Wisconsin legislators and conservationists gathered April 6 at Waunakee Gun Club near Madison to enjoy a day of camaraderie and clay target shooting.

Ducks Unlimited, with the help of Government Policy Solutions, sponsored the Wisconsin "Flock to the Capitol Fun Shoot," where DU members and volunteers interacted with elected officials and their staff, several of whom are members of the Wisconsin Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus.

"I was excited to see Republicans and Democrats having a great time together," said Brian Koch, Ducks Unlimited area chairman. "Events like this help form a close relationship between science and policy here in Wisconsin."

Attendees discussed wildlife habitat conservation, including the importance of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund in leveraging $32 million in North American Wetland Conservation Act dollars for Wisconsin projects. Ducks Unlimited has conserved 115,000 acres in the past 30 years in the state, in largely due to these public revenue sources.

"Ducks Unlimited is an amazing and complex conservation machine and policy plays a major role in keeping the machine running smoothly. The event left many legislators with a greater appreciation of the potential impacts of legislation, both good and bad, on the state's waterfowl," said Brian Glenzinski, DU regional biologist.

Ducks Unlimited is the nation's leading wetland conservation organization whose mission is to conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. More than 34,000 Ducks Unlimited members live in Wisconsin.

April 2016