Dan Davis has been a lifelong collector of federal duck stamps. He and his wife, Trudy, are Ducks Unlimited Life Sponsors and longtime supporters of DU. When it was announced that Dans collection of 50 federal duck stamps was to be featured as part of the 2019 Houma, Louisiana, DU event, the excitement among members was palpable. I began collecting duck stamps back in high school, Dan said. I look forward to the annual banquet in November that excites every duck hunter I know. Donating my collection to be auctioned off added to that excitement.

When the auction for the framed set of 50 stamps began, more than 10 hands went up instantly. The auctioneer went up to $1,000 quickly, then $2,000, then $3,000, until a bid of $10,000 won the collection. Arlen Benny Cenac Jr., a DU Diamond Benefactor Sponsor, was thrilled to be the new owner of such an impressive collection. Dan and I have been supporting DU and conservation efforts all our lives, Benny said. This collection means a lot to both of us, and I plan to pass it down to my two boys.

A former Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commissioner, Dan understands the impact that funds from federal duck stamp purchases have on conservation. Ducks Unlimited has been a part of my life for over 51 years, from collecting used duck stamps in high school to serving as area chairman, he said. DU staff and fellow volunteers have become like family to me. Continuing to be involved with DU is Dan and Trudys way of helping to ensure that we are all good stewards of the wetlands that provide for us and the next generation.