DU, Bass Pro Shops Partnership Allows Hunters and Anglers to Protect Waterfowl Habitat
New $500,000 commitment is the latest investment from Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund
May 07, 2025 •
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – May 7, 2025 — Thanks to Bass Pro Shops’ newest $500,000 commitment, Ducks Unlimited’s (DU) conservation partnership with Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund is poised to make an even greater impact on critical wetlands and associated habitat for waterfowl. This latest investment will permanently protect nearly 1,400 additional acres in the U.S. and Canadian portions of the Prairie Pothole Region—DU’s highest priority conservation landscape and the heart of North America’s waterfowl breeding grounds.
Since 2018, this fund, powered by generous Bass Pro Shops customers who choose to round up their purchases for conservation, has given more than $3.8 million to DU’s conservation efforts. DU has leveraged these contributions into more than $11 million in additional funds, resulting in a remarkable $14.8 million investment in habitat conservation focused on places that matter the most for waterfowl and waterfowlers across North America.
“We are proud of our longtime affiliation with Ducks Unlimited, and to partner with customers throughout North America to support DU’s important work to conserve this critical waterfowl habitat in the Prairie Pothole Region,” said Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops. “These efforts are clearly making a difference, and it’s exciting to see the impact this will have on future generations of conservationists.”
This sustained support has helped conserve and enhance over 83,000 acres of wetlands and grasslands, bringing tremendous benefits to waterfowl, wildlife, and people. More than 64,000 acres of these efforts have been focused in the Prairie Pothole Region. Despite its ecological importance as the primary breeding ground for waterfowl and other migratory birds, this landscape faces significant threats, losing an estimated 50,000 acres of high-value habitat each year.
“Our long-standing partnership with Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, their dedicated Outfitters, and loyal customers is a shining example of how passionate outdoor enthusiasts can make a real, lasting impact on the health of our wetlands and wildlife,” said DU CEO Adam Putnam. “Through this shared commitment, we’re not just conserving habitat—we’re ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the rich traditions of hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation activities.”
DU, Bass Pro Shops, and a network of conservation partners and landowners are advancing shared goals to protect wetlands and grasslands and deliver large-scale solutions for migratory birds and other wildlife across these vital landscapes.
About Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops, North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company, was founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris started selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri. That was the company’s sole location for the first 13 years, and it has since grown to nearly 200 retail locations throughout North America. Today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops united with Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Newsweek as “America’s Most Trusted Retailer for Outdoor Gear.”
Bass Pro Communications
press@basspro.com
Media Contact
KayLeigh Mitchell
SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Memphis, TN
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 19 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent comprehensive campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.
