waterfowlers also received hands-on experience in such areas as the use of radio telemetry equipment and duck banding operations. Campers took part in banding 35 mallards that AGFC biologists captured during the camp. The DU Greenwing Conservation Camp, conducted each year since 1992, seeks youths between the ages of 15 and 16. 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 Great Greenwing Adventure camp in Canada this summer. Winners of the Canada trips were Dax Baker of Fort Smith and Art Singleton of Monticello. Alternates are Hallie Horton on DeWitt and JR Haywood of Piggott. 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).

Where AR Ducks Come From Arkansas DU Projects DU License Plates Volunteer for Arkansas DU