mississippi

Hudspeth Wildlife Photography Exhibit The Greater Jackson Arts Council presents The Wildlife Photography of Joe Mac Hudspeth, Jr. Join us on Thursday, March 6, 2014, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. for the opening reception upstairs at The Arts Center of Mississippi.

Mississippi DU March Madness 2014 Mississippi state news.

Sen. Roger Wicker (MS) supports NAWCA, e-duck stamp Sen. Roger Wicker is a supporter of many of Ducks Unlimited’s public policy priorities, including the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.

Migration Alert: Mississippi Waterfowl Counts Reveal Impressive Numbers Mississippi hunters pray for cold weather up north to push ducks into their state, and this year their prayers have been answered. A series of powerful cold fronts, hard freezes, and snow storms in the Midwest has triggered one of the biggest migrations of ducks into Mississippi in several years.

Migration Alert: Mississippi Waterfowlers Keeping Close Eye on Weather Another cold front is bearing down on much of the Mid-South, bringing hopes of a significant mallard migration into the Mississippi Delta and points south.

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.

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.

Grochau appointed DU chief administrative and financial officer Ducks Unlimited (DU) announced today that Earl Grochau, former vice president and corporate controller for Gaylord Entertainment Company based in Nashville, Tenn., will be joining the organization as DU's new chief administrative and financial officer beginning in December. He will be replacing longtime DU CAO/CFO Randy Graves, who is retiring this November after serving in that capacity for 21 years.

MDWFP continues support for waterfowl habitat conservation JACKSON, Miss. – Nov. 4, 2013 – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) Commission elected to continue their involvement in the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' state grants program at their recent meeting. Contributions to the program support habitat conservation for waterfowl in Canada.

The Passing of Wiiliam "Bill" Earnest III Bill Earnest

Mississippi Ducks Unlimited District Chairmen

2013 MS DU State Convention

Mississippi DU on Facebook

Links to Mississippi Hunting Guides, Manufacturers, and More

2012-2013 Mississippi/Alabama Super Raffle Mississippi State News

2013 Greenwing Giveaway

Mississippi Ducks Unlimited Chairmen Past & Present Mississippi State News

Mississippi Reaches $1 Million State Grant Milestone Last fall, Ducks Unlimited presented the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks Commission (MDWFP) with an award recognizing $1 million in state grant contributions made by the commission to DU for waterfowl habitat enhancement on the Canadian prairies.

Sen. Cochran: farm bill, NAWCA critical to safeguarding habitats As the ranking member on the Senate Agriculture Committee, Sen. Thad Cochran (MS) has significant influence on DU policy priorities. He is also a member of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus.

Senators tour WRP sites in Mississippi Ducks Unlimited, along with partners Wildlife Mississippi and The Nature Conservancy (TNC), hosted a Farm Bill Conservation Tour in May. The tour of a property in the Mississippi Delta highlighted the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant project sites.

More teal in early-season bag, higher possession limit encourage hunters MEMPHIS, Tenn. - July 1, 2013 - This fall, early-teal-season hunters may have an opportunity to bag more teal. Additionally, if the Department of Interior finalizes the waterfowl harvest regulations as initially proposed, the possession limit would increase. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a six-teal bag limit for early teal season and a possession limit for all seasons equivalent to three daily bag limits. Current limits are a four-teal daily bag during the special season and a possession limit of two daily bag limits.

Mississippi native elected as Ducks Unlimited’s youth and education advisory board member Miss. – June 21, 2013 – Ronal Roberson, of Charleston, Miss., was elected to Ducks Unlimited Inc.'s national board of directors during the organization's annual convention held recently in Portland, Ore.

Mississippi native elected to Ducks Unlimited national board of directors MEMPHIS, Tenn. – June 20, 2013 – Wendell Weakley, of Oxford, Miss., was elected to Ducks Unlimited Inc.'s national board of directors during the organization's annual convention held recently in Portland, Ore.

America's River Initiative Rebuilding the glory of the Mississippi River floodplain by conserving key wintering habitat for millions of waterfowl and reinforcing the region’s rich waterfowling legacy.

Conservation Staff

Ducks Unlimited Sweet 16 university chapters recognized for outstanding volunteer, fundraising efforts MEMPHIS, Tenn. - March 27, 2013 - Each spring, Ducks Unlimited announces its Sweet 16 list of top-producing volunteer university chapters throughout the nation. This elite group is considered the best of the best when it comes to fundraising and overall chapter strength.

Migration Alert: Light geese numbers increasing in North Mississippi Mississippi Light Goose Conservation Order re-opened following the February 2-3 Youth Season, and steady numbers may provide excellent opportunities for the upcoming weekend.

USA Rice-DU partnership WASHINGTON - Feb. 4, 2013 - A groundbreaking new partnership between the USA Rice Federation (USA Rice) and Ducks Unlimited (DU) was forged recently to serve as a model of cooperation and communication between a farm group and a conservation organization.

Duck symposium to convene in Memphis next week MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Jan. 25, 2013 - Waterfowl experts will be flocking to Memphis from Jan. 27-31 for the Ecology and Conservation of North American Waterfowl (ECNAW) international symposium. Memphis-based Ducks Unlimited is among the major contributors to this important conference, which aims to synthesize current knowledge of waterfowl and their habitats and help guide future science and conservation efforts.

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.

Partnerships Achieve Results in Mississippi In recent years, Ducks Unlimited has worked closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP); USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; and private landowners to conserve wetlands across the Magnolia State.

Portion of funds from $4.5 billion BP settlement to benefit Gulf Coast fish and wildlife MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Nov. 15, 2012 - BP announced today that it will plead guilty to several criminal charges under a settlement agreement reached with the U.S. Department of Justice over its role in the 2010 disaster involving the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, in which an estimated 200 million gallons of crude oil leaked into the Gulf of Mexico. Under the terms of the settlement, BP will pay approximately $4.5 billion in installments over a five-year period, with nearly $2.4 billion going to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), an independent non-profit conservation group chartered by Congress in 1984.

Migration Alert: Mississippi biologist reports early mallards Mississippi's season doesn't open until Nov. 23, but early habitat reports indicate the chance for an opportunity-rich season.

Ducks Unlimited scientist receives national award RIDGELAND, Miss. - Oct. 17, 2012 - Tom Moorman, Ph.D., Ducks Unlimited director of science and public policy, has won The Wildlife Society's (TWS) 2012 Jim McDonough Award. Moorman received the award at the TWS annual conference in Portland, Ore., on Monday, Oct. 15.

Media Advisory: Ducks Unlimited to host The Big River Thrives Leadership Forum in Memphis Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., at Ducks Unlimited national headquarters, One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120 - The Big River Thrives brings together leaders and experts from diverse Mississippi River interests to identify critical habitat and ecosystems issues to be discussed within the context of comprehensive river management.

Waterfowl, hunters to benefit from nearly $30 million federal investment MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Sept. 12, 2012 - Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe today announced a landmark investment of nearly $30 million in the future of wetlands, waterfowl and public waterfowl hunting across the country through expanded refuges and hunting programs.

DU supports opening some CRP lands for drought-stricken ranchers MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Aug. 3, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited supports opening certain Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands to haying and grazing during the current drought affecting livestock feed supplies. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack opened nearly 4 million acres of CRP land this week for livestock producers dealing with shortages of hay and pastureland.

Mississippi Ducks Unlimited recognized nationally RIDGELAND, Miss. – July 23, 2012 – Mississippi Ducks Unlimited State Chairman Keith Hancock of Brooksville was recognized as the number-one state chairman in the nation at DU's 75th Anniversary National Convention in Nashville, Tenn., in May.

Ducks Unlimited celebrates victory for Gulf Coast restoration Ducks Unlimited is pleased that key elements of the RESTORE Act were included in the Surface Transportation Extension Act reported out of conference committee today.

Mississippi refuge renamed Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR In honor of his predecessor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Director Dan Ashe joined with friends, conservation partners, FWS employees and the family of former FWS Director Sam Hamilton to unveil a new sign on June 22 that officially renamed Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.

Gulf Coast sportsmen urge passage of transportation bill with Land and Water Conservation Fund and RESTORE Act funding BATON ROUGE, La. - June 6, 2012 - Key sportsmen's groups in the Gulf Coast region called on Congress today to maintain provisions for funding land conservation and Gulf Coast restoration in their negotiations on a final transportation authorization bill.

Mississippi Increases Funding for Canadian Habitat Work Dr. Curtis Hopkins, director of operations at DU's Southern Regional Office, and DU regional biologist Tim Willis attended a meeting held by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) Commission in Jackson.

Mississippi senators recognize DU's 75 years of conservation success JACKSON, Miss. - April 20, 2012 - Mississippi Sens. Roger Wicker and Thad Cochran, along with Arkansas Sens. Mark Pryor and John Boozman, have issued a Senate resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of Ducks Unlimited and lauding the organization's history of conservation success in the state and across North America. The resolution was passed on Thursday.

Mississippi senator helps push NAWCA closer to reauthorization JACKSON, Miss. - April 2, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited is applauding the efforts of a bipartisan group of senators who this week released S. 2282, legislation that would reauthorize the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) through 2017.

Ducks Unlimited to fire up grill for fun, fundraising MEMPHIS, Tenn. - March 27, 2012 - The 3rd Annual Ducks Unlimited Pigs In Flight BBQ Competition is coming to DU's national headquarters in Memphis on March 29-31, hosted by Midtown Electric, Cummins Mid South, Drake Waterfowl and Memphis Area Toyota Dealers.

Hinds County Chapter recognized nationally RIDGELAND, Miss. – March 15, 2012 – The President's Elite are among Ducks Unlimited's most prestigious volunteer chapters throughout the nation. Every year, the list is reserved for the chapters that raise $100,000 or more for DU's habitat conservation work. This past fall, the Hinds County Chapter made the list as one of the organization's best fundraising chapters.

Ducks Unlimited Sweet 16 university chapters recognized for outstanding volunteer, fundraising efforts in 2011 MEMPHIS, Tenn. - March 23, 2012 - Each spring, Ducks Unlimited announces its Sweet 16 list of top-producing volunteer university chapters throughout the nation.

Habitat Enhanced on Mississippi Wildlife Management Areas Ducks Unlimited recently completed the first phase of a project to enhance waterfowl habitat on Howard Miller Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Issaquena County, Mississippi.

Wetlands conservation leader marks World Water Day RIDGELAND, Miss. – March 19, 2012 – As the world's leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, Ducks Unlimited is drawing attention to this month's milestone 9th Annual World Water Day.

James C. Kennedy named Conservation/Private Citizen award winner at 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards ATLANTA - March 16, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited announced today the winners of the 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards during the 77th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, held at the Hilton Atlanta. This year's recipient of the Conservation/Private Citizen award is James C. Kennedy of Atlanta.

Twelve DU conservation projects receive NAWCA grant approval from MBCC, six more from NAWCC The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC) met last week and approved more than $24.5 million in federal grants under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) for partnership-based conservation projects that will protect, restore and enhance more than 146,000 acres of wetlands and associated habitats across the United States and Mexico.

Mississippi Ducks Unlimited Fundraising Staff

Senate vote advances historic conservation funding for Gulf Coast, other key waterfowl habitats WASHINGTON - March 9, 2012 - After months working side by side with legislators, Ducks Unlimited applauded the Senate's passage of an amendment that could impact not only restoration efforts along the oil-spill-stricken Gulf Coast, but also expand funding for land conservation nationwide.

Ducks Unlimited, partners brief Congress, urge coastal restoration WASHINGTON - March 5, 2012 - It's been nearly two years since the nation witnessed the largest oil spill in U.S. history. In that time, Congress still has not passed legislation to direct oil spill penalty funds to the Gulf Coast and its multi-billion-dollar natural-resources-based economy.

e-Duck Stamp program reaches Senate U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (Miss.) and Mark Pryor (Ark.) introduced the Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act, S. 2071, in the Senate yesterday. This bill would make permanent the sale of federal duck stamps online—commonly referred to as the "e-Duck Stamp program."

Expiration of enhanced tax incentives could mean less conservation easement activity in 2012 after banner year in DU's Southern Region With the looming expiration of enhanced easement tax incentives on Dec. 31, Ducks Unlimited's Southern Region experienced a banner year for donated conservation easements.

Ducks Unlimited celebrates 75 years of conservation success, special event set for Mississippi Jan. 29 marks Ducks Unlimited's 75th anniversary. Started by four sportsmen on a mission to save North America's waterfowl populations—and the continent's strong waterfowling traditions—DU's humble beginnings came during the Great Depression and one of the worst droughts in history, far from ideal circumstances.

Mississippi: O'Keefe Wildlife Management Area Wetlands Enhancement Project O'Keefe Wildlife Management Area sits in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley along the Tallahatchie River, an area of regional significance for waterfowl winging their way along the Mississippi Flyway.

DU's 19th Annual Wolf River Sponsor Dinner welcomes Memphis luminaries, celebrates 75 years of conservation success Special events are scheduled nationwide to mark Ducks Unlimited's 75th anniversary, and DU's hometown of Memphis, Tenn., is no exception. On Friday, Feb. 10, DU will welcome many of the city's most influential figures and local corporate sponsors to its 19th Annual Wolf River Sponsor Dinner at the organization's headquarters.

USA Rice Federation presents Ducks Unlimited with 2011 Distinguished Conservation Achievement Award The USA Rice Federation presented Ducks Unlimited with its second annual Distinguished Conservation Achievement Award on Dec. 8. The award recognizes exemplary leadership and other major contributions to conservation that significantly benefit natural resources, wildlife and America's communities.

Migration Alert: Duck numbers and available habitat increasing in Mississippi Dec. 7, 2011: Duck numbers continue to increase in Mississippi and as harsh winter weather hits northern states hunters should expect more.

DU praises congressional vote to honor Sam Hamilton with renamed Mississippi wildlife refuge MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Nov. 15, 2011 - This week, Congress renewed the celebration of the life and legacy of late U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam Hamilton with a vote to rename Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge near Starkville, Miss., as the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR. The renamed refuge would honor the Mississippi native’s lifelong dedication to conservation.

Waterfowl QA with Mark Reed Recently named "Conservation Officer of the Year" by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the "Mississippi Flyway Officer of the Year" by the Mississippi Flyway Council for his exemplary dedication to protecting and preserving wildlife.

DU Works to Fund Future Mississippi Conservation Efforts Ducks Unlimited regional biologist Tim Willis recently met with members of the Mississippi Conservation Funding Coalition in Jackson to discuss options for creating a dedicated source of state funding for Mississippi conservation.

DU and NWF take Sportsmen to Meet with Nation’s Leaders Sportsmen have been calling for coastal marshlands and wetlands to be restored since last year’s oil spill, and to pay for the restoration efforts by ensuring penalties paid by BP under the Clean Water Act be directed back to the Gulf Coast region.

Mississippi Youngsters Attend Waterfowl Hunting and Education Camp Mississippi youths introduced to the world of waterfowl, conservation and hunting heritage through

Policy News 3-16 DU to sportsmen: Ask Congress to direct oil spill fines back to Gulf Coast restoration; DU helps protect Miss. land grants funding from massive budget cuts; Natural Resources Trustees announce $1 billion down payment for Gulf Coast restoration efforts

Policy News 3-8 Conservation Pays (an op-ed piece by DU CEO Dale Hall); DU biologist attends meeting of coalition aimed at creating a source of state funding for MS conservation

Ducks Unlimited offers wetland mitigation services Ducks Unlimited has received approval to operate the Mississippi Delta In-Lieu Fee Program to fulfill wetland mitigation requirements for parties authorized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to impact wetlands within the Mississippi Delta.

DU making a difference in the Mississippi Delta Known as the birthplace of the blues, the inspiration for myriad works of literature and a duck-hunting history as rich as its soil, the Mississippi Delta provides critical habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl.

DU to receive $2.5 million grant for Gulf Coast habitat work Funds will restore, enhance habitat near Gulf Coast marshes MEMPHIS, Tenn. - June 24, 2010 - Ducks Unlimited was notified today it will receive a $2.5 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to provide additional habitat for waterfowl and other birds that will migrate to the Gulf Coast later this year.

DU scientist, member brief congressional committee on impact of oil spill to waterfowl WASHINGTON, D.C., June 15, 2010 – This past Friday, more than 150 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate staffs, representatives from a variety of national news programs and other organizations attended a Ducks Unlimited briefing regarding the Gulf Coast oil spill and its potential impacts on waterfowl.

Gulf Coast marshes losing ability to support waterfowl, study says GCJV study reveals significant waterfowl food deficits LAFAYETTE, La. - June 10, 2010 - Gulf Coast Joint Venture (GCJV) scientists recently completed analyses demonstrating that the massive losses of coastal wetlands during the past half-century have reduced the capacity of Gulf Coast marshes to support wintering waterfowl.

Ducks Unlimited - Gulf Coast Oil Spill Response First and foremost, Ducks Unlimited's thoughts and prayers go out to the oil rig workers and their families who have been affected by this accident. As oil from the Louisiana spill moves ashore and into the wetland ecosystems along the Gulf Coast, DU wants to remind volunteers, members and supporters of the region's fragility and its importance to North America's waterfowl.

Ducks Unlimited lauds new roadmap for Gulf Coast restoration Ducks Unlimited looks forward to working with the Administration to implement their plan to streamline and coordinate restoration efforts along the Gulf Coast. The plan, developed under the leadership of the President’s Council on Environmental Quality, brings together stakeholders from the states, federal government, and organizations like Ducks Unlimited to expedite landscape restoration efforts.

Mississippi Alluvial Valley waterfowl hunters search for answers Waterfowl seasons throughout the country are now officially closed. Die-hard waterfowl hunters are starting to feel the first symptoms of post-season regret. "Could I have hunted more? Could I have hunted in better places? Were my decoys wrong? Do I need a new gun?" Most importantly, this season many hunters are asking, "Where were the ducks?" Here are a few answers that might help solve the puzzling riddle many hunters faced in the Mid-South.

Hopkins named Conservationist of the Year RIDGELAND, Miss. - Jan. 25, 2010 - The Mississippi Wildlife Federation has selected Curtis Hopkins, Ph.D., as their 2009 Conservationist of the Year. Hopkins, director of Ducks Unlimited's Southern Region, has been contributing to conservation for nearly 40 years.

Deke tweets his training and hunting experiences Have you been looking for updates on Deke the DU Dog? What about training tips from Mike Stewart and Wildrose Kennels? Deke now has his very own Twitter page, so you'll be able to get both.

Mississippi Connection Project The Missouri Coteau of south central Saskatchewan provides an array of wetland and upland habitat for North America’s waterfowl. This landscape produces waterfowl that winter and migrate through Mississippi, and Major Sponsors in Mississippi truly understand and appreciate the importance of habitat conservation projects in Canada.

Ducks Unlimited honors Mississippi conservationists Mississippi Heroes of Conservation Event - Nearly 300 people gathered at the Hilton in Jackson to honor eight Heroes of Conservation. Ducks Unlimited hosted the evening to celebrate the conservation accomplishments of these men.

Two Mississippi National Wildlife Refuges Enhanced Work on two National Wildlife Refuges within the Theodore Roosevelt NWR Complex begins this summer. Ducks Unlimited engineers have worked with refuge managers to prepare plans to enhance wetland habitat on Morgan Brake NWR and Panther Swamp NWR. The project is funded through a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant and through a grant from the Walker Foundation.

Ducks Unlimited Honors Mississippi Heroes of Conservation Ducks Unlimited will recognize eight Mississippians for their individual conservation commitments in Jackson, Miss., August 1. The Heroes of Conservation evening, including; dinner, honors presentation, conservation program presentations and an auction, will be held at the Hilton of Jackson.

Wood Ducks Get New Homes Singing River Ducks Unlimited Chapter Helping Area Wood Ducks Nest Safely PASCAGOULA, Miss., – One hundred sturdy wood duck boxes were built by Singing River Ducks Unlimited Chapter members and area volunteers, Saturday, April 25, 2009. The project was held in conjunction with the Pascagoula River Nature Festival in Moss Point, Miss.

Mississippi Youth Learn About Conservation 325 5th graders from Grenada Upper Elementary School in Grenada, Mississippi had the opportunity to learn about a variety of wildlife and natural resources conservation in April. A Conservation Field Day, coordinated by Ashley Kellum with the Grenada Soil and Water Conservation District, had booths run by Ducks Unlimited, Keep Mississippi Beautiful, Green Thumb Garden Club, Miss. Forestry Commission, Miss. RC&D, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Americorps, Miss. State University 4-H Extension Service, GUES Science and Discovery Lab, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Grenada Soil and Water Conservation District, Grenada Garden Club, and the Elizabeth Jones Library.

Mississippi Native Wins Conservation Achievement Award DU’s Wetland Achievement Awards recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the restoration and conservation of North America’s wetlands and waterfowl. The awards are presented in six categories. This year’s recipient for the Conservation/Private Citizen award is Will Primos of Madison, Mississippi.

DU attempts run at Guinness Book of World Records DU attempts run at Guinness Book of World Records SOUTHAVEN, Miss. - Feb. 3, 2009 - Desoto County, Miss., DU Chapter called their way into the Guinness Book of World Records on Saturday Jan. 31, 2009 at the Desoto Civic Center during the Mississippi RiverKings hockey game.

Children Create a Waterfowl Legacy in Mississippi Ducks Unlimited recently celebrated its more than 130 Legacy Greenwing members in Mississippi by dedicating an Oktibbeha County wildlife area project in their honor. Nearly 100 DU Greenwing youth, parents and grandparents joined members of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) and DU volunteers and staff to place three plaques at the Trim Cane Wildlife Area.

MSU and Ducks Unlimited Educate the Next Generation of Conservationists Ducks Unlimited (DU) partnered with Mississippi State University’s College of Forest Resources (CFR) to educate Summer Camp attendees about wetlands and waterfowl conservation and awarded each attendee a DU Greenwing membership. The Natural Resources Summer Camp, open to youth 14-17, is designed to help interested students explore career paths in the natural resources fields and to promote good stewardship of the environment.

Mississippi high school student donates $1100 to Ducks Unlimited A local high school senior raised $1100 dollars for Ducks Unlimited in a recent golf tournament. Matt Massingill, an avid duck hunter and golfer, developed the fundraiser as part of his senior project.

The Trimcane Project: Mississippi's First legacy Greenwing Project Would you like to have your child or grandchild’s name cast in a bronze plaque at the Trimcane Project in Starkville, Mississippi, and know that the wetlands restored and protected there will provide important habitat for waterfowl and wildlife for future generations?

Ducks Unlimited Celebrates World Wetlands Day with Youth Ducks Unlimited hosts youth waterfowl hunts in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Kentucky and Tennessee this weekend. These hunts fall on World Wetlands Day, a day to celebrate and share the importance of wetlands world-wide. Attendees have the opportunity to make a personal connection with wetlands through waterfowl hunting.

Ducks Unlimited- Serving the South Projects on Public Lands in Mississippi and Louisiana Increase Hunting Opportunities Duck hunting has been highly variable in the South in recent winters. Biologists can point to no single cause, but mild weather through the winter period is surely a significant factor. When Old Man Winter does make an appearance, however, Ducks Unlimited is working to assure that sufficient habitat exists in the South to accommodate waterfowl and waterfowl hunters.

Farm bill program reimburses wetland restoration costs - MS MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 12, 2007 – Every year, the Environmental Working Group, a public interest watchdog organization, releases a list of payments the U.S. Department of Agriculture makes for programs it administers through the farm bill. These payments are commonly referred to as “subsidy” payments. A subsidy is funds paid by the government to a private entity for the “good” of the public. The latest report was released Tuesday.

Bruce Lewis elected Ducks Unlimited President MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 4, 2007 - Longtime Ducks Unlimited volunteer and national officer Bruce Lewis of Natchez, Mississippi, was elected president of Ducks Unlimited at the 70th Annual Ducks Unlimited Convention in Anchorage, Alaska. Lewis succeeds Dr. Jim Hulbert, who is now the wetlands and waterfowl conservation organization’s chairman of the board.

Conservation programs remain a critical tool for Miss. farmers CLARKSDALE, Miss., May 29, 2007 - Coahoma County farmer, Taylor Flowers, Jr. traveled to Washington D.C. last week to meet with representatives, senators and other policymakers about reauthorizing Farm Bill conservation programs, among them the Conservation Reserve Program and Wetlands Reserve Program. Flowers met individually with Miss. Reps. Chip Pickering, Gene Taylor, Bennie Thompson, and Roger Wicker, and Miss. Senators Thad Cochran and Trent Lott and their staff.

DU wetlands work restores black bear habitat MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 21, 2007 - A mother black bear gave birth to twin cubs in Mississippi earlier this year on land restored by Ducks Unlimited through the Wetlands Reserve Program. It was the first time in more than 30 years that black bear cubs were born in Mississippi.

What’s wrong with WRP? - MS RIDGELAND, Miss., April 4, 2007 - Mississippi duck hunters and farmers are losing a once robust wetlands conservation program. After conserving almost 160,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands critical to waterfowl in Mississippi, the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is near death in Mississippi and other southern states. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the federal agency that administers WRP, is getting fewer participants since the program’s land appraisal process changed in 2006.

Youth Duck Hunt Inspires Young Hunters RIDGELAND, Miss., Feb. 14, 2007 – Young hunters, ages 7 to 15, recently enjoyed a weekend of winter outdoor fun while attending Ducks Unlimited sponsored youth hunts in Mississippi and Kentucky. State regulated youth-only waterfowl hunting seasons provide opportunities for adults to introduce kids to the joy of duck hunting.

Mississippi State University Announces Waterfowl Scholarship MISSISSIPPI STATE, Miss., Dec. 18, 2006 – The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at Mississippi State University (MSU) is accepting applications for the Scenic Homes “Dr. Richard M. Kaminski” scholarship in waterfowl and wetlands conservation. This is an $8,000 annually renewable scholarship available to high school seniors and undergraduates interested in pursuing careers in waterfowl and wetlands science and conservation at MSU.

DU and Partners to Enhance Malmaison WMA in Mississippi DU has been awarded a North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant to enhance 1,030 acres of forested wetlands habitat on Malmaison WMA in Grenada Co., MS.

Demonstration to show beneficial and legal waterfowl management techniques A Waterfowl Management Field-Day will be held on October 21st at Charleston Farms just outside of Charleston, MS in Tallahatchie County. If you’re a landowner, hunter, or a waterfowl enthusiast, don’t miss this event

Ducks Unlimited Honors MSU Professor Dr. Rick Kaminski for Contributions to Wetland Conservation STARKVILLE, Miss., March 27, 2006 – Ducks Unlimited honored Mississippi State University Professor Dr. Rick Kaminski at the 71st North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, in Columbus, Ohio, by awarding him its Wetland Conservation Achievement Award. Because of his life-long commitment to wetlands and waterfowl, Dr. Rick Kaminski distinguished himself as the research professional deserving this award.

Ducks Unlimited Honors Senator Thad Cochran for Contributions to Wetland Conservation - MS JACKSON, Miss., Mar. 27, 2006 – Ducks Unlimited announced that Mississippi Senator Thad Cochran is the recipient of its 2006 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award at the 71st North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, in Columbus, Ohio.

Wetland Restoration at OKeefe WMA to be Completed with Help from Ducks Unlimited and NAWCA Restoration of wetland functions are essential to return this vast area within the Lower Mississippi Valley (LMV) into a sustainable ecosystem, says Chis Cole, Director of Conservation Programs for Ducks Unlimited (DU) when asked about the significance of this project.

Cross Honored at Restoration Project Dedication Ceremony in Mississippi Former Ducks Unlimited staff member Billy Joe Cross was the guest of honor in March 2004 when the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) dedicated a 250-acre wetland restoration project at the O'Keefe Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

Ducks Unlimited Honors the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Mississippi's Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks received a Silver State Grant Award from Ducks Unlimited at their July Commission meeting. The Commission received the award in recognition of the Department's contributions of more than $500,000 to Ducks Unlimited since 1977 in support of habitat conservation activities on the Canadian breeding grounds.

Habitat Project Completed at Askew WMA Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE), Vicksburg District, are pleased to announce the completion of a wetlands enhancement project at Askew Wildlife Management Area in Tunica County, Mississippi.

Walker Foundation Continues Its Support of Scientific Research The Walker Foundation of Jackson, Mississippi, recently awarded a generous grant of $65,000 to Ducks Unlimited's Southern Regional Office to further develop its conservation planning information.

DU's Babcock Receives Prestigious Wildlife Award Ducks Unlimited's Ken Babcock received the prestigious C.W. Watson Award from the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for a lifetime of outstanding contributions to wildlife management. The award was presented Tuesday evening in St. Louis, Mo. at the group's annual meeting. Babcock is director of operations for DU's Southern Regional Office in Jackson, Miss.

DU and Forest Service Partner to Enhance Wetlands on Delta National Forest RIDGELAND, Miss., Dec. 1, 2005 — Ducks Unlimited and the USDA Forest Service just finished work on more than 85 acres of waterfowl habitat on Rookery Lake at Delta National Forest (DNF) in Sharkey County, Mississippi. The project required the installation of one cast-in-place concrete stoplog structure, refurbishment of water distribution ditches, and removal of woody vegetation from within the forested wetland...

Phase II Habitat Project Completed at Mahannah WMA - MS More than 425 acres of land at the Mahannah Wildlife Management Area is now waterfowl and wildlife habitat as part of an improvement...

Ducks Unlimited’s 2006 Mississippi Youth Hunt a Success - MS RIDGELAND, Miss., Feb. 16, 2006 – Forty-seven youths attended the inaugural Ducks Unlimited Youth Duck Hunt in northwest Mississippi on Feb. 3-5. The event was organized by Ducks Unlimited (DU) Regional Vice President, Dr. Ronal Roberson and involved cooperation from DU volunteers and staff, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and several duck clubs and private landowners.

House Resources Chairman Wants Gulf Coastal Wetlands Restored - LA WASHINGTON, March 6, 2006 - House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo (Calif.) says coastal wetlands restoration is "absolutely critical" for the stability of the Gulf Coast region and for its wildlife. In a letter sent to House Appropriations Chairman Jerry Lewis (Calif.), Pombo asked that money President Bush requested last month for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also be available for coastal wetlands restoration.

Faces of the Gulf Coast: Tommy and Emmy Ware Tommy and Emmy Ware, father-daughter hunters and fishermen from Diamondhead, Mississippi, share their oil spill story.

Southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the Southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont priority area

Mississippi Alluvial Valley An overview of Ducks Unlimited's Mississippi Alluvial Valley priority area.

Dr. Tom Moorman's Letter on the Gulf Coast A letter from Dr. Tom Moorman, head of DU's Gulf Coast Response Team, on the state of Gulf Coast habitat before and after the oil spill

Cypress Bayou - Delta National Forest To enhance 18-acre scrub/shrub impoundment on Delta National Forest installation of a new water control structure and construction of a new levee. The new water control structure is comprised of a 30-inch pipe, 63 feet in length with a full round riser.

Delta National Forest - Greentree #8, Wetlands Enhancement Project To enhance 490-acre greentree impoundment on Delta National Forest through replacement of one water control structure. The new water control structure is made from 30-inch pipe, 119 feet in length with a screw gate to control the flow of water.

Delta National Forest - Fordice Tract Wetlands Enhancement Project To enhance 140-acres greentree impoundment on Delta National Forest through replacement of 10 water control structures. The new water control structures are made from 24-inch pipes that ranged from 40 to 65 feet in length.

Where Mississippi's Ducks Come From The Prairie Pothole Region is critical to Mississippi waterfowl hunters. The vast majority of Mississippi’s annual duck harvest migrates to us from the Prairie Pothole Region, also referred to as “the duck factory”. In addition, we receive a significant number of mallards from the Great Lakes region every fall and winter.

Malmaison WMA Wetlands Enhancement Project To replace failing infrastructure and improve habitat management capabilities of the area. The improvements at Malmaison WMA began with the renovation of levees, removal of existing pipes and installation of new water control structures.

McCann Bayou- Beaver Pond Wetland To improve habitat management capabilities and enhance habitat for waterfowl and other wetland dependent species on Delta National Forest through installation of 2 pipes equipped with full round risers. The project work consisted of removing 3 existing pipes under a Forest Service road and replacing them with the 2 new pipes.

Delta National Forest - Rookery Lake Enhancement To enhance 85 acres of flooded cypress/buttonbush slough and inclusive moist-soil wetlands on Delta National Forest. The project required the installation of one cast-in-place concrete stoplog structure, refurbishment of water distribution ditches, and removal of woody vegetation from within the forested wetland.

Mahannah WMA Mahannah WMA is depicted in the following photo.

Mahannah WMA - Phase II Habitat Project To enhance 425 acres of important waterfowl habitat on Mahannah WMA through installation of water control structures and construction of external levees. Wetland engineers from the DU Southern Regional Office surveyed, designed and developed six impoundments with 13 associated water control structures.

Mississippi Conservation Projects Ducks Unlimited habitat conservation projects in Mississippi. These projects benefit waterfowl, other wildlife and people. View sample projects, project map and more.

OKeefe WMA - Wetlands Restoration Project To restore and enhance 1,535 acres of critical waterfowl habitat on OKeefe WMA through installation of several water control structures, construction of terrace levees, and installation of diesel pumps and water distribution system. This project provides valuable foraging habitat to migrating and wintering waterfowl along the Tallahatchie River.

Dahomey NWR - Moist Soil Restoration To restore 124 acres of moist-soil habitat on Dahomey NWR through installation of 5 water control structures and construction of 10,000 linear feet of perimeter and internal cross-levees. Two water wells are located adjacent to the site and can be used to flood the area if precipitation is inadequate.

Mahannah WMA - Wetlands Enhancement Project To enhance 772 acres of important waterfowl habitat on Mahannah WMA through installation of water control structures and construction of external levees. This project provides valuable foraging habitat to migrating and wintering waterfowl near the Yazoo River.

Delta National Forest Here is a depiction of the Delta National Forest sign.

Panther Swamp NWR - Forested Wetlands Restoration To restore 200 acres of forested wetlands habitat on Panther Swamp NWR through installation of two water control structures and renovation of interior levees. Previously, beaver activity had prevented managers from removing water during spring and summer months, thus killing bottomland hardwood trees.

Askew WMA - Wetlands Enhancement Project To enhance 400 acres of moist-soil habitat on Askew WMA through installation of a well and electric pump. The project, which will positively impact over 400 acres, required the installation of a well and electric pump, and the construction of more than one mile of overhead three-phase power line. DU, through its MARSH program, provided funding to offset costs associated with the well and pump, while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) covered expenses related to the power line and for repairs to levees and water control structures.

Coldwater River NWR - Catfish Ponds Enhancement To enhance approximately 253 acres of moist-soil habitat on Coldwater River NWR through levee refurbishment and installation of water control structures. The project involves reworking the existing levees on 14 old catfish ponds and installing a new water control structure in each unit. DU completed the initial engineering survey / design of wetland units and provided management oversight for project construction.

Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge This page is about the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge.

Noxubee NWR - GTR #4 Enhancement To enhance 500 acres of green-tree reservoir on Noxubee NWR through installation of two 60-inch diameter pipes with flashboard risers. GTR #4 was abandoned during the late 1970s due to drainage problems and uncontrolled beaver populations. This impoundment contains a mature stand of bottomland hardwoods including Nuttall, willow, water, and cherrybark oaks.

Noxubee NWR - Moist-soil Restoration To enhance 450 acres of moist-soil habitat on Noxubee NWR through installation of a water control structure and extension of perimeter levee. GTR #3 was constructed in the late 1960s, but the majority of its timber died as a result of beaver activity in the early 1970s. The impoundment has been managed for moist-soil seed production since that time, but water levels have been difficult to manage due to an inadequate water control structure.

Upper Sardis WMA - Bagley Bottoms Waterfowl Area To enhance 200 acres of moist-soil habitat and flooded agricultural fields on Upper Sardis WMA through installation of 4 water control structures and construction perimeter levee. Bagley Bottoms was acquired by the U.S. Forest Service in 1991 and is currently being managed in conjunction with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

Wildcat Brake WMA - Moist-soil Restoration To enhance 200 acres of moist-soil habitat on Wildcat Brake WMA through installation of five water control structures and construction of small perimeter levees. This WMA consists of 1,800 acres of wildlife habitat and provides excellent opportunities for deer hunting, duck hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Springdale WMA - Wetlands Restoration Project To enhance 600 acres of wetlands habitat on Springdale WMA through installation of three water control structures and construction of small perimeter levees. The water level in Enid Lake is typically drawn-down during fall months in preparation for flood control.

Delta National Forest - Long Bayou Enhancement To enhance 2,000 acres of flooded sloughs and adjacent bottomland hardwoods on Delta National Forest through installation of 5 water control structures. The Long Bayou Project involves the improvement of existing water control structures and the modification of drainage patterns that have been affected by beaver activity.

Delta National Forest - Stringer Lakes Restoration To enhance 500 acres of flooded cypress/buttonbush sloughs and adjacent bottomland hardwoods on Delta National Forest through installation of 1 weir structure and construction of small levee. Although cypress sloughs hold permanent water, this project will provide more management capabilities for the area.

Delta National Forest - Dummy Line Restoration To enhance 500 acres of flooded cypress/buttonbush sloughs and adjacent bottomland hardwoods on Delta National Forest through installation of 1 weir structure and construction of small levee. Although cypress sloughs hold permanent water, this project will provide more a manageable water source for the area.

Hudspeth Wildlife Photography Exhibit

The Greater Jackson Arts Council presents The Wildlife Photography of Joe Mac Hudspeth, Jr. Join us on Thursday, March 6, 2014, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. for the opening reception upstairs at The Arts Center of Mississippi.

Mississippi DU March Madness 2014

Mississippi state news.

Sen. Roger Wicker (MS) supports NAWCA, e-duck stamp

Sen. Roger Wicker is a supporter of many of Ducks Unlimited’s public policy priorities, including the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.

Migration Alert: Mississippi Waterfowl Counts Reveal Impressive Numbers

Mississippi hunters pray for cold weather up north to push ducks into their state, and this year their prayers have been answered. A series of powerful cold fronts, hard freezes, and snow storms in the Midwest has triggered one of the biggest migrations of ducks into Mississippi in several years.

Migration Alert: Mississippi Waterfowlers Keeping Close Eye on Weather

Another cold front is bearing down on much of the Mid-South, bringing hopes of a significant mallard migration into the Mississippi Delta and points south.

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.

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.

Grochau appointed DU chief administrative and financial officer

Ducks Unlimited (DU) announced today that Earl Grochau, former vice president and corporate controller for Gaylord Entertainment Company based in Nashville, Tenn., will be joining the organization as DU's new chief administrative and financial officer beginning in December. He will be replacing longtime DU CAO/CFO Randy Graves, who is retiring this November after serving in that capacity for 21 years.

MDWFP continues support for waterfowl habitat conservation

JACKSON, Miss. – Nov. 4, 2013 – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) Commission elected to continue their involvement in the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' state grants program at their recent meeting. Contributions to the program support habitat conservation for waterfowl in Canada.

The Passing of Wiiliam "Bill" Earnest III

Bill Earnest

Mississippi Ducks Unlimited District Chairmen

2013 MS DU State Convention

Mississippi DU on Facebook

Links to Mississippi Hunting Guides, Manufacturers, and More

2012-2013 Mississippi/Alabama Super Raffle

Mississippi State News

2013 Greenwing Giveaway

Mississippi Ducks Unlimited Chairmen Past & Present

Mississippi State News

Mississippi Reaches $1 Million State Grant Milestone

Last fall, Ducks Unlimited presented the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks Commission (MDWFP) with an award recognizing $1 million in state grant contributions made by the commission to DU for waterfowl habitat enhancement on the Canadian prairies.

Sen. Cochran: farm bill, NAWCA critical to safeguarding habitats

As the ranking member on the Senate Agriculture Committee, Sen. Thad Cochran (MS) has significant influence on DU policy priorities. He is also a member of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus.

Senators tour WRP sites in Mississippi

Ducks Unlimited, along with partners Wildlife Mississippi and The Nature Conservancy (TNC), hosted a Farm Bill Conservation Tour in May. The tour of a property in the Mississippi Delta highlighted the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant project sites.

More teal in early-season bag, higher possession limit encourage hunters

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - July 1, 2013 - This fall, early-teal-season hunters may have an opportunity to bag more teal. Additionally, if the Department of Interior finalizes the waterfowl harvest regulations as initially proposed, the possession limit would increase. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a six-teal bag limit for early teal season and a possession limit for all seasons equivalent to three daily bag limits. Current limits are a four-teal daily bag during the special season and a possession limit of two daily bag limits.

Mississippi native elected as Ducks Unlimited’s youth and education advisory board member

Miss. – June 21, 2013 – Ronal Roberson, of Charleston, Miss., was elected to Ducks Unlimited Inc.'s national board of directors during the organization's annual convention held recently in Portland, Ore.

Mississippi native elected to Ducks Unlimited national board of directors

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – June 20, 2013 – Wendell Weakley, of Oxford, Miss., was elected to Ducks Unlimited Inc.'s national board of directors during the organization's annual convention held recently in Portland, Ore.

America's River Initiative

Rebuilding the glory of the Mississippi River floodplain by conserving key wintering habitat for millions of waterfowl and reinforcing the region’s rich waterfowling legacy.

Conservation Staff

Ducks Unlimited Sweet 16 university chapters recognized for outstanding volunteer, fundraising efforts

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - March 27, 2013 - Each spring, Ducks Unlimited announces its Sweet 16 list of top-producing volunteer university chapters throughout the nation. This elite group is considered the best of the best when it comes to fundraising and overall chapter strength.

Migration Alert: Light geese numbers increasing in North Mississippi

Mississippi Light Goose Conservation Order re-opened following the February 2-3 Youth Season, and steady numbers may provide excellent opportunities for the upcoming weekend.

USA Rice-DU partnership

WASHINGTON - Feb. 4, 2013 - A groundbreaking new partnership between the USA Rice Federation (USA Rice) and Ducks Unlimited (DU) was forged recently to serve as a model of cooperation and communication between a farm group and a conservation organization.

Duck symposium to convene in Memphis next week

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Jan. 25, 2013 - Waterfowl experts will be flocking to Memphis from Jan. 27-31 for the Ecology and Conservation of North American Waterfowl (ECNAW) international symposium. Memphis-based Ducks Unlimited is among the major contributors to this important conference, which aims to synthesize current knowledge of waterfowl and their habitats and help guide future science and conservation efforts.

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.

Partnerships Achieve Results in Mississippi

In recent years, Ducks Unlimited has worked closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP); USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; and private landowners to conserve wetlands across the Magnolia State.

Portion of funds from $4.5 billion BP settlement to benefit Gulf Coast fish and wildlife

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Nov. 15, 2012 - BP announced today that it will plead guilty to several criminal charges under a settlement agreement reached with the U.S. Department of Justice over its role in the 2010 disaster involving the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, in which an estimated 200 million gallons of crude oil leaked into the Gulf of Mexico. Under the terms of the settlement, BP will pay approximately $4.5 billion in installments over a five-year period, with nearly $2.4 billion going to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), an independent non-profit conservation group chartered by Congress in 1984.

Migration Alert: Mississippi biologist reports early mallards

Mississippi's season doesn't open until Nov. 23, but early habitat reports indicate the chance for an opportunity-rich season.

Ducks Unlimited scientist receives national award

RIDGELAND, Miss. - Oct. 17, 2012 - Tom Moorman, Ph.D., Ducks Unlimited director of science and public policy, has won The Wildlife Society's (TWS) 2012 Jim McDonough Award. Moorman received the award at the TWS annual conference in Portland, Ore., on Monday, Oct. 15.

Media Advisory: Ducks Unlimited to host The Big River Thrives Leadership Forum in Memphis

Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., at Ducks Unlimited national headquarters, One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120 - The Big River Thrives brings together leaders and experts from diverse Mississippi River interests to identify critical habitat and ecosystems issues to be discussed within the context of comprehensive river management.

Waterfowl, hunters to benefit from nearly $30 million federal investment

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Sept. 12, 2012 - Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe today announced a landmark investment of nearly $30 million in the future of wetlands, waterfowl and public waterfowl hunting across the country through expanded refuges and hunting programs.

DU supports opening some CRP lands for drought-stricken ranchers

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Aug. 3, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited supports opening certain Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands to haying and grazing during the current drought affecting livestock feed supplies. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack opened nearly 4 million acres of CRP land this week for livestock producers dealing with shortages of hay and pastureland.

Mississippi Ducks Unlimited recognized nationally

RIDGELAND, Miss. – July 23, 2012 – Mississippi Ducks Unlimited State Chairman Keith Hancock of Brooksville was recognized as the number-one state chairman in the nation at DU's 75th Anniversary National Convention in Nashville, Tenn., in May.

Ducks Unlimited celebrates victory for Gulf Coast restoration

Ducks Unlimited is pleased that key elements of the RESTORE Act were included in the Surface Transportation Extension Act reported out of conference committee today.

Mississippi refuge renamed Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR

In honor of his predecessor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Director Dan Ashe joined with friends, conservation partners, FWS employees and the family of former FWS Director Sam Hamilton to unveil a new sign on June 22 that officially renamed Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.

Gulf Coast sportsmen urge passage of transportation bill with Land and Water Conservation Fund and RESTORE Act funding

BATON ROUGE, La. - June 6, 2012 - Key sportsmen's groups in the Gulf Coast region called on Congress today to maintain provisions for funding land conservation and Gulf Coast restoration in their negotiations on a final transportation authorization bill.

Mississippi Increases Funding for Canadian Habitat Work

Dr. Curtis Hopkins, director of operations at DU's Southern Regional Office, and DU regional biologist Tim Willis attended a meeting held by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) Commission in Jackson.

Mississippi senators recognize DU's 75 years of conservation success

JACKSON, Miss. - April 20, 2012 - Mississippi Sens. Roger Wicker and Thad Cochran, along with Arkansas Sens. Mark Pryor and John Boozman, have issued a Senate resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of Ducks Unlimited and lauding the organization's history of conservation success in the state and across North America. The resolution was passed on Thursday.

Mississippi senator helps push NAWCA closer to reauthorization

JACKSON, Miss. - April 2, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited is applauding the efforts of a bipartisan group of senators who this week released S. 2282, legislation that would reauthorize the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) through 2017.

Ducks Unlimited to fire up grill for fun, fundraising

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - March 27, 2012 - The 3rd Annual Ducks Unlimited Pigs In Flight BBQ Competition is coming to DU's national headquarters in Memphis on March 29-31, hosted by Midtown Electric, Cummins Mid South, Drake Waterfowl and Memphis Area Toyota Dealers.

Hinds County Chapter recognized nationally

RIDGELAND, Miss. – March 15, 2012 – The President's Elite are among Ducks Unlimited's most prestigious volunteer chapters throughout the nation. Every year, the list is reserved for the chapters that raise $100,000 or more for DU's habitat conservation work. This past fall, the Hinds County Chapter made the list as one of the organization's best fundraising chapters.

Ducks Unlimited Sweet 16 university chapters recognized for outstanding volunteer, fundraising efforts in 2011

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - March 23, 2012 - Each spring, Ducks Unlimited announces its Sweet 16 list of top-producing volunteer university chapters throughout the nation.

Habitat Enhanced on Mississippi Wildlife Management Areas

Ducks Unlimited recently completed the first phase of a project to enhance waterfowl habitat on Howard Miller Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Issaquena County, Mississippi.

Wetlands conservation leader marks World Water Day

RIDGELAND, Miss. – March 19, 2012 – As the world's leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, Ducks Unlimited is drawing attention to this month's milestone 9th Annual World Water Day.

James C. Kennedy named Conservation/Private Citizen award winner at 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards

ATLANTA - March 16, 2012 - Ducks Unlimited announced today the winners of the 2012 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards during the 77th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, held at the Hilton Atlanta. This year's recipient of the Conservation/Private Citizen award is James C. Kennedy of Atlanta.

Twelve DU conservation projects receive NAWCA grant approval from MBCC, six more from NAWCC

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC) met last week and approved more than $24.5 million in federal grants under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) for partnership-based conservation projects that will protect, restore and enhance more than 146,000 acres of wetlands and associated habitats across the United States and Mexico.

Mississippi Ducks Unlimited Fundraising Staff

Senate vote advances historic conservation funding for Gulf Coast, other key waterfowl habitats

WASHINGTON - March 9, 2012 - After months working side by side with legislators, Ducks Unlimited applauded the Senate's passage of an amendment that could impact not only restoration efforts along the oil-spill-stricken Gulf Coast, but also expand funding for land conservation nationwide.

Ducks Unlimited, partners brief Congress, urge coastal restoration

WASHINGTON - March 5, 2012 - It's been nearly two years since the nation witnessed the largest oil spill in U.S. history. In that time, Congress still has not passed legislation to direct oil spill penalty funds to the Gulf Coast and its multi-billion-dollar natural-resources-based economy.

e-Duck Stamp program reaches Senate

U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (Miss.) and Mark Pryor (Ark.) introduced the Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act, S. 2071, in the Senate yesterday. This bill would make permanent the sale of federal duck stamps online—commonly referred to as the "e-Duck Stamp program."

Expiration of enhanced tax incentives could mean less conservation easement activity in 2012 after banner year in DU's Southern Region

With the looming expiration of enhanced easement tax incentives on Dec. 31, Ducks Unlimited's Southern Region experienced a banner year for donated conservation easements.

Ducks Unlimited celebrates 75 years of conservation success, special event set for Mississippi

Jan. 29 marks Ducks Unlimited's 75th anniversary. Started by four sportsmen on a mission to save North America's waterfowl populations—and the continent's strong waterfowling traditions—DU's humble beginnings came during the Great Depression and one of the worst droughts in history, far from ideal circumstances.

Mississippi: O'Keefe Wildlife Management Area Wetlands Enhancement Project

O'Keefe Wildlife Management Area sits in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley along the Tallahatchie River, an area of regional significance for waterfowl winging their way along the Mississippi Flyway.

DU's 19th Annual Wolf River Sponsor Dinner welcomes Memphis luminaries, celebrates 75 years of conservation success

Special events are scheduled nationwide to mark Ducks Unlimited's 75th anniversary, and DU's hometown of Memphis, Tenn., is no exception. On Friday, Feb. 10, DU will welcome many of the city's most influential figures and local corporate sponsors to its 19th Annual Wolf River Sponsor Dinner at the organization's headquarters.

USA Rice Federation presents Ducks Unlimited with 2011 Distinguished Conservation Achievement Award

The USA Rice Federation presented Ducks Unlimited with its second annual Distinguished Conservation Achievement Award on Dec. 8. The award recognizes exemplary leadership and other major contributions to conservation that significantly benefit natural resources, wildlife and America's communities.

Migration Alert: Duck numbers and available habitat increasing in Mississippi

Dec. 7, 2011: Duck numbers continue to increase in Mississippi and as harsh winter weather hits northern states hunters should expect more.

DU praises congressional vote to honor Sam Hamilton with renamed Mississippi wildlife refuge

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Nov. 15, 2011 - This week, Congress renewed the celebration of the life and legacy of late U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam Hamilton with a vote to rename Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge near Starkville, Miss., as the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee NWR. The renamed refuge would honor the Mississippi native’s lifelong dedication to conservation.

Waterfowl QA with Mark Reed

Recently named "Conservation Officer of the Year" by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the "Mississippi Flyway Officer of the Year" by the Mississippi Flyway Council for his exemplary dedication to protecting and preserving wildlife.

DU Works to Fund Future Mississippi Conservation Efforts

Ducks Unlimited regional biologist Tim Willis recently met with members of the Mississippi Conservation Funding Coalition in Jackson to discuss options for creating a dedicated source of state funding for Mississippi conservation.

DU and NWF take Sportsmen to Meet with Nation’s Leaders

Sportsmen have been calling for coastal marshlands and wetlands to be restored since last year’s oil spill, and to pay for the restoration efforts by ensuring penalties paid by BP under the Clean Water Act be directed back to the Gulf Coast region.

Mississippi Youngsters Attend Waterfowl Hunting and Education Camp

Mississippi youths introduced to the world of waterfowl, conservation and hunting heritage through

Policy News 3-16

DU to sportsmen: Ask Congress to direct oil spill fines back to Gulf Coast restoration; DU helps protect Miss. land grants funding from massive budget cuts; Natural Resources Trustees announce $1 billion down payment for Gulf Coast restoration efforts

Policy News 3-8

Conservation Pays (an op-ed piece by DU CEO Dale Hall); DU biologist attends meeting of coalition aimed at creating a source of state funding for MS conservation

Ducks Unlimited offers wetland mitigation services

Ducks Unlimited has received approval to operate the Mississippi Delta In-Lieu Fee Program to fulfill wetland mitigation requirements for parties authorized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to impact wetlands within the Mississippi Delta.

DU making a difference in the Mississippi Delta

Known as the birthplace of the blues, the inspiration for myriad works of literature and a duck-hunting history as rich as its soil, the Mississippi Delta provides critical habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl.

DU to receive $2.5 million grant for Gulf Coast habitat work

Funds will restore, enhance habitat near Gulf Coast marshes MEMPHIS, Tenn. - June 24, 2010 - Ducks Unlimited was notified today it will receive a $2.5 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to provide additional habitat for waterfowl and other birds that will migrate to the Gulf Coast later this year.

DU scientist, member brief congressional committee on impact of oil spill to waterfowl

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 15, 2010 – This past Friday, more than 150 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate staffs, representatives from a variety of national news programs and other organizations attended a Ducks Unlimited briefing regarding the Gulf Coast oil spill and its potential impacts on waterfowl.

Gulf Coast marshes losing ability to support waterfowl, study says

GCJV study reveals significant waterfowl food deficits LAFAYETTE, La. - June 10, 2010 - Gulf Coast Joint Venture (GCJV) scientists recently completed analyses demonstrating that the massive losses of coastal wetlands during the past half-century have reduced the capacity of Gulf Coast marshes to support wintering waterfowl.

Ducks Unlimited - Gulf Coast Oil Spill Response

First and foremost, Ducks Unlimited's thoughts and prayers go out to the oil rig workers and their families who have been affected by this accident. As oil from the Louisiana spill moves ashore and into the wetland ecosystems along the Gulf Coast, DU wants to remind volunteers, members and supporters of the region's fragility and its importance to North America's waterfowl.

Ducks Unlimited lauds new roadmap for Gulf Coast restoration

Ducks Unlimited looks forward to working with the Administration to implement their plan to streamline and coordinate restoration efforts along the Gulf Coast. The plan, developed under the leadership of the President’s Council on Environmental Quality, brings together stakeholders from the states, federal government, and organizations like Ducks Unlimited to expedite landscape restoration efforts.

Mississippi Alluvial Valley waterfowl hunters search for answers

Waterfowl seasons throughout the country are now officially closed. Die-hard waterfowl hunters are starting to feel the first symptoms of post-season regret. "Could I have hunted more? Could I have hunted in better places? Were my decoys wrong? Do I need a new gun?" Most importantly, this season many hunters are asking, "Where were the ducks?" Here are a few answers that might help solve the puzzling riddle many hunters faced in the Mid-South.

Hopkins named Conservationist of the Year

RIDGELAND, Miss. - Jan. 25, 2010 - The Mississippi Wildlife Federation has selected Curtis Hopkins, Ph.D., as their 2009 Conservationist of the Year. Hopkins, director of Ducks Unlimited's Southern Region, has been contributing to conservation for nearly 40 years.

Deke tweets his training and hunting experiences

Have you been looking for updates on Deke the DU Dog? What about training tips from Mike Stewart and Wildrose Kennels? Deke now has his very own Twitter page, so you'll be able to get both.

Mississippi Connection Project

The Missouri Coteau of south central Saskatchewan provides an array of wetland and upland habitat for North America’s waterfowl. This landscape produces waterfowl that winter and migrate through Mississippi, and Major Sponsors in Mississippi truly understand and appreciate the importance of habitat conservation projects in Canada.

Ducks Unlimited honors Mississippi conservationists

Mississippi Heroes of Conservation Event - Nearly 300 people gathered at the Hilton in Jackson to honor eight Heroes of Conservation. Ducks Unlimited hosted the evening to celebrate the conservation accomplishments of these men.

Two Mississippi National Wildlife Refuges Enhanced

Work on two National Wildlife Refuges within the Theodore Roosevelt NWR Complex begins this summer. Ducks Unlimited engineers have worked with refuge managers to prepare plans to enhance wetland habitat on Morgan Brake NWR and Panther Swamp NWR. The project is funded through a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant and through a grant from the Walker Foundation.

Ducks Unlimited Honors Mississippi Heroes of Conservation

Ducks Unlimited will recognize eight Mississippians for their individual conservation commitments in Jackson, Miss., August 1. The Heroes of Conservation evening, including; dinner, honors presentation, conservation program presentations and an auction, will be held at the Hilton of Jackson.

Wood Ducks Get New Homes

Singing River Ducks Unlimited Chapter Helping Area Wood Ducks Nest Safely PASCAGOULA, Miss., – One hundred sturdy wood duck boxes were built by Singing River Ducks Unlimited Chapter members and area volunteers, Saturday, April 25, 2009. The project was held in conjunction with the Pascagoula River Nature Festival in Moss Point, Miss.

Mississippi Youth Learn About Conservation

325 5th graders from Grenada Upper Elementary School in Grenada, Mississippi had the opportunity to learn about a variety of wildlife and natural resources conservation in April. A Conservation Field Day, coordinated by Ashley Kellum with the Grenada Soil and Water Conservation District, had booths run by Ducks Unlimited, Keep Mississippi Beautiful, Green Thumb Garden Club, Miss. Forestry Commission, Miss. RC&D, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Americorps, Miss. State University 4-H Extension Service, GUES Science and Discovery Lab, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Grenada Soil and Water Conservation District, Grenada Garden Club, and the Elizabeth Jones Library.

Mississippi Native Wins Conservation Achievement Award

DU’s Wetland Achievement Awards recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the restoration and conservation of North America’s wetlands and waterfowl. The awards are presented in six categories. This year’s recipient for the Conservation/Private Citizen award is Will Primos of Madison, Mississippi.

DU attempts run at Guinness Book of World Records

DU attempts run at Guinness Book of World Records SOUTHAVEN, Miss. - Feb. 3, 2009 - Desoto County, Miss., DU Chapter called their way into the Guinness Book of World Records on Saturday Jan. 31, 2009 at the Desoto Civic Center during the Mississippi RiverKings hockey game.

Children Create a Waterfowl Legacy in Mississippi

Ducks Unlimited recently celebrated its more than 130 Legacy Greenwing members in Mississippi by dedicating an Oktibbeha County wildlife area project in their honor. Nearly 100 DU Greenwing youth, parents and grandparents joined members of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) and DU volunteers and staff to place three plaques at the Trim Cane Wildlife Area.

MSU and Ducks Unlimited Educate the Next Generation of Conservationists

Ducks Unlimited (DU) partnered with Mississippi State University’s College of Forest Resources (CFR) to educate Summer Camp attendees about wetlands and waterfowl conservation and awarded each attendee a DU Greenwing membership. The Natural Resources Summer Camp, open to youth 14-17, is designed to help interested students explore career paths in the natural resources fields and to promote good stewardship of the environment.

Mississippi high school student donates $1100 to Ducks Unlimited

A local high school senior raised $1100 dollars for Ducks Unlimited in a recent golf tournament. Matt Massingill, an avid duck hunter and golfer, developed the fundraiser as part of his senior project.

The Trimcane Project: Mississippi's First legacy Greenwing Project

Would you like to have your child or grandchild’s name cast in a bronze plaque at the Trimcane Project in Starkville, Mississippi, and know that the wetlands restored and protected there will provide important habitat for waterfowl and wildlife for future generations?

Ducks Unlimited Celebrates World Wetlands Day with Youth

Ducks Unlimited hosts youth waterfowl hunts in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Kentucky and Tennessee this weekend. These hunts fall on World Wetlands Day, a day to celebrate and share the importance of wetlands world-wide. Attendees have the opportunity to make a personal connection with wetlands through waterfowl hunting.

Ducks Unlimited- Serving the South

Projects on Public Lands in Mississippi and Louisiana Increase Hunting Opportunities Duck hunting has been highly variable in the South in recent winters. Biologists can point to no single cause, but mild weather through the winter period is surely a significant factor. When Old Man Winter does make an appearance, however, Ducks Unlimited is working to assure that sufficient habitat exists in the South to accommodate waterfowl and waterfowl hunters.

Farm bill program reimburses wetland restoration costs - MS

MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 12, 2007 – Every year, the Environmental Working Group, a public interest watchdog organization, releases a list of payments the U.S. Department of Agriculture makes for programs it administers through the farm bill. These payments are commonly referred to as “subsidy” payments. A subsidy is funds paid by the government to a private entity for the “good” of the public. The latest report was released Tuesday.

Bruce Lewis elected Ducks Unlimited President

MEMPHIS, Tenn., June 4, 2007 - Longtime Ducks Unlimited volunteer and national officer Bruce Lewis of Natchez, Mississippi, was elected president of Ducks Unlimited at the 70th Annual Ducks Unlimited Convention in Anchorage, Alaska. Lewis succeeds Dr. Jim Hulbert, who is now the wetlands and waterfowl conservation organization’s chairman of the board.

Conservation programs remain a critical tool for Miss. farmers

CLARKSDALE, Miss., May 29, 2007 - Coahoma County farmer, Taylor Flowers, Jr. traveled to Washington D.C. last week to meet with representatives, senators and other policymakers about reauthorizing Farm Bill conservation programs, among them the Conservation Reserve Program and Wetlands Reserve Program. Flowers met individually with Miss. Reps. Chip Pickering, Gene Taylor, Bennie Thompson, and Roger Wicker, and Miss. Senators Thad Cochran and Trent Lott and their staff.

DU wetlands work restores black bear habitat

MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 21, 2007 - A mother black bear gave birth to twin cubs in Mississippi earlier this year on land restored by Ducks Unlimited through the Wetlands Reserve Program. It was the first time in more than 30 years that black bear cubs were born in Mississippi.

What’s wrong with WRP? - MS

RIDGELAND, Miss., April 4, 2007 - Mississippi duck hunters and farmers are losing a once robust wetlands conservation program. After conserving almost 160,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands critical to waterfowl in Mississippi, the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is near death in Mississippi and other southern states. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the federal agency that administers WRP, is getting fewer participants since the program’s land appraisal process changed in 2006.

Youth Duck Hunt Inspires Young Hunters

RIDGELAND, Miss., Feb. 14, 2007 – Young hunters, ages 7 to 15, recently enjoyed a weekend of winter outdoor fun while attending Ducks Unlimited sponsored youth hunts in Mississippi and Kentucky. State regulated youth-only waterfowl hunting seasons provide opportunities for adults to introduce kids to the joy of duck hunting.

Mississippi State University Announces Waterfowl Scholarship

MISSISSIPPI STATE, Miss., Dec. 18, 2006 – The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at Mississippi State University (MSU) is accepting applications for the Scenic Homes “Dr. Richard M. Kaminski” scholarship in waterfowl and wetlands conservation. This is an $8,000 annually renewable scholarship available to high school seniors and undergraduates interested in pursuing careers in waterfowl and wetlands science and conservation at MSU.

DU and Partners to Enhance Malmaison WMA in Mississippi

DU has been awarded a North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant to enhance 1,030 acres of forested wetlands habitat on Malmaison WMA in Grenada Co., MS.

Demonstration to show beneficial and legal waterfowl management techniques

A Waterfowl Management Field-Day will be held on October 21st at Charleston Farms just outside of Charleston, MS in Tallahatchie County. If you’re a landowner, hunter, or a waterfowl enthusiast, don’t miss this event

Ducks Unlimited Honors MSU Professor Dr. Rick Kaminski for Contributions to Wetland Conservation

STARKVILLE, Miss., March 27, 2006 – Ducks Unlimited honored Mississippi State University Professor Dr. Rick Kaminski at the 71st North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, in Columbus, Ohio, by awarding him its Wetland Conservation Achievement Award. Because of his life-long commitment to wetlands and waterfowl, Dr. Rick Kaminski distinguished himself as the research professional deserving this award.

Ducks Unlimited Honors Senator Thad Cochran for Contributions to Wetland Conservation - MS

JACKSON, Miss., Mar. 27, 2006 – Ducks Unlimited announced that Mississippi Senator Thad Cochran is the recipient of its 2006 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award at the 71st North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, in Columbus, Ohio.

Wetland Restoration at OKeefe WMA to be Completed with Help from Ducks Unlimited and NAWCA

Restoration of wetland functions are essential to return this vast area within the Lower Mississippi Valley (LMV) into a sustainable ecosystem, says Chis Cole, Director of Conservation Programs for Ducks Unlimited (DU) when asked about the significance of this project.

Cross Honored at Restoration Project Dedication Ceremony in Mississippi

Former Ducks Unlimited staff member Billy Joe Cross was the guest of honor in March 2004 when the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) dedicated a 250-acre wetland restoration project at the O'Keefe Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

Ducks Unlimited Honors the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

Mississippi's Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks received a Silver State Grant Award from Ducks Unlimited at their July Commission meeting. The Commission received the award in recognition of the Department's contributions of more than $500,000 to Ducks Unlimited since 1977 in support of habitat conservation activities on the Canadian breeding grounds.

Habitat Project Completed at Askew WMA

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU) and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE), Vicksburg District, are pleased to announce the completion of a wetlands enhancement project at Askew Wildlife Management Area in Tunica County, Mississippi.

Walker Foundation Continues Its Support of Scientific Research

The Walker Foundation of Jackson, Mississippi, recently awarded a generous grant of $65,000 to Ducks Unlimited's Southern Regional Office to further develop its conservation planning information.

DU's Babcock Receives Prestigious Wildlife Award

Ducks Unlimited's Ken Babcock received the prestigious C.W. Watson Award from the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for a lifetime of outstanding contributions to wildlife management. The award was presented Tuesday evening in St. Louis, Mo. at the group's annual meeting. Babcock is director of operations for DU's Southern Regional Office in Jackson, Miss.

DU and Forest Service Partner to Enhance Wetlands on Delta National Forest

RIDGELAND, Miss., Dec. 1, 2005 — Ducks Unlimited and the USDA Forest Service just finished work on more than 85 acres of waterfowl habitat on Rookery Lake at Delta National Forest (DNF) in Sharkey County, Mississippi. The project required the installation of one cast-in-place concrete stoplog structure, refurbishment of water distribution ditches, and removal of woody vegetation from within the forested wetland...

Phase II Habitat Project Completed at Mahannah WMA - MS

More than 425 acres of land at the Mahannah Wildlife Management Area is now waterfowl and wildlife habitat as part of an improvement...

Ducks Unlimited’s 2006 Mississippi Youth Hunt a Success - MS

RIDGELAND, Miss., Feb. 16, 2006 – Forty-seven youths attended the inaugural Ducks Unlimited Youth Duck Hunt in northwest Mississippi on Feb. 3-5. The event was organized by Ducks Unlimited (DU) Regional Vice President, Dr. Ronal Roberson and involved cooperation from DU volunteers and staff, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and several duck clubs and private landowners.

House Resources Chairman Wants Gulf Coastal Wetlands Restored - LA

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2006 - House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo (Calif.) says coastal wetlands restoration is "absolutely critical" for the stability of the Gulf Coast region and for its wildlife. In a letter sent to House Appropriations Chairman Jerry Lewis (Calif.), Pombo asked that money President Bush requested last month for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also be available for coastal wetlands restoration.

Faces of the Gulf Coast: Tommy and Emmy Ware

Tommy and Emmy Ware, father-daughter hunters and fishermen from Diamondhead, Mississippi, share their oil spill story.

Southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's habitat conservation work in the Southeastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont priority area

Mississippi Alluvial Valley

An overview of Ducks Unlimited's Mississippi Alluvial Valley priority area.

Dr. Tom Moorman's Letter on the Gulf Coast

A letter from Dr. Tom Moorman, head of DU's Gulf Coast Response Team, on the state of Gulf Coast habitat before and after the oil spill

Cypress Bayou - Delta National Forest

To enhance 18-acre scrub/shrub impoundment on Delta National Forest installation of a new water control structure and construction of a new levee. The new water control structure is comprised of a 30-inch pipe, 63 feet in length with a full round riser.

Delta National Forest - Greentree #8, Wetlands Enhancement Project

To enhance 490-acre greentree impoundment on Delta National Forest through replacement of one water control structure. The new water control structure is made from 30-inch pipe, 119 feet in length with a screw gate to control the flow of water.

Delta National Forest - Fordice Tract Wetlands Enhancement Project

To enhance 140-acres greentree impoundment on Delta National Forest through replacement of 10 water control structures. The new water control structures are made from 24-inch pipes that ranged from 40 to 65 feet in length.

Where Mississippi's Ducks Come From

The Prairie Pothole Region is critical to Mississippi waterfowl hunters. The vast majority of Mississippi’s annual duck harvest migrates to us from the Prairie Pothole Region, also referred to as “the duck factory”. In addition, we receive a significant number of mallards from the Great Lakes region every fall and winter.

Malmaison WMA Wetlands Enhancement Project

To replace failing infrastructure and improve habitat management capabilities of the area. The improvements at Malmaison WMA began with the renovation of levees, removal of existing pipes and installation of new water control structures.

McCann Bayou- Beaver Pond Wetland

To improve habitat management capabilities and enhance habitat for waterfowl and other wetland dependent species on Delta National Forest through installation of 2 pipes equipped with full round risers. The project work consisted of removing 3 existing pipes under a Forest Service road and replacing them with the 2 new pipes.

Delta National Forest - Rookery Lake Enhancement

To enhance 85 acres of flooded cypress/buttonbush slough and inclusive moist-soil wetlands on Delta National Forest. The project required the installation of one cast-in-place concrete stoplog structure, refurbishment of water distribution ditches, and removal of woody vegetation from within the forested wetland.

Mahannah WMA

Mahannah WMA is depicted in the following photo.

Mahannah WMA - Phase II Habitat Project

To enhance 425 acres of important waterfowl habitat on Mahannah WMA through installation of water control structures and construction of external levees. Wetland engineers from the DU Southern Regional Office surveyed, designed and developed six impoundments with 13 associated water control structures.

Mississippi Conservation Projects

Ducks Unlimited habitat conservation projects in Mississippi. These projects benefit waterfowl, other wildlife and people. View sample projects, project map and more.

OKeefe WMA - Wetlands Restoration Project

To restore and enhance 1,535 acres of critical waterfowl habitat on OKeefe WMA through installation of several water control structures, construction of terrace levees, and installation of diesel pumps and water distribution system. This project provides valuable foraging habitat to migrating and wintering waterfowl along the Tallahatchie River.

Dahomey NWR - Moist Soil Restoration

To restore 124 acres of moist-soil habitat on Dahomey NWR through installation of 5 water control structures and construction of 10,000 linear feet of perimeter and internal cross-levees. Two water wells are located adjacent to the site and can be used to flood the area if precipitation is inadequate.

Mahannah WMA - Wetlands Enhancement Project

To enhance 772 acres of important waterfowl habitat on Mahannah WMA through installation of water control structures and construction of external levees. This project provides valuable foraging habitat to migrating and wintering waterfowl near the Yazoo River.

Delta National Forest

Here is a depiction of the Delta National Forest sign.

Panther Swamp NWR - Forested Wetlands Restoration

To restore 200 acres of forested wetlands habitat on Panther Swamp NWR through installation of two water control structures and renovation of interior levees. Previously, beaver activity had prevented managers from removing water during spring and summer months, thus killing bottomland hardwood trees.

Askew WMA - Wetlands Enhancement Project

To enhance 400 acres of moist-soil habitat on Askew WMA through installation of a well and electric pump. The project, which will positively impact over 400 acres, required the installation of a well and electric pump, and the construction of more than one mile of overhead three-phase power line. DU, through its MARSH program, provided funding to offset costs associated with the well and pump, while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) covered expenses related to the power line and for repairs to levees and water control structures.

Coldwater River NWR - Catfish Ponds Enhancement

To enhance approximately 253 acres of moist-soil habitat on Coldwater River NWR through levee refurbishment and installation of water control structures. The project involves reworking the existing levees on 14 old catfish ponds and installing a new water control structure in each unit. DU completed the initial engineering survey / design of wetland units and provided management oversight for project construction.

Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge

This page is about the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge.

Noxubee NWR - GTR #4 Enhancement

To enhance 500 acres of green-tree reservoir on Noxubee NWR through installation of two 60-inch diameter pipes with flashboard risers. GTR #4 was abandoned during the late 1970s due to drainage problems and uncontrolled beaver populations. This impoundment contains a mature stand of bottomland hardwoods including Nuttall, willow, water, and cherrybark oaks.

Noxubee NWR - Moist-soil Restoration

To enhance 450 acres of moist-soil habitat on Noxubee NWR through installation of a water control structure and extension of perimeter levee. GTR #3 was constructed in the late 1960s, but the majority of its timber died as a result of beaver activity in the early 1970s. The impoundment has been managed for moist-soil seed production since that time, but water levels have been difficult to manage due to an inadequate water control structure.

Upper Sardis WMA - Bagley Bottoms Waterfowl Area

To enhance 200 acres of moist-soil habitat and flooded agricultural fields on Upper Sardis WMA through installation of 4 water control structures and construction perimeter levee. Bagley Bottoms was acquired by the U.S. Forest Service in 1991 and is currently being managed in conjunction with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

Wildcat Brake WMA - Moist-soil Restoration

To enhance 200 acres of moist-soil habitat on Wildcat Brake WMA through installation of five water control structures and construction of small perimeter levees. This WMA consists of 1,800 acres of wildlife habitat and provides excellent opportunities for deer hunting, duck hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Springdale WMA - Wetlands Restoration Project

To enhance 600 acres of wetlands habitat on Springdale WMA through installation of three water control structures and construction of small perimeter levees. The water level in Enid Lake is typically drawn-down during fall months in preparation for flood control.

Delta National Forest - Long Bayou Enhancement

To enhance 2,000 acres of flooded sloughs and adjacent bottomland hardwoods on Delta National Forest through installation of 5 water control structures. The Long Bayou Project involves the improvement of existing water control structures and the modification of drainage patterns that have been affected by beaver activity.

Delta National Forest - Stringer Lakes Restoration

To enhance 500 acres of flooded cypress/buttonbush sloughs and adjacent bottomland hardwoods on Delta National Forest through installation of 1 weir structure and construction of small levee. Although cypress sloughs hold permanent water, this project will provide more management capabilities for the area.

Delta National Forest - Dummy Line Restoration

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