North Dakota Duck Factory

Fall 2009 Ducks Unlimited helps North Dakota Achieve a

Major Habitat Milestone Nesting Re- Scott J. McLeod search DU Governmental Affairs Representative Great Plains Regional Office, Bismarck, ND Pg. 7 In December 2008, North Dakota reached a restore or enhance more than 1 million acres of habitat milestone through the North American grassland and wetland habitat. Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) that, to NAWCA was enacted in 1989, in part, to this point, is unequalled by any other state in the support activities of the North American U. S. Since 1990, conservation organizations Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP). have worked primarily with private landowners NAWCA helps fulfill the mission of NAWMP Who lives in across North Dakota and utilized funding from by promoting partnerships and leveraging non- the Duck NAWCA and non-federal sources to protect, federal funds to protect, restore, enhance and Factory? Continued on Page 2 Pg. 8 NAWCA $26,225,685 Ducks Unlimited $11,959,696 ND Game and Fish Department $11,738,361 ND Natural Resources Trust $3,549,343 The Nature Conservancy $1,638,155 Friends and Delta Waterfowl Foundation $763,000 Neighbor Day Audobon Society $50,200 Pg. 9 National Wildlife Federation $7,500 Pheasants Forever $5,000 National Wild Turkey Federation $4,000 Other National NGO/Foundation $792,000 US Fish and Wildlife Service $13,045,192 Other Federal Government $2,698,646 Youth Hunt- Landowner Contributions $2,056,008 ing Clinic State/Local Assocations $692,414 Pg. 12 Corporations $376,229 Other State/Local Gov't Entities $805,037

Indian Tribes $43,288

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NON PROFIT ORG PROFIT NON National Headquarters, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Inc. Unlimited, Ducks Headquarters, National ND NAWCA from Page 1 manage wetland and associated remarkable achievement and upland habitats for migratory has contributed nearly $12 birds and other wildlife. million towards the protection, Habitat conservation projects restoration and enhancement completed in North Dakota of these critically important with NAWCA funds not only wetland and grassland habitats. benefit nesting waterfowl but The PPR, which includes also provide essential habitat for eastern North Dakota, is one of other species like ring-necked the most significant landscapes pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse, for breeding waterfowl in North grassland nesting songbirds and America and is also one of DU’s shorebirds, waterbirds and deer. highest conservation priority Since 1990, 48 grants have areas. While the protection and DU Volunteers Get been approved across the state restoration of 1 million acres is Engaged of North Dakota. The vast a tremendous accomplishment majority of those grants were there is much more work to be At this May’s 70/70 banquet in directed at the Prairie Pothole done. Loss of wetlands, native Jamestown, two DU volunteers Region (PPR), located north grasslands and Conservation became engaged. Jeremy Thury and east of the Missouri River. Reserve Program (CRP) summoned all of his courage and More than $26 million in grasslands continue to provide asked, his now fiancé, Melissa 667-4524 • 1-800-814-9185 conservation challenges in the Martin in front of about 175 fellow 1417 39 th Ave SE NAWCA grant funds have been leveraged with more than $34.5 PPR of North Dakota, but DU DU supporters to be his wife. On the Strip • Mandan is committed to NAWCA and Randy & Patti Martin and Rick million non-federal and $15.5 & Nancy Thury, parents of the www.actionsportspolaris.com other conservation efforts that million federal funds. Total happy couple were in attendance funding exceeds $76 million. will help preserve our valuable waterfowl resources for future to witness the magnificent event. Ducks Unlimited (DU) has generations to enjoy. Jeremy and Melissa first met at a been a key partner in this 70/70 banquet in 2007. Jeremy felt that it would only be appropriate to propose where they first met. Jeremy and Melissa are both excellent volunteers for DU. Melissa is the State Greenwing Chairperson as well as the Jamestown Ladies Chairperson. Jeremy serves as a Zone Chairman as well as Area Chairman for • 10" Sensus Memory • Lobby Lounge multiple chapters. Foam Mattresses • Fitness Center Congratulations Jeremy and Melissa!! • Minot’s Largest Indoor • Business Center Pool and Jacuzzi • High Speed • Primo Dining Room Internet and Coffee Shop • HBO 1505 N. Broadway • Minot, ND • 852-3161 • Sunday Brunch Served Call Toll Free for Reservations 1-800-735-4493 from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm www.internationalinn.com “Where the REST is Easy” GREAT LUNCH POKER • KENO 1101 West Towne Glendive, Montana (406) 377-6120

Page 2 • Fall 2009 Ducks Unlimited - North Dakota Duck Factory 2009 Duck Numbers Up July 2, 2009 – The U.S. Fish and Habitat conditions in 2009 were continent including the setting As might be expected, most Wildlife Service (FWS) released mostly a good news scenario. of hunting regulations. The four breeding populations increased as its preliminary report today on Conditions across the southern Flyway Councils will meet in late habitat conditions significantly mid-continent breeding ducks portions of the Canadian and U.S July to recommend and adopt the improved from 2008 to 2009. Of the and habitats, based on surveys prairies improved considerably from season structure and bag limits commonly surveyed species four of conducted in May and early June. 2008. for 2009-10. Individual states will the 10 showed a significant increase, Total duck populations were However, drought remained in make their specific selections within and six of 10 were significantly estimated at 42 million breeding some parts of the traditional survey a federal framework of season above their long-term averages. ducks on the surveyed area. This area, including western portions length, bag limit, and outside dates. The mallard population increased estimate represents a 13-percent of the Prairie Pothole Region. Hunters should check their state’s 10 percent above last year. An increase over last year’s estimate of Southern Alberta saw a decrease rules for final dates. estimated 8.5 million mallards were 37.3 million birds and is 25 percent in ponds of 19 percent. This area The 2009 report is filled with on traditionally surveyed areas above the 1955-2008 long-term contrasted sharply with record positive news for all duck species. this spring, compared to last year’s average. amounts of snow and rainfall in the Continued on Page 4 “The increase in duck numbers in Dakotas. The north-central U.S., relation to the increase in habitat which includes the Dakotas, saw a conditions is consistent with what 108 percent increase in total ponds. we would expect to see in U.S. and Above average snowfall this winter Canadian breeding grounds this and considerable precipitation spring,” said Ducks Unlimited’s in late spring recharged wetlands Executive Vice President Don across the Dakotas and eastern Young. “History has repeatedly Montana. shown that when water returns to The Canadian parklands received the breeding grounds ducks respond below-normal precipitation, but with a strong breeding effort.” waterfowl habitat in this area In addition to extensive grassland continued to benefit from above- cover, one of the most important normal precipitation received in elements in duck breeding success 2007. In the Boreal Forest, spring is the amount of water present in break-up was delayed as much as portions of prairie and parkland three weeks and most large lakes Canada and north-central United across the region remained frozen States. Total pond counts for in early June. Overall habitat the United States and Canada conditions in this important region combined showed 6.4 million were considered good. ponds, a 45-percent increase from The FWS spring surveys provide last year’s estimate, and 31 percent the scientific basis for many above the long-term average. management programs across the

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nd.ducks.org Fall 2009 • Page 3 Duck Numbers from Page 3 estimate of 7.7 million birds and northern shoveler and redheads. Wet and dry cycles, where water “Habitat is the core factor driving are now 13 percent above the long- Estimated American wigeon levels fluctuate over time, are the health of duck populations term average. abundance was similar to 2008 vital components of maintaining and the size of the fall flight,” “The increase in breeding mallard and the long-term (-1 percent wetland productivity. This is true said Humburg. “Habitat also is populations to numbers above and -5 percent, respectively). for all wetlands, but is especially a key for waterfowl in migration their long-term average could very Although canvasbacks increased important for the prairie potholes and for hunters. This year, spring well be good news for hunters,” significantly from 2008 they were of the northern plains. While and early summer flooding in the said DU’s Chief Biologist Dale not significantly different in number hunters and ducks rejoice with Midwest and South, drought in Humburg. “Although we also know from the long-term. the return of water, droughts are some portions of the Prairies, and that migration timing and local extremely dry conditions in parts conditions will also be important in of the west, could affect migration this fall’s hunting prospects.” 2009 Estimates of May Ponds and hunting habitat.” Improvement in water conditions Other notable increases from and Breeding Ducks (in millions) 2008 include canvasbacks (+35 is only part of the story. Water % Change % Change from without nesting cover does little to percent), northern shovelers (+25 Species 2008 2009 From 2008 Long-term Avg. percent) and northern pintails (+23 improve the duck outlook. As good May Ponds (U.S. & as the news is this week, waterfowl percent). Pintail numbers increased 4.431 6.434 +45 +31 Canada and prairie habitats continue to for the first time since 2006, but Total Ducks 37.276 42.005 +13 +25 remain 20 percent below the long- face greater long-term threats. term average. Mallard 7.724 8.512 +10 +13 Grassland habitat is under siege Gadwall 2.728 3.054 +12 +73 on many fronts and is being lost “The return of water to the American Wigeon 2.487 2.469 -1 -5 at alarming rates. The U.S. Prairie north-central U.S. and much of Pothole Region lost more than Prairie Canada improved much of Green-winged teal 2.980 3.444 +16 +79 1.2 million Conservation Reserve the core pintail breeding area,” said Blue-winged teal 6.640 7.384 +11 +60 Program (CRP) acres since 2007 Humburg. “The strong wetland Northern shoveler 3.508 4.376 +25 +92 (another 3.1 million acres will conditions likely will lead to Northern pintail 2.613 3.225 +23 -20 expire by 2012), and more than 3.3 increased pintail production and Redhead 1.056 1.044 -1 +62 million acres of native prairie are much needed recruitment into the projected to be lost during the next Canvas 0.489 0.662 +35 +16 fall flight.” five years. Scaup 3.738 4.172 +12 -18 Scaup numbers were above four “There has never been a time million for the first time since 2000. important in rejuvenating wetlands. more important than today to Breeding scaup numbers, however, Since 1990, surveys have been maintain our focus on restoring and conducted in eastern North As evident by this year, dedication remain 18 percent below their long- to conservation, even through protecting these habitats, so when term average and continue to be a America. Good habitat was found wet conditions return, ducks can across the eastern survey area. dry cycles, can pay off when water species of concern. returns to the prairies and wetlands continue to successfully produce Population estimates for the 10 future generations,” said Young. Other species above the long- most abundant species surveyed again teem with breeding waterfowl term averages were gadwall, green- were similar to last year and to the and other wildlife. For details of the Trends in Duck winged teal, blue-winged teal, 1990-2008 averages. Breeding Populations, 1955-2009 GRAIN BINS Country RV Crews Available • We Ship Anywhere • Call for Catalog Park, LLC 4398 62nd Ave. NE PO Box 132 Minnewaukan, ND McClusky, ND 58351-0132 • Open 7 Days a week, breakfast, lunch, dinner Quiet Relaxing Getaway • Bar Open Mon-Sat 3 pm - 1 amGerman • 17 RV Sites w/Full Hookup • On/Off Sale Food “Darn Fine Decoys” • 2 Drive-through Lots • 2 RV Sites w/Water • Grill Open Evenings Specials & Electric, 20, 30, 50 amp • Seasonal & Fans, Floors, Vents, Temp Sensors, • Catering & Chuck Wagon Service Overnight Camping • Pets Welcome! Power Sweep, Duct Systems Prime Rib every www.sillosocks.com • Playground/Horseshoes • Shower house 1-800-467-5346 2 mi. W. of Minnewaukan, 1 mi. S. Saturday evening! Chris & Wanda Teigen, Owners ONE MILE WEST OF 307-265-2323 (701) 351-7297 MCCLUSKY ON HIGHWAY 200 [email protected] Jon Tonneson www.countryrvpark.com Newburg • 272-6380 701-363-2704

Page 4 • Fall 2009 Ducks Unlimited - North Dakota Duck Factory report visit the FWS Migratory Bird Other species above the long- of the northern plains. While as the news is this week, waterfowl Web site at: http://www.fws.gov/ term averages were gadwall, green- hunters and ducks rejoice with and prairie habitats continue to face migratorybirds/ winged teal, blue-winged teal, the return of water, droughts are greater long-term threats. Grassland Other notable increases from northern shoveler and redheads. important in rejuvenating wetlands. habitat is under siege on many 2008 include canvasbacks (+35 Estimated American wigeon As evident by this year, dedication fronts and is being lost at alarming percent), northern shovelers (+25 abundance was similar to 2008 to conservation, even through rates. The U.S. Prairie Pothole percent) and northern pintails (+23 and the long-term (-1 percent dry cycles, can pay off when water Region lost more than 1.2 million percent). Pintail numbers increased and -5 percent, respectively). returns to the prairies and wetlands Conservation Reserve Program for the first time since 2006, but Although canvasbacks increased again teem with breeding waterfowl (CRP) acres since 2007 (another remain 20 percent below the long- significantly from 2008 they were and other wildlife. 3.1 million acres will expire by not significantly different in number term average. “Habitat is the core factor driving 2012), and more than 3.3 million from the long-term. acres of native prairie are projected “The return of water to the the health of duck populations to be lost during the next five years. north-central U.S. and much of Since 1990, surveys have been and the size of the fall flight,” Prairie Canada improved much of conducted in eastern North said Humburg. “Habitat also is “There has never been a time America. Good habitat was found the core pintail breeding area,” said a key for waterfowl in migration more important than today to across the eastern survey area. Humburg. “The strong wetland and for hunters. This year, spring maintain our focus on restoring and Population estimates for the 10 conditions likely will lead to protecting these habitats, so when most abundant species surveyed and early summer flooding in the increased pintail production and Midwest and South, drought in wet conditions return, ducks can much needed recruitment into the were similar to last year and to the 1990-2008 averages. some portions of the Prairies, and continue to successfully produce fall flight.” extremely dry conditions in parts of future generations,” said Young. Scaup numbers were above four Wet and dry cycles, where water the west, could affect migration and levels fluctuate over time, are For details of the Trends in Duck million for the first time since 2000. hunting habitat.” Breeding Populations, 1955-2009 Breeding scaup numbers, however, vital components of maintaining wetland productivity. This is true Improvement in water conditions report visit the FWS Migratory Bird remain 18 percent below their long- is only part of the story. Water Web site at: http://www.fws.gov/ term average and continue to be a for all wetlands, but is especially important for the prairie potholes without nesting cover does little to migratorybirds/ species of concern. improve the duck outlook. As good

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nd.ducks.org Fall 2009 • Page 5 2009 Hunting Season Opening Dates in ND September 1 – Mourning Dove 4 – Deer Bow, Pronghorn Bow 7 – Early Canada Goose Missouri River Zone Closes, Falconry Special Extended Season – Snipe, Coots, Ducks & Mergansers 12 – Sharp-tailed Grouse, Hungarian Partridge, Ruffed Grouse, Tree Squirrel Des Lacs Greenwing Day 18 – Youth Deer Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge hosted the annual Greenwing 19 – Youth Waterfowl Weekend, Sandhill Crane, day event on August 15. A cool, wet morning couldn’t stop about 60 Snipe, Woodcock kids from learning about waterfowling and the great outdoors. This 26 – Early Resident Waterfowl year the kids learned about dog training, waterfowl law enforcement, falconry, art, duck calling and archery. The event is sponsored by the Kenmare Goosefest, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ND Game and Fish October Department, Berthold Sportsmen’s Club and Ducks Unlimited. 2 – Pronghorn Gun The art station had the kids draw a duck and the top winner, as 3 – Regular Waterfowl, Youth Pheasant selected by the volunteers, was Sarah Minick. Sarah drew a Redhead. 10 – Pheasant, Pinnated Grouse, Fall Turkey 17 – Pheasant Delayed (Parts of Williams & McKenzie Counties) November 6 – Deer Gun 27 – Deer Muzzleloader The dates provided may change. Please check all regulations or call the ND Game and Fish Department at 701-328-6300 or visit the ND Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov Real Estate with Honesty,

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Page 6 • Fall 2009 Ducks Unlimited - North Dakota Duck Factory Nesting Research Update Duck nesting activity in the Missouri Coteau was winding down by mid-July and the Ducks Unlimited research crews finished nest searching on July 15. Hens that had successful hatches are busy attending to their ducklings and many broods could be seen. This year, frequent rainstorms have maintained and improved the wetland conditions on the landscape which has given hens many places to rear their ducklings. DU’s research crews witnessed 800 hatched nests for the year and all indications are that nesting success overall was quite good for the ducks that bred across the research sites. The excellent wetland conditions that exist across the Dakotas should yield excellent brood survival resulting (92 hatched nests). across the board but the wettest embedded in cropland are being in a very good fall population. Last month, the U.S. Fish and conditions clearly exist in the U.S. drained and otherwise degraded. One study site (Lostwood site 8) prairies this year. The loss of these critical habitat is especially noteworthy this year. Wildlife Service released their report (2009 Waterfowl Status) The improved wetland components fragments the Lostwood site 8 has large blocks grassland landscape and reduces of CRP and a whopping 103 nests on the number of breeding pairs conditions are cause for celebration of ducks surveyed across the key and part of the natural cycle breeding success. Everyone hatched on this site. This site across the continent needs to get demonstrates the fact that when breeding areas in North America. that ducks have responded to for The total number of ducks was thousands of years. What is of involved to maintain the habitat expansive grassland is maintained currently on the landscape so that and wetland basins remain 42.0 million birds which is an far greater concern is the threats increase of 13% from last year and to habitats that currently exist. fall flights of large numbers of intact, ducks can generate an ducks like there will likely be this amazing response to good wetland 25% above the long-term average. Conversion of native grassland The pond count across the mid- to cropland continues, hundreds year will continue to be seen in the conditions. The sites hatching the future. most nests at the other crew areas continent breeding areas was also of thousands of acres of CRP are included Woodworth Site 24 (49 up by 45% indicating the overall expiring and being converted www.ducks.org/nesting hatched nests) and Goebel Site 41 improved wetland conditions back to cropland and wetlands

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nd.ducks.org Fall 2009 • Page 7 Who Lives in the Duck Factory?

ND Volunteer Leaders Pat Travnicek, Matt Shappell, Regional Director State Chairman 4111 Lockport St. #212 701.839.4815 Bismarck, ND 58503 [email protected] 701.425.7558 [email protected] Mike Fladeland, State Treasurer Greg Dinkel, Director of Bismarck Fundraising and Volunteer Relations Randy Martin, 1516 9th Ave State Volunteer Chairman Kearney, NE 68845 Jamestown 308.237.2950 Canvasback [email protected] Latin: Aythya valisineria Paul Myerchin, Average length: M 21”, F 20” State Major Donor Chairperson Dave Afton, Director of Bismarck Development Average weight: M 2.7 lbs., F 2.5 lbs. 2525 River Road Description: Male canvasbacks have a chestnut red head and neck, Melissa Martin, Bismarck, ND 58503 a black breast, grayish back, black rump, and blackish brown tail. The State Greenwing Chairperson 701.355.3500 sides, flank, and belly are white while the wing coverts are grayish and Jamestown [email protected] vermiculated with black. The bill is blackish and the legs and feet are bluish-gray. The iris is bright red in the spring, but duller in the winter. Al Geisen, Great Plains Regional Office Female canvasbacks have a light brown head and neck, grading into a District Chairman 2525 River Road darker brown chest and foreback. The sides, flanks, and back are grayish Bismarck Bismarck, ND 58503 brown. The bill is blackish and the legs and feet are bluish-gray. 701.355.3500 Rory Hoffman, Breeding: Canvasbacks breed in the prairie pothole region of North District Chairman National Headquarters, Ducks America. They prefer to nest over water on permanent prairie marshes Medina Unlimited, Inc. surrounded by emergent vegetation, such as cattails and bulrushes, One Waterfowl Way which provide protective cover. Other important breeding areas are Jason Riopel, Memphis, TN 38120 the sub-arctic river deltas in Saskatchewan and the interior of Alaska. District Chairman 1.800.45DUCKS or 901.758.3825 Female canvasbacks lay an average of 10 eggs and female redheads often Fargo parasitize their nests. Migrating and Wintering: Canvasbacks migrate through the Mississippi Flyway to wintering grounds in the mid-Atlantic United States and the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV), or the Pacific Flyway PARSHALL to wintering grounds along the coast of California. Historically, the Chesapeake Bay wintered the majority of canvasbacks, but with the FOOD PRIDE recent loss of submerged aquatic vegetation in the bay, their range has SUPPER CLUB, LOUNGE, CASINO 17 Main St. shifted south towards the LMAV. Brackish estuarine bays and marshes 701-845-9733 1-888-706-0404 with abundant submergent vegetation and invertebrates are ideal Parshall, ND 58770 wintering habitat for canvasbacks. - Smoke-Free - 0 Transfat Oil - Gift Certificates - Take Out Orders 701-862-3125 Population: The canvasback population is continuing to rebound from - Fresh Catch Friday And Saturday the low levels experienced in the late 1980s and early ‘90s caused by Store Hours: Mon-Sat • 8am-8pm loss of breeding/wintering habitat and lead poisoning due to ingestion of A Friendly Place To Eat Sunday (Summer): 10am-4pm spent shot while feeding (this threat should gradually disappear with the Valley City, Sunday (Winter): Noon-4om lead shot ban). ND

Page 8 • Fall 2009 Ducks Unlimited - North Dakota Duck Factory Coteau Ranch Friends and Neighbors Day In July, Ducks Unlimited held Planning and Programs Scott of management activities on the its second Friends and Neighbors Stephens discussed DU’s nesting ranch and highlighted some of the Day at the Coteau Ranch. Locals research, and explained why research being conducted. Paul from the communities of Wing, the neighbors have been seeing noted the herbicide test plots and McClusky, Denhoff and the people on ATVs dragging a chain experimental grass seeding that is surrounding area were invited across the prairie. DU invited being conducted by a researcher for an evening of socializing and Dave Shannon from the Sheridan from North Dakota State entertainment. This has become County Natural Resources University. an annual event where DU staff Conservation Service to talk about The finale of the evening was takes the opportunity to get to programs that help landowners a performance by North Dakota know some of the neighbors and introduce conservation practices Troubadour Chuck Suchy. Chuck’s inform them of happenings at the on their property. Director of entertaining music and intriguing ranch. Conservation Programs Jim stories had the audience laughing DU Agronomist Blake Ringelman took some time to talk and stomping their feet to the VanderVorst spoke about DU’s about grassland loss and what this music. The performance was the winter wheat program and offered means to the future of ranching, pinnacle of a great evening with information to anyone interested waterfowl and North Dakotans’ friends and neighbors. in planting winter wheat this way of life. Regional Biologist Paul season. Director of Conservation Bultsma gave a general overview

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nd.ducks.org Fall 2009 • Page 9 Rescue the Duck Factory Update 2/09 Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife been protected with perpetual easements. The FWS, our Service (FWS) have made significant progress in protecting key conservation partner in the Rescue the Duck Factory the critical wetland and grassland habitat in the Duck Campaign, has also obtained signed options on another 562 Factory. The Rescue the Duck Factory Campaign was acres of wetlands and 5,780 acres of grassland. This brings launched on September 1, 2008. As of February 16, 2009 the total acres secured since the launch of the campaign to 2,933 acres of wetlands and 11,239 acres of grasslands have 20,514 acres.

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Page 10 • Fall 2009 Ducks Unlimited - North Dakota Duck Factory The Bismarck DU chapter held Al Geisen, from Bismarck, taking it’s annual fun shoot on May 17th. aim at flying clays. Every year the event is held at Capital City Sporting Clays. This truly is a FUN shoot, with lots of prizes given away. Join in the Fun next May! The DU Fun Shoot is open to shooters of all ages and skill levels.

Mark Sandness, owner of Capital City Sporting Clays, is attempting to instruct one of the more inexperienced shooters proper technique.

nd.ducks.org Fall 2009 • Page 11 Bismarck Hosts Youth Hunting Clinic

Bismarck, N.D. residents may have thought duck season was off to an early start this weekend with some 40 wanna-be duck-callers practicing their skills at a Ducks Unlimited Youth Waterfowl Hunting clinic. Along with practicing their quacks, the school-age participants got to learn about lining up decoys, working with retrievers and some duck biology. “We’re trying to inspire young people to start hunting by giving them the basics,” said Scott Stephens, DU director of conservation planning and organizer of the event. “We’re concerned about the number of hunters dropping in recent years, and we want to help turn that number around.” Many conservation groups like DU are supported heavily by hunters. “Hunters are inclined to invest in conservation,” Stephens said, “so we want to invest in getting young people interested in the sport.” Another purpose of the clinic is to match young people with mentors to take them hunting in the fall.

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Page 12 • Fall 2009 Ducks Unlimited - North Dakota Duck Factory Dvorak joins Winter Cereals – Sustainability in Action BISMARCK, ND, May 27, Pothole Region of the United as a product 2009 - The Winter Cereals – States and Canada. The initiative representative. Sustainability in Action initiative promotes a stewardship model Dvorak has also is growing with the addition of a for improving the agricultural worked as an new Ducks Unlimited agronomist. productivity of farmland while agronomist for Steve Dvorak will help growers in retaining and improving the Pioneer HiBred 16 south-central and south-east habitat values important to North and NK Seeds. North Dakota counties expand America’s waterfowl and other In addition their winter cereal acres. wildlife. Winter cereals provide to assisting “Steve will significantly expand spring nesting cover as well as producers, the availability of winter wheat economic advantages to growers. Dvorak says he agronomy assistance,” said Blake The winter cereals initiative will focus on Vander Vorst, manager of DU’s includes increased winter wheat assisting county winter cereals program. “Growers agronomic assistance, expanded extension agents, will have another resource for research into new winter wheat crop consultants, trouble shooting problems in varieties and research on the retailers and their winter wheat fields and for benefits of winter cereals for developing information on seeding, fertility, wildlife and the environment. demonstration disease and weed management.” A South Dakota native, Dvorak trials. “Research Vander Vorst says the addition Winter Cereals – Sustainability has been an agronomist since and demonstration plots will be of Dvorak to the Winter Cereals in Action is a partnership between 1988, providing growers technical pivotal to our being able to tell – Sustainability in Action Ducks Unlimited and Bayer assistance on all aspects of crop the story of the benefits of winter initiative will enable DU, Bayer CropScience to expand winter production. He came to DU from wheat,” he said. CropScience, universities, grower cereal acres across the Prairie Pulse USA where he worked Continued on Page 14 WATERFOWL HUNTERS: Help prevent Aquaticq Nuisanceu Speciespe IN NORTH DAKOTA LAWS NOW IN PLACE Remove plants and plant fragments from Remove all aquatic plants from boats and decoys, strings and anchors trailers before leaving a marsh or lake. (Does not include cattails or bulrushes used for Remove mud, plant seeds and plant fragments camouflaging boats.) from waders, other equipment and hunting dogs before leaving hunting areas. Remove all water from boats, motors, trailers and other watercraft.

NORTH DAKOTA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT ANS CAN SEVERELY DEGRADE WATERFOWL 100 North Bismarck Expressway HABITATS AND FISHING WATERS Bismarck, ND 58501-5095 It is illegal to transport aquatic vegetation or water from 701.328.6300 E-mail: [email protected] lakes and rivers within or into North Dakota. Web: gf.nd.gov

nd.ducks.org Fall 2009 • Page 13 Dvorak from Page 13 associations and private industry to conduct more winter wheat research and demonstration trials on producers’ Fall Events Schedule land. “The information gained from these trials has been Date Event City/Town Place beneficial to increasing producer winter wheat yields,” 9/8/2009 Grand Forks Dinner Grand Forks Ramada Inn Vander Vorst said. 9/9/2009 Fargo Dinner Fargo Holiday Inn Dvorak says he hopes to help growers see the “big picture” of incorporating winter cereals into a sustainable cropping 9/10/2009 Jamestown Dinner Jamestown Civic Center system. “Everything we do in production agriculture 9/10/2009 Souris Valley Dinner Minot Grand International Inn influences many things outside of our immediate interests,” 9/15/2009 Bismarck Dinner Bismarck Ramkota he said. “Growers are the primary stewards of the land we 9/24/2009 Dickinson Dinner Dickinson Elks Club all depend on to sustain not only us humans but also every other living creature.” 9/30/2009 Williston Dinner Williston Airport International Inn With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is 10/7/2009 Devils Lake Dinner Devils Lake Memorial Building the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl 10/7/2009 Pierce County Dinner Rugby Eagles Club conservation organization with more than 12 million acres 10/10/2009 Kidder County Dinner Steele Legion Hall conserved in North America. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands − nature’s most 10/10/2009 McIntosh County Dinner Ashley Dakota Family Restaurant productive ecosystem − and continues to lose more than 10/14/2009 Bowman/Slope Dinner Bowman Pavillion 80,000 wetland acres important to waterfowl each year. 10/15/2009 Souris Valley Sponsor Banquet Minot Grand International Inn 10/15/2009 Van Hook Dinner New Town Scenic 23 10/17/2009 Braddock Dinner Braddock Community Hall We are proud to announce our corporate sponsor for the 21st 10/22/2009 Cooperstown Dinner Cooperstown Country Club annual Kenmare GooseFest! 10/22/2009 Cental Dakota Ladies Night Out Bismarck Radisson Inn 10/23/2009 Coteau Region Dinner Gackle American Legion 10/27/2009 Bottineau Dinner Bottineau TBA KENMARE VETERANS CLUB, INC. 10/30/2009 Cannonball Dinner Elgin Our Place Kenmare, the “Snow Goose Capital of North Dakota”, is the hunting haven of the north with Snow Goose counts being over 400,000 birds at times. Canada Honkers are becoming more prevalent with many 12 to 16 pounders being bagged. 10/31/2009 Tewaukon Dinner Hankinson Legion 21st Annual Kenmare GooseFest 11/5/2009 West River Dinner Hettinger Country Club 11/7/2009 Jamestown Ladies Night Out Jamestown Gladstone Inn October 17 - 24 11/11/2009 Ransom County Dinner Enderlin TBA 8 DAY HUNTING FESTIVAL 11/12/2009 Arrowwood Dinner Pingree 281 Stop For a GooseFest Daily Event Listing Visit us on-line at: www.KenmareND.com 11/13/2009 McHenry County Dinner Velva Legion Club 11/14/2009 Nelson County Dinner Pekin TBA 21st Annual GooseFest Raffle! $ 25 per 11/14/2009 La Moure County Dinner Edgeley TBA Grand Prize: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 11/21/2009 James River Dinner Oakes Angry Beaver LS 1500 4x4 Extended Cab Pickup ticket Winner responsible for tax and license. Vehicle from D&S Motors of Rugby. $42,500 12/3/2009 Gooseneck Dinner Kenmare Memorial Hall Only 2400 Tickets Will be Sold! in Prizes! 1/30/2009 U of Mary S.N.O. Bismarck Doublewood Inn Cash Prizes: 2 - $500 & 15 - $100 Need Not Be Present To Win. Purchase of 2/18/2009 West Cass Dinner West Fargo VFW 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prizes ticket is not a charitable 2009 52,000 BTU $500 donation. Drawing Oct. 24, 2/25/2009 Southern Valley Dinner Wahpeton Prante’s 6’x12’ John Deere Accessory 2009 at 7:30pm at Middlebury Propane Grill Package from: Memorial Hall, Kenmare, from ND. Veterans Club Permit 3/13/2009 Valley City Dinner Valley City Eagles enclosed cargo N orth Winds trlr from Nore’s Gooseneck T ruck #G270. Office of ND Trailer Sales Implement A ccessories Attorney General. 3/17/2009 Mandan Dinner Mandan Seven Seas To purchase raffle Bird Hunting Contest - Snow Goose; Canada Honker; 3/18/2009 Burke County Dinner Lignite 109 Club Green Head -- Raffle Ticket is automatic entry. One tickets by mail: winner in each class will be chosen through drawing with all weights having an equal chance to win. 3/26/2009 Souris Valley WHP Minot Grand International Inn Send $25 per ticket to: DRAWING HELD AT AWARDS BANQUET 24th. GOOSEFEST Jeff Dahlin, Weigh-in at Gartner’s Jack & Jill 4/24/2009 Knife River Dinner Beulah Grandview Steakhouse 40700 436th ST. NW Kenmare, Bird Cleaning Service available at Gartner’s Jack & Jill North Dakota 58746. Events Prior to GooseFest~October 17th & 18th 5/16/2009 Bismarck Fun Shoot Bismarck Capital City Sporting Clays (PHONE 701-467-3477) or - Des Lacs Rendezvous-Darryl Rytter Farm, S. of Kenmare. 701-385-3221 or [email protected]. email: [email protected] 5/26/2009 73rd Annual National Convention Dallas, TX Gaylord Texan Resort

Page 14 • Fall 2009 Ducks Unlimited - North Dakota Duck Factory Duck Stamp Receives Conservation Boost from House Ducks Unlimited supports increasing value of stamp Waterfowl habitat conservation is moving closer to keeping pace Since being set at its current price of $15 in 1991, the purchasing with the skyrocketing land values of the past several years today, as the power of the stamp has severely hampered the U.S. Fish & Wildlife House Natural Resources Committee passed the Migratory Bird Habitat Service’s ability to purchase land with the funds raised by stamp. Investment and Enhancement Act, sending the bill to the House floor. Under the new bill, the price of the stamp would be raised to $25 after “This is an important step for conservation,” said Scott Sutherland, July 2010. More than 1.5 million people purchase duck stamps each director of governmental affairs for Ducks Unlimited. “The diminished year, and over 95% of them are waterfowlers. Stamp collectors, as well buying power of the duck stamp is hamstringing the efforts of millions of as other bird and wildlife enthusiasts also purchase the stamps, either for conservationists that are investing in the program to protect waterfowl their own collections or for the free access to national wildlife refuges habitat.” that the stamp allows.

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*Based on EPA estimates. Tahoe 2WD with available 5.3L V8 EPA estimated 14 city/20 highway. Excludes other GM vehicles. **Based on EPA estimates. ***Based on EPA estimates. Chevy Malibu LS and LT mode ls with four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission have an EPA estimated 22 MPG city. Honda Accord models with four-cylinder engine and automatic transmissi on have an EPA estimated 21 MPG city. Toyota Camry models with four-cylinder engine and automatic tr ansmission have an estimated 21 MPG city. Page 16 • Fall 2009 Ducks Unlimited - North Dakota Duck Factory