annual report

Rogers Hoyt Jr.: Leading Conservation on Both Sides of the Border Rogers Hoyt, Jr., has been a DU volunteer for approximately three decades, serving in a variety of roles throughout the organization. He is a member of DU's board of directors and was named president of Ducks Unlimited de Mexico at the 2013 DU National Convention. Rogers' story was featured in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

DU 2012 Annual Report The 2012 Ducks Unlimited Annual Report highlights the organization's successes during the first half of DU's 75th anniversary year.

Oran Richard: Four Decades of Support Celebrated with Tribute Weekend Oran Richard of Lafayette, Louisiana, is a longtime DU supporter, Wetlands America Trust board member, and Diamond Benefactor and Grand Slam Sponsor. His nearly 40 years of giving to DU's conservation work in Canada and the United States was held in March 2013 and raised $950,000.

Ducks Unlimited 2013 Annual Report: Our Donors These individuals are recognized as Ducks Unlimited Major Sponsors for Fiscal Year 2013. An appended version of this list appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report. Thank you to our Major Sponsors for your generosity!

Barbara & Ralph Fisher III: Building an Endowment for the Ducks Barbara and Ralph Fisher III of Fairdealing, Missouri, are Diamond Sponsors in Perpetuity and Diamond Feather Society members. They are also proud supporters of Ducks Unlimited's Endowment Challenge, which aims to raise $75 million toward DU's long-term financial stability and conservation efforts in honor of the organization's 75th anniversary in 2012.

Diane & Doug Oberhelman: Philanthropic Leaders Help Shape Conservation as Part of WAT and DU Boards Diane and Doug Oberhelman of Edwards, Illinois, serve on the boards of Ducks Unlimited and Wetlands America Trust, DU's land-holding arm. They support DU's conservation efforts across the board and are heavily involved in many ways within the organization. Their story appeared in the 2013 Ducks Unlimited Annual Report.

Doug Roberts: New National Development Committee Member Balances Stewardship and Industry Benefactor Sponsor Doug Roberts of Spanish Fort, Alabama, recently joined DU's National Development Committee. He is a landowner well versed in establishing and maintaining conservation easements with the help of Ducks Unlimited. Stewardship of the land is foremost in Doug's mind, and his appointment to the committee will help foster stronger bonds between members of American industry - where Doug works in coal - and conservation groups like DU. Doug's story appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

Grant Brees: Turning a Lifelong Love of the Land into an Everlasting Gift Grant Brees of Benedicta, Maine, is a Feather Society planned gift member and was the first person in his state to set up a conservation easement with Ducks Unlimited on his property. He holds a Life Estate Reserve with DU, which allows Grant lifetime use of his farm and a charitable tax deduction. At Grant's passing, DU will receive his property. Grant's story appeared in the 2013 Ducks Unlimited Annual Report.

Johnny Belz: Beloved Member of the DU Family Leaves His Mark Johnny Belz was a dedicated DU volunteer, staff member, and Major Sponsor for more than 40 years, sharing his passion for conservation and the outdoors with thousands before his passing in 2013. Johnny's story was featured in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

Betty & John O'Brien: Laying Down Roots in the North Atlantic Betty and John O'Brien of Batavia, New York, support Ducks Unlimited's Completing the Cycle Initiative in the northeastern United States. John helped build up DU's presence in New York and he and Betty held several volunteer positions over the years. Their story appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

Tom Dunkin II: Future of Northwest Waterfowling Inspires Giving Tom Dunkin II of Redmond, Washington, is a Heritage Sponsor supporting DU's Wings and Wetlands Initiative. This initiative is dedicated to conserving important waterfowl habitats in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, as well as preserving the outdoor traditions of the Pacific Northwest. Tom's story appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

Patty & Jim Donelan: DU Provides Home, Heritage, and Habitat for Major Sponsors Patty and Jim Donelan of Fremont, Nebraska, are Legacy Sponsors of DU's Heartland Heritage and Habitat Initiative, dedicated to conserving the best habitat for waterfowl in the Southern Great Plains. The Donelans' story appeared in the 2013 Ducks Unlimited Annual Report.

Paula & Gary Pennington: A Big-picture Outlook in the Great Lakes Paula and Gary Pennington of Clinton, Ohio, recently pledged to become Diamond Sponsors in Perpetuity of DU's Great Lakes Initiative. This initiative supports Great Lakes habitats in Ohio and in key breeding areas for waterfowl that spend part of their lives in the Great Lakes region. The Penningtons' story appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

Al Montna: Plentiful Ducks for Rice and People Al Montna of Yuba City, California, and his wife, Gail, are members of DU's President's Council and Benefactor Sponsors supporting DU's California Wetlands Initiative. This initiative aims to conserve the best waterfowl habitat in California, particularly in the critical wintering areas of the Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Area. Al's story appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

The Moore-Odom Wildlife Foundation: A Partnership to Protect the Coast The Moore-Odom Wildlife Foundation is a strong Ducks Unlimited partner on the Gulf Coast. Moore-Odom is working with DU through the Gulf Coast Initiative to conserve the best wintering habitats for ducks and geese on the Gulf. Their story appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

The Walker Foundation: A 25-year Partnership to Conserve America's River The Walker Foundation has been supporting DU's conservation efforts in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley for nearly a quarter century. Through their support of DU's America's River Initiative, the Walkers will continue to ensure a strong future for waterfowl in this important region.

Shelley & Craig Larson: A Lifelong, Science-driven Passion for the Prairies Gold Benefactor Sponsors Shelley and Craig Larson of Bismarck, North Dakota, support DU's Preserve Our Prairies Initiative. This initiative is dedicated to conserving the wetlands and grasslands of the Prairie Pothole Region, North America's most critical breeding grounds for waterfowl. The Larsons' story appeared in the 2013 Ducks Unlimited Annual Report.

Allison & Doug Frey: Making Connections between the Boreal and the Heartland Allison and Doug Frey of Midland, Texas, proudly support DU's Boreal Forest Initiative, dedicating to conserving the critical breeding habitats of North America's Boreal Forest for thousands of ducks and geese. Doug is originally from the Rainwater Basin area of Nebraska and clearly sees the connections among protected breeding grounds, healthy migration habitat and the birds he sees in Texas each year. The Freys' story appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

DU 2013 Annual Report An executive summary of DU's financial and conservation achievements during the past year

Ducks Unlimited 2012 Annual Report: Our Donors Honoring the donors who made a difference for wetland and waterfowl conservation.

Comeback on the Coast - Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Chapter Just as the oceans' tides ebb and flow, the life cycle of a Ducks Unlimited chapter often experiences ups and downs. This cycle has been especially notable in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, over the last few years, as decreased committee engagement and poor event timing led to falling attendance and support. The all-time low came in 2011, when just a handful of dedicated volunteers showed up for the chapter's sponsor banquet.

Home on the Range - Henry and Eleanor Carlson Some call the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of the United States and Canada the "Duck Factory" of North America. Henry and Eleanor Carlson just call it home. By helping Ducks Unlimited conserve native grasslands and pothole wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region, the Carlsons are not only securing the future of North America's waterfowl - they're preserving their family's history and heritage.

Keeping a Legacy Alive - Gail and Lyle Johnson Gail Johnson speaks fondly of her husband Lyle's passion for Ducks Unlimited: "It was all about restoring a marsh. Lyle's church was the great outdoors, and as far as he was concerned, the best part of God's creation was the marshland. He looked forward to the season every year." Lyle passed away in spring 2012, but his enthusiasm remains the basis for the couple's lifelong commitment to the ducks.

Giving Back to the Breeding Grounds - Dan and Linda Ray Becoming a conservationist of prairie nesting habitat was something of a natural evolution for Dan Ray. Dan grew up near South Carolina's Santee Delta, known for its strong waterfowling heritage. But it was after he and his wife, Linda, bought Annandale Plantation, with its 3,500 acres of marshes and waterfowl habitat, that Dan truly fell in love with waterfowling, and it was after meeting Ducks Unlimited staff that he began to understand the connection between the quality of waterfowling in the Santee Delta and conservation efforts on the northern prairies.

Four Generations of Philanthropy - John and Anna Riggs The green timber of Arkansas is part of John Riggs' past, and now he's becoming part of its future. Since 2011, his support for DU has resulted in more than $100,000 for conservation work on Arkansas' Cache River.

Continental Generosity - Daryl and Mary Pennington Waterfowl are a continental resource that rely on habitat from their northern breeding grounds to their southern winter homes and all points in between. It takes a visionary to see beyond his backyard and support habitat conservation on a continental scale. Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation trustees Daryl and Mary Pennington of Ethel, Louisiana, are prime examples of such broadly committed sponsors, their generosity shining even more brightly given that Daryl and Mary began duck hunting less than 15 years ago.

Silicon Valley Stewardship - John W. and Sandi Thompson "Stick to Core Mission, Focus and Keep it Simple," was the title of John W. Thompson's speech. His words would inspire Ducks Unlimited supporters across the continent. His message would resonate for years as DU's story and mission passed down through generations. John's speech would rivet the conservation world by sharing DU's secrets to 75 years of conservation success.

DU 2011 Annual Report An executive summary of DU's financial and conservation achievements during the past year

Ducks Unlimited's 2009 Annual Report A summary of the 2009 DU annual report.

Ducks Unlimited Financial Information

Rogers Hoyt Jr.: Leading Conservation on Both Sides of the Border

Rogers Hoyt, Jr., has been a DU volunteer for approximately three decades, serving in a variety of roles throughout the organization. He is a member of DU's board of directors and was named president of Ducks Unlimited de Mexico at the 2013 DU National Convention. Rogers' story was featured in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

DU 2012 Annual Report

The 2012 Ducks Unlimited Annual Report highlights the organization's successes during the first half of DU's 75th anniversary year.

Oran Richard: Four Decades of Support Celebrated with Tribute Weekend

Oran Richard of Lafayette, Louisiana, is a longtime DU supporter, Wetlands America Trust board member, and Diamond Benefactor and Grand Slam Sponsor. His nearly 40 years of giving to DU's conservation work in Canada and the United States was held in March 2013 and raised $950,000.

Ducks Unlimited 2013 Annual Report: Our Donors

These individuals are recognized as Ducks Unlimited Major Sponsors for Fiscal Year 2013. An appended version of this list appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report. Thank you to our Major Sponsors for your generosity!

Barbara & Ralph Fisher III: Building an Endowment for the Ducks

Barbara and Ralph Fisher III of Fairdealing, Missouri, are Diamond Sponsors in Perpetuity and Diamond Feather Society members. They are also proud supporters of Ducks Unlimited's Endowment Challenge, which aims to raise $75 million toward DU's long-term financial stability and conservation efforts in honor of the organization's 75th anniversary in 2012.

Diane & Doug Oberhelman: Philanthropic Leaders Help Shape Conservation as Part of WAT and DU Boards

Diane and Doug Oberhelman of Edwards, Illinois, serve on the boards of Ducks Unlimited and Wetlands America Trust, DU's land-holding arm. They support DU's conservation efforts across the board and are heavily involved in many ways within the organization. Their story appeared in the 2013 Ducks Unlimited Annual Report.

Doug Roberts: New National Development Committee Member Balances Stewardship and Industry

Benefactor Sponsor Doug Roberts of Spanish Fort, Alabama, recently joined DU's National Development Committee. He is a landowner well versed in establishing and maintaining conservation easements with the help of Ducks Unlimited. Stewardship of the land is foremost in Doug's mind, and his appointment to the committee will help foster stronger bonds between members of American industry - where Doug works in coal - and conservation groups like DU. Doug's story appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

Grant Brees: Turning a Lifelong Love of the Land into an Everlasting Gift

Grant Brees of Benedicta, Maine, is a Feather Society planned gift member and was the first person in his state to set up a conservation easement with Ducks Unlimited on his property. He holds a Life Estate Reserve with DU, which allows Grant lifetime use of his farm and a charitable tax deduction. At Grant's passing, DU will receive his property. Grant's story appeared in the 2013 Ducks Unlimited Annual Report.

Johnny Belz: Beloved Member of the DU Family Leaves His Mark

Johnny Belz was a dedicated DU volunteer, staff member, and Major Sponsor for more than 40 years, sharing his passion for conservation and the outdoors with thousands before his passing in 2013. Johnny's story was featured in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

Betty & John O'Brien: Laying Down Roots in the North Atlantic

Betty and John O'Brien of Batavia, New York, support Ducks Unlimited's Completing the Cycle Initiative in the northeastern United States. John helped build up DU's presence in New York and he and Betty held several volunteer positions over the years. Their story appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

Tom Dunkin II: Future of Northwest Waterfowling Inspires Giving

Tom Dunkin II of Redmond, Washington, is a Heritage Sponsor supporting DU's Wings and Wetlands Initiative. This initiative is dedicated to conserving important waterfowl habitats in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, as well as preserving the outdoor traditions of the Pacific Northwest. Tom's story appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

Patty & Jim Donelan: DU Provides Home, Heritage, and Habitat for Major Sponsors

Patty and Jim Donelan of Fremont, Nebraska, are Legacy Sponsors of DU's Heartland Heritage and Habitat Initiative, dedicated to conserving the best habitat for waterfowl in the Southern Great Plains. The Donelans' story appeared in the 2013 Ducks Unlimited Annual Report.

Paula & Gary Pennington: A Big-picture Outlook in the Great Lakes

Paula and Gary Pennington of Clinton, Ohio, recently pledged to become Diamond Sponsors in Perpetuity of DU's Great Lakes Initiative. This initiative supports Great Lakes habitats in Ohio and in key breeding areas for waterfowl that spend part of their lives in the Great Lakes region. The Penningtons' story appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

Al Montna: Plentiful Ducks for Rice and People

Al Montna of Yuba City, California, and his wife, Gail, are members of DU's President's Council and Benefactor Sponsors supporting DU's California Wetlands Initiative. This initiative aims to conserve the best waterfowl habitat in California, particularly in the critical wintering areas of the Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Area. Al's story appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

The Moore-Odom Wildlife Foundation: A Partnership to Protect the Coast

The Moore-Odom Wildlife Foundation is a strong Ducks Unlimited partner on the Gulf Coast. Moore-Odom is working with DU through the Gulf Coast Initiative to conserve the best wintering habitats for ducks and geese on the Gulf. Their story appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

The Walker Foundation: A 25-year Partnership to Conserve America's River

The Walker Foundation has been supporting DU's conservation efforts in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley for nearly a quarter century. Through their support of DU's America's River Initiative, the Walkers will continue to ensure a strong future for waterfowl in this important region.

Shelley & Craig Larson: A Lifelong, Science-driven Passion for the Prairies

Gold Benefactor Sponsors Shelley and Craig Larson of Bismarck, North Dakota, support DU's Preserve Our Prairies Initiative. This initiative is dedicated to conserving the wetlands and grasslands of the Prairie Pothole Region, North America's most critical breeding grounds for waterfowl. The Larsons' story appeared in the 2013 Ducks Unlimited Annual Report.

Allison & Doug Frey: Making Connections between the Boreal and the Heartland

Allison and Doug Frey of Midland, Texas, proudly support DU's Boreal Forest Initiative, dedicating to conserving the critical breeding habitats of North America's Boreal Forest for thousands of ducks and geese. Doug is originally from the Rainwater Basin area of Nebraska and clearly sees the connections among protected breeding grounds, healthy migration habitat and the birds he sees in Texas each year. The Freys' story appeared in the 2013 DU Annual Report.

DU 2013 Annual Report

An executive summary of DU's financial and conservation achievements during the past year

Ducks Unlimited 2012 Annual Report: Our Donors

Honoring the donors who made a difference for wetland and waterfowl conservation.

Comeback on the Coast - Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Chapter

Just as the oceans' tides ebb and flow, the life cycle of a Ducks Unlimited chapter often experiences ups and downs. This cycle has been especially notable in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, over the last few years, as decreased committee engagement and poor event timing led to falling attendance and support. The all-time low came in 2011, when just a handful of dedicated volunteers showed up for the chapter's sponsor banquet.

Home on the Range - Henry and Eleanor Carlson

Some call the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of the United States and Canada the "Duck Factory" of North America. Henry and Eleanor Carlson just call it home. By helping Ducks Unlimited conserve native grasslands and pothole wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region, the Carlsons are not only securing the future of North America's waterfowl - they're preserving their family's history and heritage.

Keeping a Legacy Alive - Gail and Lyle Johnson

Gail Johnson speaks fondly of her husband Lyle's passion for Ducks Unlimited: "It was all about restoring a marsh. Lyle's church was the great outdoors, and as far as he was concerned, the best part of God's creation was the marshland. He looked forward to the season every year." Lyle passed away in spring 2012, but his enthusiasm remains the basis for the couple's lifelong commitment to the ducks.

Giving Back to the Breeding Grounds - Dan and Linda Ray

Becoming a conservationist of prairie nesting habitat was something of a natural evolution for Dan Ray. Dan grew up near South Carolina's Santee Delta, known for its strong waterfowling heritage. But it was after he and his wife, Linda, bought Annandale Plantation, with its 3,500 acres of marshes and waterfowl habitat, that Dan truly fell in love with waterfowling, and it was after meeting Ducks Unlimited staff that he began to understand the connection between the quality of waterfowling in the Santee Delta and conservation efforts on the northern prairies.

Four Generations of Philanthropy - John and Anna Riggs

The green timber of Arkansas is part of John Riggs' past, and now he's becoming part of its future. Since 2011, his support for DU has resulted in more than $100,000 for conservation work on Arkansas' Cache River.

Continental Generosity - Daryl and Mary Pennington

Waterfowl are a continental resource that rely on habitat from their northern breeding grounds to their southern winter homes and all points in between. It takes a visionary to see beyond his backyard and support habitat conservation on a continental scale. Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation trustees Daryl and Mary Pennington of Ethel, Louisiana, are prime examples of such broadly committed sponsors, their generosity shining even more brightly given that Daryl and Mary began duck hunting less than 15 years ago.

Silicon Valley Stewardship - John W. and Sandi Thompson

"Stick to Core Mission, Focus and Keep it Simple," was the title of John W. Thompson's speech. His words would inspire Ducks Unlimited supporters across the continent. His message would resonate for years as DU's story and mission passed down through generations. John's speech would rivet the conservation world by sharing DU's secrets to 75 years of conservation success.

DU 2011 Annual Report