2012 State Banquet PlannedPg. 3

National Headquarters, Ducks Unlimited, Inc.One Waterfowl Way • Memphis, Tennessee 38120NON PROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Bismarck, NDPermit 280

Geobel Ranch

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MentoringYoung Hunters

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Fall 2011

Ducks Unlimited honored the “Berg” family this past August for significant accomplishments as DU volunteers. Bob and Rosemary Berg, of Longville, MN, and Rick and Pam Berg, Watertown, S.D., have played very active roles for DU locally and nationally for more than 35 years.

DU held a two-day recognition event for the Bergs on Friday, August 12, and Saturday, August 13, at the Airport Marriott Hotel in Bloomington, Minn. Friday evening’s activities included a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River. Saturday featured a brunch, with the main event being a fundraising dinner and tribute to the Bergs’ dedication to conservation.

Bob and Rick grew up in Watertown, SD and learned to hunt ducks at an early age on the Prairie Coteau of NE South Dakota.

While careers and life, at times, have led them to

other parts of this great country their hearts have always belonged to the prairie. They came to understand that if future generations wanted to enjoy the waterfowl hunting that they loved, they would need to answer the call and stand the line. Thus began a lifetime of service for Ducks Unlimited for both Bob and Rick.

Bob began his DU career by serving as a committee member for the Burnsville, MN Chapter. As he rose to being Area Chairman he guided Burnsville to not only being the largest chapter in MN but being one of the largest dinner events in the nation. He went on to serve as Zone and District Chairman. When he was asked to serve has State Chairman he did not hesitate. During his term MN went on to be one of the top fundraising states in the organization. Not satisfied with these accomplishments, Bob’s commitment led him to serve at the national level as a member of both DU Inc. and

Making A Difference For The Ducks!

Ice Fishing Derby

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� • Fall 2011 Fowl Talk - South Dakota Ducks Unlimited

It was 1980; I was married with 2 kids, including my newborn son. A friend of mine sold me my first DU banquet ticket for our local dinner event. A good time was had by all. The next summer I got a call that would change my life. That call was from Jim Adams. He said there was a meeting that night that he wanted me to go to and he would pick me up at 6:45. It was my first DU committee meeting. As I sat there I was thinking how great it was that this great bunch of guys would want me on their committee. As the meeting progressed it was time to elect officers for the upcoming fall banquet. The next thing I know, Jimmy (Adams) nominated me for treasurer. My life as a DU volunteer had begun.

I was the treasurer for the Watertown chapter for several years before I asked Tom Kuck, our RD (regional director) how I could move on. He told me the first job of an office holder is to find and mentor your replacement. Along came Brian Pellish, he bought my house, and part of the deal was to join the DU committee. He quickly became treasurer . . . sound familiar? I was now finally done with the treasurer’s job, which only meant I was free to move to the next position, Area Chairman. By changing the names, this story has been retold over and over the years by many a DU volunteer.

The reason I have been a DU volunteer has changed over the years, but once again this evolution process has been repeated by many a DU volunteer. I became a volunteer because I love to hunt. I’ve stayed because of the people and because of DU’s position as the world leader in conservation. Their goal was simple. Doing want needed to be done without expecting anything in return. To me it’s simple; our most

precious and important resource isn’t oil . . . it’s water! The first person I met outside the Watertown committee was Tom Kuck. Tom exposed me to the world of DU outside our banquet walls and opened the door to the bigger picture. Soon I was meeting the leaders of South Dakota Ducks Unlimited. These great people helped me realize what a true conservationist is. The thing that struck me the most was how they never put themselves above anyone. Don Issacson, Maynard Issacson, Gary L. and Gary W. Peterson. Craig Jones, Bruce Krenz and of course, Jim Adams, just to name a few. But there’s one person who may have been short in stature but was heads above them all. The first time I was blessed to be in his company I walked up to him and said “It’s an honor to meet you Mr. Heidelbauer”. I don’t recall his exact words but the idea is etched in my mind. “Well thank you for asking about Mr. Heidelbauer, he was a wonderful man, I’m his son Frankie”. Artist and DU volunteer John Green puts it this way: “I learned more superlative adjectives from Frankie than anyone else”. Those of you that know Frankie, know the rest of the story of this giant of a man whose huge heart was matched only by his love of the “Ducks” and the outdoors. This pioneer of conservation, along with Jimmy Adams, became my mentors and inspiration to become a person like those I spoke of earlier, a leader in the ranks of DU in South Dakota. With Jimmy’s help, I was privileged to move up through the volunteer ranks and eventually served as State Chairman. Frankie was there to guide and help me every step of the way.

I’m proud to have worked with many others who also share the same feelings. Rick Berg, Brian Pellish and Don Aarstad, all fellow Watertown area committee members who moved through

the ranks all the way to State Chairman and above. Brad Jensen was a District Chairman from Aberdeen when I was State Chairman. Then there’s Don Thorpe, who was a Co-Chairman with me of our local sponsor event, who is now the South Dakota RD. I also had the privilege of working with a new RD who reinvigorated Western SD chapters throughout is career, now retired, Doug Jones.

Because of DU, I’ve been blessed with the making many lifetime friends, seeing acres of wetlands restored and receiving a wealth of personal growth. But my journey to the top of the DU mountain was recently completed by being presented the Heidelbauer Award at the 2011 SDDU State Convention. I’m very grateful to have been selected to receive the award that I can only describe by saying “I’m not worthy”.

I wanted to write this to say “Thank You”. Thank you to all the great people who lead the way and help me and encouraged me on my personal journey. I also challenge those of you who are the next leaders of this great organization to step-up to the plate and be heard. In this crazy, busy world we need people to carry on the legacy that Frankie created. Are you that next leader? We are all proud of our local grassroots chapters but we need new leaders to step forward and strengthen the State organization. The rewards along the way are countless. One of the best ways to start your own personal journey is to attend the State Banquet in Watertown this coming January. I would like to see every member and DU volunteer alike in Watertown. The weekend is both fun and educational for a new member to a senior volunteer alike. Take the first step. Come join the fun, make new lifetime friends and became a part of the bigger “South Dakota Ducks Unlimited” picture.

By the way, even though I feel I reached the top of the DU mountain, I’m not done . . . I’m just looking for a higher mountain. A very special Thank You to Frankie and his family, and to My DU family for presenting me with the Heidelbauer Award.

For The Ducks,

Dennis Tilly

Thank You DU And The Many Senior Volunteer Of South Dakota

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DU Canada’s Board of Directors, Regional Vice President, Sr. Flyway Vice President, Sr. Advisory to the President, and Chairman of the National Conservation Programs Committee.

Rick joined the Watertown DU Chapter and quickly stepped up to serve as Area Chairman of both the Dinner event and the Sponsor event. Rick led the sponsor event to being one of the top 5 sponsor events in the nation. While still serving as Area Chair he agreed to become a Zone Chair and District Chair. When asked to be SD State Chairman, Rick assumed the role with the “gusto” that he puts forth in every aspect of his life. South Dakota led the nation in dollars raised per capita both years of Rick’s leadership. The opportunity presented itself for Rick to also step up to serve at the national level. He became a member of the DU Inc Board of Directors and a Regional Vice President. Rick also serves on the National Conservation Programs Committee.

All of these accomplishments would not have been possible without the support and devotion of their lovely wives Rosemary and Pam. These devoted spouses, though, were not satisfied with standing behind their men. Rosemary joined the Longville Lakes DU committee and served as its Area Chair for 11 years. Pam served as Area Chairman for Watertown Lady Ducks and continues to serve in multiple SDDU leadership roles.

Both families not only continue to be role models at the national level but continue to serve on their local committees and run Silent Bid Auction programs.

Bob and Rick, Rosemary and Pam have proven that with passion and dedication we can protect our waterfowl heritage for future generations.

The Berg’s will be honored with a project dedication bearing their names at the Hennning-Berg Game Production Area on October 22, 2011. The location of the project is 3 miles north and 1 miles east of Henry SD.

The BergsContinued from Page 1

Fall 2011 • �www.ducks.org/states/62/

Did you know that Ducks Unlimited will be 75 years old on January 27, 2012? Yes the far sighted duck hunters who recognized the compelling need for wetland wildlife habitat preservation back on January 27, 1937 created the foundation for what Ducks Unlimited is today, 75 years later. Mark you calendars now for January 27-29, 2012 and plan to come to the South Dakota State Banquet at the Watertown Convention Center to help us celebrate. The Banquet Committee is planning a weekend-long event that will make previous State Conventions seem like opening day on a bone dry slough! Every state in the country will be having big 75th Anniversary Celebrations but South Dakota’s will be the FIRST State Banquet dedicated to this huge celebration.

At the South Dakota State Banquet, you will have the first chance to take home what will surely become very collectible 75th Anniversary Ducks Unlimited Merchandise. Merchandise will include several very special guns and a 75th Anniversary DU Book about historical “Characters” of Ducks Unlimited, including a chapter on South Dakota’s Frankie Heidelbauer.

An exciting new raffle will give you a chance, for only $10, to win a $34,000 Lund boat all decked out with all the accessories you need to go after South Dakota Walleyes. Dave Peterson of Weiland Marine, Inc. of Arlington is the merchant for the boat package and he has stepped forward in a big way in assisting in the underwriting of this special prize. You will find additional information on this boat package elsewhere in this addition. Special drawings will be held to choose the winner of the Mark Anderson original, “Rescue the Duck Factory Pintails” and the Green Wing Legacy Campaign winners of the Rose Mary Millette original painting ” Pintails and the Youth” and a Browning 20 gauge shotgun.

Saturday afternoon will feature a new pool-side event that promises to be a Big Splash and loads of fun! The popular “wine and cheese tasting” will also occur on Saturday afternoon.

As always, the weekend starts on Friday night with ’The Blind’, food, games, raffles and a huge silent auction plus music by one of Watertown’s favorite DJs. The theme will be the 75th Anniversary Celebration. For those of you who will be new comers to this event, ’The Blind’ is our free bar with all of your favorite beverages. Saturday morning starts with a mid-morning brunch, followed by several exciting speakers and our state award presentations . Following brunch will be the State Council meeting. The afternoon will feature the pool-side event plus the wine and cheese tasting. Saturday evening will start with ’The Blind’, followed by a banquet meal and live and silent auctions. We will finish the evening with your favorite music. The

Auctions are sure to be filled with very special 75th Anniversary items that you will not want to miss. Sunday morning will conclude the weekend celebration with the famous Minerva’s Brunch Buffet.

This year, by special request, we will offer several ticket options for the weekend including: Friday only for $45.00 per person, Saturday & Sunday for $55.00 per person and the full weekend for $80.00 per person. You can register for the South Dakota State Banquet on-line at http://www.ducks.org/south-dakota . All meals and ’The Blind’ are included in the registration fee.

For hotel reservations call the Best Western Ramkota Hotel at 605-886-8011. Be sure to indicate you are attending the Ducks Unlimited Banquet as the entire hotel is blocked for DU with a rate of $75.00 per night plus tax.

Off-site hotels include: Quality Inn & Suites – 605-886-3010 Travel Host Motel – 605-886-6120 Country Inn & Suites – 605-886-8900 Rodeway Inn – 605-886-8411

Do not miss this landmark Ducks Unlimited event! The Committee has started planning early this year to ensure the 75th Anniversary Celebration is one to remember. Register now and reserve your accommodations as we expect a big attendance! See you at the Party in Watertown.

South Dakota 2012 State Banquet Planned

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Come And Support Ducks Unlimited At An Area Banquet

Join in the fun and attend your local Ducks Unlimited event! You can find a list of upcoming events on the South Dakota Ducks Unlimited web page at http://www.ducks.org/south-dakota/events. It is easy to locate your favorite event, just “click” on link and you will open a new page featuring full event information. There is even an option to register online for most events. The newest feature to the event info page is easy mapping available to direct to event location.

So come have fun and support waterfowl conservation!

� • Fall 2011 Fowl Talk - South Dakota Ducks Unlimited

Sportsmen Support Needed For Conservation Area

Funding will help conserve up to 2 million acres in America’s “Duck Factory”

Ducks Unlimited is pleased with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s recent decision to formally establish the Dakota Grassland Conservation Area. This area is part of an initiative to protect almost 2 million acres of critical wetlands and grasslands in North and South Dakota.

“Ducks Unlimited has been supporting the process of establishing the Dakota Grasslands Conservation Area for some time and we are thrilled that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is moving forward with this project,” said Dale Hall, DU CEO. “However, to move forward with this initiative and ensure this area is conserved, we must now focus on securing the proper funding.”

The purpose of the Dakota Grasslands Conservation Area is to provide a voluntary and financially feasible way for ranchers and other private landowners to conserve native grasslands and wetlands. This program is also designed to be economically feasible for the federal government because it will be funded with dollars already dedicated to conservation through the Land and Water Conservation Fund and through the revenue generated from Federal Duck Stamp sales.

“The Prairie Pothole Region is commonly known as our nation’s ‘Duck Factory’ because it plays a central role in sustaining strong duck populations and conserving this area is a top priority for our organization,” said Paul Schmidt, DU chief conservation officer. “To demonstrate our support, Ducks Unlimited has committed $50 million over ten years to purchase easements under this program. Now is the time to let our nation’s leaders know that sportsmen support this program and are willing to do their part to make it happen.”

Upon approval, this project is expected to conserve up to 240,000 acres of wetlands and 1,700,000 acres of grasslands in the Dakotas through voluntary conservation easements. Under the proposal, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will seek to acquire easements from willing sellers on approximately 2 million acres of native prairie habitat to benefit wildlife and support traditional economic activities, specifically livestock production.

Ducks Unlimited and conservation partners are not the only ones that have advocated for this program. There is currently a waiting list of over 800 landowners in North and South Dakota who have expressed interest in wetlands and grasslands easements. “Easements are a popular conservation tool because of the benefits they provide landowners,” said Jim Ringelman, DU director of conservation programs for North and South Dakota. “Land enrolled in this program can still be used as working farmland for grazing and haying, making it an economically-sound investment for many ranchers.”

State Chairman Jeff HeidelbauerP.O. Box 292Custer, SD 57730 jeff.heidelbauer@heidelbauer.net605-673-4208 (H)605-440-0772 (C)

State Chairman-ElectVacant

State Council ChairmanDon Aarstad1305 Sunset Street NWWatertown, SD, 57201dona@iw.net605-882-2050 (H)605-881-0253 (C)

State TreasurerTerry D. SchutzP.O. Box 565Eureka, SD 57437tschutz@valleytel.net605-284-2440 (W)605-281-1171 (C)

State Convention ChairmanBrian Pellish320 N. Lake DriveWatertown, SD 57201duckman@iw.net605-882-8219 (W)605-351-9837 (C)

State WebmasterPam Berg108 14th St NEWatertown, SD 5720121berg@wat.midco.net605-886-7403 (H)605-881-5614 (C)

State Feather Society ChairmanDon KallenbergerP.O. Box 547Eureka, SD 57437kaldon@valleytel.net605-284-5121 (W)605-284-2102 (H)

State Volunteer Recruitment ChmVacantState Greenwing ChairmanJeremy and Melissa Thury47773 SD Hwy 28Toronto, SD 57268 Jeremy.Thury@sd.usda.govmellisa.thury@gmail.com701-320-6398 (J)701-320-7453 (M)

State Sponsor ChairmanMaynard Isaacson3405 South Pennant PlaceSioux Falls, SD 57110isaacson@sio.midco.net605-338-3718 (H)605-759-8837 (C)

State Major Gifts ChairmanGary L. Peterson508 Alder LaneSioux Falls, SD 57105gpinsfsd@aol.com605-330-0553 (H)605-336-4411 (C)

Senior Regional VPBruce PoseyP.O. Box 1416Billings, MT 59103bposey@streeterbros.com888-443-0214 x1 (W)406-245-7624 (H)

Regional VPBrad Billingsley3940 E. Wesley AveDenver, CO 80120brad.billingsley@lockton.com303-414-6028 (W)720-635-2166 (C)

At Large Regional VPNora Taylor511 Fairway View DriveLaurel, MT 59044Home: 406-628-2967fntaylor@ducksnet.com

At Large Regional VPClay Rogers8712 West Dodge Road, Suite 400Omaha, NE 68114Office: 402-392-0101Mobile: 402-501-8112crogers@dwyersmith.com

Regional DirectorDon Thorpe25346 400th AveMt. Vernon, SD 57363dthorpe@ducks.org605-630-8696 (C)Regional Director

Brad Jensen2120 Birch Ave. NEWatertown, SD 57201bjensen@ducks.org605-881-3379 (C)

Regional DirectorRobert Hathaway351 N. Forest #29Casper; WY 82609rhathaway@ducks.org307-333-4929 (W)307-221-2061 (C)

Director of Fundraising andVolunteer RecruitmentGreg Dinkel1516 9th AveKearney, NE 68845gdinkel@ducks.org308-237-2950 (W)308-440-6413 (C)

Director of DevelopmentDave Afton2525 River Rd.Bismarck, ND 58503dafton@ducks.org701-355-3525 (W)701-471-2629 (C)

�010/�011 SD STATE OFFICERS �010-�011 DU SUPPORT STAFFDIReCTORY

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Fall 2011 • �www.ducks.org/states/62/

You’re in GRAHAM COUNTRYAberdeen

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Pierre605-224-8643

Sioux Falls North605-336-0800

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During the early years of Ducks Unlimited in South Dakota, there was a tradition called The Life Sponsor Rendezvous. This was a special gathering of South Dakota Ducks Unlimited Major Donors with the intent of having a fun time enjoying the South Dakota outdoors plus possibly recruiting a few new major donors to DU. The venue for these events typically was set around hunting, fishing or “Skat Shooting”. For an unknown reason, the Life Sponsor Rendezvous was discontinued some 25 years ago. As this was a part of South Dakota DU back when my father, Frank Heidelbauer, was heavily involved, I decided that during my term as State Chairman we would bring back the Life Sponsor Rendezvous again. Last winter a committee including John Cooper, Doug Jones, Darrel Reinke, Gary Peterson and I started the planning process. After reviewing a couple of venues we settled on fishing Lake Oahe.

On July 14th and 15th sixteen participants arrived at the Spring Creek Resort for our new Life Sponsor Rendezvous. Thursday evening the 14th we had “libations” and socializing while organizing a day of fishing for the 15th. Participants were assigned to their boats and boat captains. The rules were reviewed for the big walleye and big small mouth bass contests. “Coop” shared his scouting reports as to where the fish were hitting the best and everyone got excited about the coming day on Oahe Reservoir.

The weatherman was very good to us on Friday the 15th with mild temperatures and a good “walleye chop”. Six boats hit the water with great anticipation. It did not take long for “Coop” to find the fish for his team. My brother, Tim, and I were fishing with captain Doug Jones in his new boat and we all caught limits of very nice walleyes and numerous small mouth bass as well. As the other boats spread out over the reservoir everyone caught some fish and had a great time.

On friday evening, the grand finale of the Life Sponsor Rendezvous was a great fish fry put on for us by the good folks at Spring Creek Resort. They kept bringing platter after platter of great walleye fillets from the kitchen. Of course we had a few “libations” as well. The big walleye prize was won by Doug Jones and the big Smallie prize was won by Tal Lockwood. Everyone agreed the event was a huge success and very enjoyable. We plan to do it again in mid July of 2012 so put it on your calendar.

Life Sponsor Rendezvous

Pam Berg with one of her walleyes for fishing derby

Doug Jones and State Chairman, Jeff Heidelbauer with nice walleye during the fishing derby.

Region 2 implemented a new award last year to highlight the Top 20 Chapters throughout the 7 state Region. States that make up Region 2 are North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana.

Among the recipients for the prestigious Top 20 Chapter awards was the Watertown Chapter. Total revenue the Watertown Chapter generated from hosting their regular fall dinner, a Sportsman’s Night Out special event and a Sponsor dinner, in addition to an SBA easel program pushed the chapter into the Top 20 class. The Watertown chapter had also been recognized at the 2008 and 2009 National Conventions for being among the Top 100 fundraising chapters in the country.

Watertown Chapter Wins

‘Fowl Talk’ Is Going electronicWell, it has finally happened. ‘Fowl Talk’ newsletter will start being

delivered to your in-box instead of your mail box. We have had to make this decision to help defray expenses – each issue of ‘Fowl Talk’ costs about $2500 to publish and mail. This issue will be the last issue we mail out to all subscribers. We will still be publishing at least two issues each year with great stories and information pertaining to all things ducks. We will create a list of all electronic subscribers, your email address will be kept confidential – no one will be able to see your email address and you won’t be able to see anyone’s except for the person who sent the newsletter. Also, we will never sell your email to anyone.

What you need to do to continue getting each issue of ‘Fowl Talk’ is to send your email address to rebecca.mcgee@heidelbauer.com. Put “Subscribe to Fowl Talk” in the subject line and we will add you to the mailing list. You can also put your email address on the ticket at your next DU Banquet and it will be sent to me. As always, the latest issue of Fowl Talk will be on the South Dakota page of the Ducks Unlimited website (www.ducks.org).

� • Fall 2011 Fowl Talk - South Dakota Ducks Unlimited

Goebel Ranch Hosts Third Annual Volunteer Day On The Prairie

Ducks Unlimited volunteers from across the state of South Dakota gathered recently at DU’s Goebel Ranch to band ducks and learn more about the importance of the Dakota grasslands commonly known as the “Duck Factory” by waterfowl enthusiast.

The day began with orientation at Ranch headquarters, where DU Conservation staff member Randy Meidinger presented an overview of the Ranch’s history. The volunteers were shown research not only on past duck banding but also range management research showing how different grazing techniques can benefit cattle rate of gain and duck nesting success. Everyone headed to the field for a new appreciation for the cooperation required to protect the prairie for the benefit of sportsmen and livestock production.

The volunteers were excited to find abundant ducks in the traps for the days banding. There were over 200 Blue wing Teal and a small assortment of diving ducks. Randy Meidinger and Bruce Toay (DU Biologist) explained how to determine age and sex of the captured ducks as well as how to correctly apply the bands.

Everyone returned to ranch headquarters with treasured memories of the time spent at the Duck Factory assisting with valuable research that allows a better understanding of waterfowl conservation. South Dakota Ducks Unlimited State Chairman stated “This experience helps DU volunteers to better understand and explain DU’s mission to those who attend their hometown events.

Plans already under way for next year’s ”Volunteer Day on the Prairie”. The DU Volunteers attending wish to thank all the staff at the DU Goebel Ranch for their time and patience in allowing them to part take in this unique experience.

Fall 2011 • �www.ducks.org/states/62/

Ducks Unlimited Celebrates Its Goebel

Ranch As The Property Comes Up For Sale

Ducks Unlimited’s Goebel Ranch in South Dakota has been a successful example of what a large expanse of native prairie can do for ducks, cattle and people. The 9,455-acre working ranch is a breeding duck’s paradise, with wetlands surrounded by lush grassland. In October, DU is selling about 6,400 acres of the ranch, divided into parcels, at a public auction.

In addition to protecting the native prairie and wetlands of the ranch, scientific study has been a big part of the work on the ranch since DU purchased it in 1999. DU has studied grazing rotations and densities, different herbicides for

controlling noxious weeds and duck nest success.

To support the community and grass-based agricultural production, DU leased pastures to several local cattle ranchers. The ranch has also been open to public use and hunting.

Biologists have also been banding ducks at Goebel since 2002. More than 21,000 ducks were banded at Goebel and as of 2010, 1,471 have

been recovered by hunters. Recoveries occurred in every flyway, four Canadian provinces, and from countries as far away as Venezuela.

DU will invest proceeds from the sale of this land into its conservation programs to protect and restore additional tracts of valuable waterfowl habitat. The grasslands and wetlands on the Ranch are protected by conservation easements. This means that no matter who owns the property in the future, the integrity of the property will remain with specified grassland based uses such as grazing and haying.

Some of the property will remain in public ownership to maintain access to sites dedicated to DU sponsors. This will also allow continued public hunting and help maintain the sporting traditions in the area.

� • Fall 2011 Fowl Talk - South Dakota Ducks Unlimited

Over the last couple of years I have found myself in a position to mentor three different young people who have all had one thing in common: they all had a very large appetite to learn about hunting waterfowl. I could have shied away from these young people with the excuse that I was too busy and that my time a-field was too precious. I probably would have done that in years past; however, this time I consciously made the choice to accept the opportunity to make three new young friends and help them learn more about hunting ducks and geese. This has always been a very good thing to do, but in current times it is even more important due to the fact that the number of people who hunt waterfowl has been significantly declining over the last two decades. Hopefully you you have read the articles in the last couple of editions of “Fowl Talk” in which South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks personnel highlighted this issue and provided the figures of this spiralling decline. The future of waterfowl hunting and conservation is at stake.

This is the story of my most recent mentoring opportunity: it was opening day of the early goose season. A couple of days before the season, as I scouted the farm that I have been hunting for the past 18 years I observed that there were about 75 geese using a small grain stubble field on the east side of the farm. I arrived at this field at 5:00AM on opening morning and began setting up my decoys and a short while later a pick-up drove into the adjoining field on the neighbor’s farm. Two young men and a young woman got out of the pick-up and proceeded to set up a dozen old shell decoys and a dozen home made silhouette decoys 150 yards straight down wind of my decoy spread. Next they set up their homemade lay-out blinds and waited to hunt geese.

My first reaction was, “Darn luck!” But I decided not to let it spoil my day and figured that they probably would not stay long. When the geese started to fly and work my bigger decoy spread, most of them presented shots for the kids and they collected 6-8 geese in short order. I bagged only a single goose that somehow managed to come into my decoys with out getting close enough to them. When the goose flight slowed, the two young men came over to talk to me and I learned that one of the boys, Zach, lived on the adjoining farm. I

also learned that he and his step father were now farming the land that I was hunting now that my farmer friend had retired. Both boys and Zach’s girl friend were sixteen. They were really impressed with my 30 Big Foot and 12 Avery Motion Decoys. They also were interested in learning about my goose call as my calling effectiveness had impressed them (inasmuch as they bagged more geese than I did I am hoping that was true). We visited a while and then they went back to their own decoys.

That evening I decided that if they returned to hunt the same place the next day, I would invite them to join me in my decoy set up, as I intended to hunt it again and did not pick it up after the first day. That next morning when only Zach showed up to hunt I went over and invited him to hunt with me. He readily agreed and we added his dozen shell decoys and his lay out blind to my set up. The geese cooperated, and we each harvested two geese. We also had a chance to visit and get to know each other fairly well. Zach explained that although he did have relatives that took him hunting, that did not include waterfowl hunting. He had a deep seated desire to learn how to hunt ducks and geese effectively. I showed and explained to him how I set the decoys and positioned the blinds

based upon the wind direction and lay of the field that we were hunting. I also told him about Ducks Unlimited and told him I would buy him a Green Wing membership if he would bring me his address and birthday information the next day. I could see that his gun safety habits were good and he was a pretty good shot as well. We had a great day and I invited Zach to join me again the next day.

To make a long story not so long, Zach and I hunted together for several more days and I left my decoys out for a few days that I had to be gone so that Zach could hunt over them. Zach called to report that he and his buddy did just that and managed to shoot some geese. Oh I almost forgot, I gave Zach a DU camo cap and a set of DU duck and goose calls plus some back issues of the DU magazine. There is no doubt that Zach and I will be hunting partners on this goose hunting farm for the foreseeable future.

Hopefully you can see that I gained just as much as Zach did from our chance meeting in the goose field. Try it yourself,

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Micah Gleason with his first ever duck, a blue wing teal.

Fall 2011 • �www.ducks.org/states/62/

Wow, Ducks and Water everywhere! The ducks are very happy but many of us have had significant life experiences we could have done without due to all of this water. I am looking forward to the fall hunting season with mixed emotions. On the upside the 45.6 million ducks in the spring flight will be sending us one of the biggest fall flights in decades and the hunting should be spectacular. On the downside my hunting camp is totally inaccessible. It used to be located between Lakes Thompson and Henry in Kingsbury County. Now it is closer to “In” Lakes Thompson and Henry. Hopefully we will be able to get our boat and decoys out of the garage at camp before the duck season opens.

It has been a very busy and enjoyable first nine months for me as State Chairman of Ducks Unlimited in South Dakota. In March, Don Thorpe , I and several other Senior Volunteers spent a weekend writing our new State Business Plan. The Plan reflects many of the new things that were incorporated into the Spring Banquets with more to be initiated during the Fall Banquet Season. In mid May I attended “Ducks University” in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. This was a very enjoyable and educational event that was attended by 50 people from across Canada and the US. The program was half classroom presentations and half field trip exposure to DU Projects on both private land and land owned by DU. I learned alot about how DU Canada works and as usual in DU, I made many new friends.

At the end of May my wife, Rebecca McGee, and I along with Rick and Pam Berg attended the Ducks Unlimited National Convention in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The convention was a spectacular event with fun socializing with old and new friends. Quebec City, the oldest city in North America was very enjoyable. The highlight of this year’s Convention was the celebration of the completion of the “Wetlands For Tomorrow” Campaign. You may recall this Campaign was initiated in 2004 with an objective to raise $1.7 Billion in just seven years. This was the largest, most ambitious, fund raising campaign ever embarked upon by a non-profit conservation organization. In typical Ducks Unlimited fashion we exceeded the goal of the Campaign and raised $1.8 Billion with over two million people contributing to this campaign. This money has enabled DU to enhance and preserve over 12.4 million acres of wetland and associated uplands plus influence another 73.8 million acres for the benefit of hundreds of species of wildlife and thousands of people.

In mid July we held the first “Life Sponsor Rendezvous” since the late 1980s. Spring Creek Lodge on Lake Oahe, north of Pierre was the location of the event with 16 DUers having a great time catching Oahe walleyes and smallies. The event finale was a great fish fry with a few “libations” of course. A great time was had by everyone. Tal Lockwood of Rapid City won the Big Small Mouth Bass Raffle and Doug Jones of Pierre won the Big Walleye Raffle. Put this event on your calendar for mid July 2012 and join in on the fun.

August 12th and 13th was the Berg Brother’s Tribute in Minneapolis, MN. This was a very special event to honor Rick and Pam Berg and Bob and Rosemary Berg for their many, many years of dedicated service to Ducks Unlimited. Both Rick and Bob have held many volunteer positions

in their respective states of South Dakota and Minnesota plus have both been on the DU Board of Directors and have held National DU volunteer positions. The weekend event was attended by 170 people from all across the US and Canada. Friday evening was a fun River Boat Trip on the Mississippi River. Saturday evening was a Banquet and Roast of Rick and Bob. Current and past Presidents of both DU Inc. (USA) and DU Canada participated in roasting Rick and Bob along with many other friends. It was rumored that over $150,000 was raised for the ducks!

In August I also attended the Leadership Conference in Memphis, TN. This was another great DU experience beginning with a tour of national DU headquarters at One Waterfowl Way. This was also a chance to meet many of the fine folks who keep DU ticking from the administrative perspective. The conference attendees were State Chairman and other volunteers from every state in addition to all of the Regional Directors. We were introduced to the new Ducks Unlimited Strategic Plan for 2012-2016 plus all of the great plans for the celebration of DU’s 75th Anniversary in 2012. There were training sessions that covered public policy, new computer applications for banquet committees, state campaign committees for major donor recruitment, volunteer recruitment, youth and education, state strategic planning and gift planning (Feather Society). The conference was a great opportunity to meet many fine DU people and learn about DU activities across the country.

As I finish this article for the fall issue of “Fowl Talk” we are planning Volunteer Day at Goebel Ranch on September 10th. This will be another fun day banding ducks and learning about the DU activities at Goebel Ranch. This day has been a highlight of the year in South Dakota Ducks Unlimited for the last several years. We have also started planning our 2012 South Dakota Ducks Unlimited State Convention. This convention will be a really special event as we will celebrate DU’s 75th Anniversary. We are planning several new and exciting events for the convention. Please put January 27-29, 2012 on your calendar and plan to join us at the Watertown Convention Center.

As the fall banquet season will be in full swing when this issue of “Fowl Talk” arrives in your mail box please do not miss attending one or more of the great banquets that our hard working committees will be holding across the state. I hope to see you at many of these great events so we can “Do It For The Ducks”!

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Micah Gleason with his first ever duck, a blue wing teal.

10 • Fall 2011 Fowl Talk - South Dakota Ducks Unlimited

On February 5, 2011, the Kingsbury County Ducks Unlimited Chapter held an ice fishing derby on Lake Thompson. The event, headquartered at North Shore Bar & Grille, drew 215 participants from four states.

Mother Nature threw a curveball early in the week, dumping 8+ inches of snow on the lake. Monte Weatherly of North Shore began clearing snow for the event on Thursday and the lake was able to accommodate over 100 fish houses, turning Lake Thompson into a scene reminiscent of “Grumpy Old Men.” Snow, sleet and freezing rain again on Saturday didnít dampen the spirits of the fishermen as they setup a city on the lake before the derby began.

Prizes were awarded in several categories including largest fish of each species, smallest and largest fish caught each hour, and every “Lucky 7th” fish registered. Prizes were sponsored by local businesses and ice fishing product manufacturers. Nearly 90 fish were registered during the event.

In addition to the fishing derby, participants competed in Ice Fishing Olympics, consisting of three events, Turkey Bowling, Hockey Stick Putting and Ice Rod Casting. A separate hand auger drilling contest was held. The winner drilled through 24” of ice in 20 seconds. Tournament results and photos are available at www.fishinglakethompson.com.

Fishermen were served chili in bread bowls at the North Shore “Tiki Bar” on the lake. Transportation around the lake was available in a duck boat on skis aptly named “The

Green Hornet”, which was towed by an ATV.

The Kingsbury County Ducks Unlimited Chapter was formed in 2005 and holds a membership banquet every September. This was the first ice fishing derby held by the chapter, which is planned to be an annual event.

Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest private sector waterfowl, wetlands, and wildlife conservation organization, with one million supporters and members in the U.S. Since its inception in 1937, DU has raised nearly $2.5 billion and conserved nearly 13 million acres of habitat throughout North America.

For more information about Ducks Unlimited, contact Jim Girard at (605) 203-0170, Scott Longville at (605) 860-1391, or DU’s National Headquarters in Memphis, Tenn., at (901) 758-DUCK (3825).

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Fall 2011 • 11www.ducks.org/states/62/

BROOKINGS, S.D. — Agricultural producers and waterfowl will benefit from a project at South Dakota State University that uses an innovative plant-breeding technique to shave perhaps two years off the time needed to produce winter wheat varieties for farmers in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America.

Using a technique that has been known since the 1980s but only more recently routinely implemented, breeders are pollinating wheat plants with corn to produce doubled-haploid wheat plants. The technique doesn’t produce genetically modified plants or even combine the genes of the two crops because the corn chromosomes are transferred by pollination, a traditional crossing method, and the corn chromosomes, which are the carriers of the genes, are biologically eliminated during development of the wheat plants. In effect, the corn chromosomes act like placeholders that will be replaced by the wheat plant’s own chromosomes during the production of the doubled-haploids.

The resulting doubled-haploids are homozygous lines with identical chromosome sets carrying genes originating only from the wheat parent. Consequently, instead of needing approximately six generations of conventional self-pollination, such homozygous lines are produced in only one. This procedure makes it easier and faster for breeders to select for desirable traits and produce finished varieties from those lines.

It’s part of a push to produce winter wheat varieties specifically for the Prairie Pothole Region, or PPR, an area of nearly 300,000 square miles that is home to millions of glacially formed wetlands.

South Dakota State University is one of three area universities involved in a Ducks Unlimited and Bayer CropScience initiative Winter Cereals: Sustainability in Action, or WCSIA. The WCSIA initiative seeks to increase agriculture productivity through research and agronomic assistance, while improving the habitat important to North America’s waterfowl and other wildlife. North Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota are also involved in the project.

Winter wheat offers a big advantage to ducks in that it is seeded in the fall, so fields are not disturbed by spring planting operations coinciding with when ducks are nesting. Ducks Unlimited Canada’s research shows that 24 times more nests are hatched in fall-seeded crops such as winter wheat and winter rye than in spring-seeded crops.

Bill Berzonsky, leader of SDSU’s winter wheat breeding project, said postdoctoral researcher Melanie Caffe is working with him to speed up the process of developing winter wheat varieties by developing doubled-haploids.

“I would say in the traditional way, on average, we’re probably talking 10 to 12 years from the initial cross to the final release of the variety. It could even be longer than that,” Berzonsky said. “With this technique, my estimation is that it probably cuts off maybe one to two years from the process. You’d think it would cut off a lot more than that but we still need to test the doubled-haploid lines extensively in the field.”

Berzonsky said using doubled-haploid lines has been done since about the 1980s — perhaps even longer, given the fact that wheat geneticists have long known about a technique that produces similar results but employs a different pollinator, a wild barley species. “If you read the literature, there are many different types of pollen that can be used to more or less trick the wheat plant into thinking, at least initially, that it’s been self-pollinated. At a certain point, really during the development of the embryo itself, the dividing cells start to eliminate the chromosomes of the other species,” he said.

Caffe said the technique needs pollen of another plant species such as corn, and she, too, emphasized that it is not genetic modification in the same manner that produces transgenic or GM crops. The procedure doesn’t result in combining the genes of wheat and the other species — it only uses the pollen to induce the wheat to keep its own set of chromosomes, which are later chemically doubled in the last step of the procedure.

“This is not transformation. The aim is to arrive at a homozygous

line,” Caffe said. “Instead of selfing many generations, in one step we can get to the homozygous stage. We cross the wheat with corn, and the chromosomes from the corn are eliminated from the cells during embryo development. In the dividing embryo cells you are going to have only the one set, the haploid set of chromosomes from the wheat.”

Berzonsky said that although one goal is to provide nesting cover and habitat for ducks in the PPR, farmers also benefit from adding winter wheat acres to their crop rotations.

“Increasing the acres of winter wheat is good for the growers for a number of reasons. Winter wheat fits into rotations very well. It’s a very nice crop because of the no-till aspects of its production, which should help conserve moisture in areas of drought or potential drought and conserve our soil and water resources.”

In addition, growing a fall-seeded crop such as winter wheat can lessen or spread the workload during the spring when most crops are being

seeded, and it allows producers to avoid dealing with wet conditions that are frequently present in the period leading up to and including spring planting. Finally, winter wheat often produces a higher grain yield than spring wheat because it is already at an advanced growth stage by the time spring wheat is just being planted. This allows the growing plants to take advantage of moisture deposited as snow in the winter and avoids warmer air temperatures during the flowering and grain-fill periods.

Blake Vander Vorst, Ducks Unlimited senior agronomist, said the implementation of the doubled-haploid plant breeding technique at SDSU is an exciting first step to increase the efficiencies of the winter wheat breeding programs in the PPR.

Alan Ayers, Bayer CropScience director of state affairs, agreed. “Improvement in traits such as cold tolerance, disease resistance and grain quality will pay big dividends for growers in the PPR and other regions in the future,” Ayers said.

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1� • Fall 2011 Fowl Talk - South Dakota Ducks Unlimited

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