• Cold, Hard Facts
• DU 75th Anniversary Book
• Scientific Waterfowling
• Holiday Gear Guide
• Vote for DU-TV!
• ...and more

Cold, Hard Facts

Five ways to bag birds when the mercury dips

The month of December can offer spectacular waterfowling. The weather conditions, sometimes extreme, play a much greater role in waterfowl activity this time of year, and hunters who understand these behavioral impacts have greater chances for success. Here are five facts on late-season waterfowl that can help keep the hunting hot when the weather gets cold.

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DU's 75th | "The Ducks Unlimited Story"

DU's 75th anniversary book features never-before-seen photos and documents from the DU archives

DU's brand-new 75th anniversary book, "The Ducks Unlimited Story," offers a fresh look at DU's proud history and conservation legacy. This 208-page coffee table book features never-before-seen photographs and documents unearthed from the DU archives, as well as information you won't find anywhere else—firsthand accounts, our lineage of dedicated volunteers and everything you need to know about DU's more recent history. Author Michael Furtman made it his mission to get to the heart of DU—our volunteers—to find out what makes our organization tick and what's most important to our dedicated supporters.

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DU Magazine | Scientific Waterfowling

Recent waterfowl research may have practical applications for waterfowlers

They're the quiet foot soldiers of conservation, seeking greater understanding of waterfowl and their biological needs. These men and women are North America's waterfowl scientists, who work for federal and state agencies, universities and private conservation groups like Ducks Unlimited. Through scientific research, they unlock the secrets of how to manage waterfowl and their habitats more effectively for the good of these resources and the people who treasure them.

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Gear Up | Holiday Gear Guide

Waterfowler's Wish List

The Holiday Gear Guide is your go-to resource for the waterfowler hunters on your holiday gift list. Whether you are searching for a gift to last a lifetime, or merely piecing together several stocking stuffers, the E-Newsletter Editorial Team has some great suggestions this holiday season. Enjoy this selection of waterfowling and conservation gifts, and on behalf of all of us at DU—happy holidays and thank you for your support!

View the Guide »  |  Past Gear Guides »

DU News | Recent Headlines

North American Wetlands Conservation Council meets despite funding uncertainty

On Dec. 6, the North American Wetlands Conservation Council met to review grant proposals that aim to protect vital waterfowl habitat across the nation. The nine-person panel plays an integral role in implementing the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, as well as conservation plans for other wetland-associated migratory bird populations. During this meeting, the NAWCC determined which conservation project proposals will be recommended to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission for funding.

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More headlines:

• Ducks Unlimited Wisconsin chapter honored with wetlands award
• Marathon Petroleum Company named 2011 Wings Over Wetlands winner
• Ducks Unlimited praises congressional vote to honor Sam Hamilton with renamed Mississippi wildlife refuge
• $1.2 million coastal restoration project dedicated to Louisiana conservationists

Duck Calling Tips | Call to a Duck's Reaction

Jim Ronquest, RNT-V producer, describes how varying your calling techniques based on the ducks' body language will improve your calling success.

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Member Benefit | Gift Legacy

Planning your estate may seem like a daunting task, but it's much easier than you think. DU's Gift Planning department is available to help you in any way (short of replacing your attorney or advisors). Considering DU in your estate plan gives you a variety of ways to help cement your conservation legacy, as well as contribute to reducing tax liability for your heirs and your estate. It is also possible to contribute to DU through Life Insurance gifts. All of this information, as well as our "A Guide to Wills & Trusts" publication, is available at your fingertips any time, day or night, on our Gift Legacy website.

For more information, visit www.ducksgift.org.You may also contact Jon Rich at jrich@ducks.org or (901) 758-3763, or Byron Liles at bliles@ducks.org or (901) 758-3876.

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DU-TV | Golden Moose Award

Vote for DU-TV as "Fan Favorite" in the 12th-annual Outdoor Channel Awards

Vote for Ducks Unlimited Television as the Outdoor Channel's 2011 Golden Moose "Fan Favorite!" Voting ends on December 26.

• Fan Favorite Best Overall Series—Ducks Unlimited TV
• Fan Favorite Hunting Series—Ducks Unlimited TV
• Fan Favorite Host—Huntley Ritter

Vote DU-TV as the "Fan Favorite" today!  |  Get updated DU-TV airtimes »

Retriever Training | Working an Elevated Stand

Mike Stewart of Wildrose Kennels and Deke the DU Dog demonstrate how to train your retriever on an elevated stand.

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Member Benefit | Mountain Khakis

Mountain Khakis is extending a limited-time, holiday offer to all Ducks Unlimited members: $10 off purchases of $50 or more on www.mountainkhakis.com. Enter code DUCKSMK at checkout. Offer expires 12/31/11.

Recipe Spotlight | Wild Duck Andouille Gumbo

Submitted by Tom Balk. Serves 6.

1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp each black, white & cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp garlic powder 2 cups chopped wild duck 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil

3/4 cup chopped celery 8 cups chicken stock 1 1/2 cups chopped andouille sausage 1 tsp minced garlic 3/4 cup sliced okra 1 cup chopped green bell pepper Hot cooked rice

Get the full recipe and cooking instructions for this dish »

To view and print this and many other delicious recipes,
visit www.ducks.org/hunting/recipes.