About Ducks Unlimited

DU got its start in 1937 during the Dust Bowl when North America's drought-plagued waterfowl populations had plunged to unprecedented lows. Determined not to sit idly by as the continent's waterfowl dwindled beyond recovery, a small group of sportsmen joined together to form an organization that became known as Ducks Unlimited. Its mission: habitat conservation

Thanks to decades of abiding by that single mission, Ducks Unlimited is now the world's largest and most effective private waterfowl and wetlands conservation organization. DU is able to multilaterally deliver its work through a series of partnerships with private individuals, landowners, agencies, scientific communities and other entities.

Ducks Unlimited: Our Mission

Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.

Waterfowl conservation is facing important challenges as wetlands and other habitats are being degraded and destroyed across the continent. Ducks Unlimited has a vision to reverse this trend.

Ducks Unlimited: Our Vision

The vision of Ducks Unlimited is wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

DU will achieve our vision through diverse public and private partnerships to address the full range of factors that continue to erode waterfowl habitat across North America.

Membership

Ducks Unlimited is a grassroots, volunteer-based organization. Its members are conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts who live primarily throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

DU volunteers host more than 4,000 grassroots fundraising events annually, such as member and sponsor banquets, shooting and fishing tournaments, and golf outings. Event dollars represent some of DU's most important sources of revenue. Since event dollars are typically unrestricted, DU is able to spend these funds in our highest priority areas and use them to leverage additional funds from other sources.

Ducks Unlimited: Our Core Values

The core values and guiding principles of Ducks Unlimited's team of staff and volunteers are:

Waterfowl and Wetlands

• We conserve North America's waterfowl and wetlands.

Ethics

• We act to uphold the reputation of DU, treating people and wildlife with respect.

Science-Based Decisions

• We evaluate our programs to guide us and ensure credibility.

Team DU

• We work together as volunteers and staff.

Waterfowling

• We value and enjoy the sport and heritage of hunting.

Collaboration, Not Confrontation

• We partner with those who share common goals and values.

Wise Investments

• We commit at least 80 percent of our resources to our conservation mission. 

Passion & Commitment

• We celebrate the culture of DU as we serve our members.

Careers at Ducks Unlimited

Jobs at DU - APPLY NOW >>

Looking for a great place to work? Watch this short video to see why we love being part of the Ducks Unlimited mission.
And, check out our job listings to join us on Team DU!

Non-Profit Status

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. is tax exempt under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our tax identification number is: 13-5643799.

More Information

• Annual Report
• 2024 Year In Review
• 2023-2028 Strategic Plan
• DU National Staff & Board of Directors
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Position Statement on Firearms
• DU and Hunting
• DU National Fact Sheet (pdf) 
• DU Bylaws (pdf)
• Conflict of Interest Form (doc) 

Ducks Unlimited: Our History

Over 85 years, generations of DU supporters have worked together to safeguard the future of North America's wetlands and waterfowl. Check out the resources below for a comprehensive look at the history of Ducks Unlimited.

• The Birth of DU
• The Ducks Unlimited Story
• The Ducks Unlimited Story on YouTube