September 2009 Volume 1, Issue 1 First State Conservator The official newsletter of Delaware Ducks Unlimited Picture courtesy of Dave Foote, Brandywine DU Special Interest Articles: Jack and Weezie Dukes Commemoration To Help Rescue the Duck Factory Committee Spotlight : New Castle County Chapter Individual Highlights: DE DU State Officers 2 5 th Annual Greenwing Day 3 DE holds Zone Workshops 4 DE State Raffle Announced 4 Where does your donation go? 5 Delaware DU Fact Sheet 6 Delaware DU Calendar 7 2009 State Awards 7 Scott Crawford, State Chairman, [email protected]Dear Delaware Ducks Unlimited Volunteer, Let me first start by welcoming you to the first ever on-line state newsletter! Hat‟s off to Don Robitzer and Jason Crook for putting together a great first issue and to all that contributed articles, information and pictures. It‟s amazing how much is happening on the DU front throughout the state so again great job Don and Jason for putting it all down here! Now on to what Don really asked me to do: write an introduction to the newsletter! For those of you that attended the state meeting in January, you heard me speak about my relationship with my Dad and how the many hours I spent with him in the duck blind were some of the most influential in my life. I often joke about my DU career starting in the womb and that‟s not too far from the truth. Because of my Dad, the stories he told and the lessons in conservation that he taught I‟m here today writing to you as your State Chairman. While Dad is not here anymore to reassure me that the ducks will move when the tide changes or to remind me that the DU dinner is coming up and it‟s important to go, his conservation lessons are alive and well in me. As I travel the State to committee meetings and events, I meet and talk to countless volunteers with similar experiences, it‟s truly amazing. These stories and traditions are the core values of Delaware Ducks Unlimited. It ‟s what makes us one of the top States in the country, something we should all be proud of. Thank you for allowing me to share my DU history with you and for allowing me the opportunity to make a difference as your chairman. In closing, I would like to thank Howard Wilkins are past State Chairman for his leadership over the past two years. To me Howard served as a mentor and friend and provided me a comfortable spring board into the next two years. To you, Howard delivered the leadership to propel our state to #7 in the country!!! Congratulations Howard on this achievement and for being one of Delaware‟s strongest volunteers. Good luck to you as you further your commitment to DU as a member of the National Conservation Programs Commitment. We as a State are honored to have one of our own sit on such an influential national committee. Thanks again for all that you do and as Pete MacGaffin always says: “Go Ducks”! Scott Crawford Delaware State Chairman From the desk of our Chairman Jack and Weezie Dukes Commemoration to Help Rescue the Duck Factory The Lord blesses our world with some very special individuals. These folks are admired and recognized for their hard work, determination, selflessness and sense of community. The Blue Hen State is home to just such a wonderful couple, Jack and Weezie Dukes, a couple whose roots run deep in the history of Delaware. Jack and Weezie have successfully and gracefully fulfilled the expectations of family history evidenced by many abundant years on their farm at Taylor‟s Bridge. As the eighth generation to till the soil of this beautiful farm, they have worn this rare mantel of history with humility. A visit to their farm is a sojourn that takes one back in time to when life allowed you to enjoy the sunrises and sunsets, a simpler time if you will, of cordiality and consideration rare in the world that we live in today.
Transcript
September 2009
Volume 1, Issue 1
First State Conservator The official newsletter of Delaware Ducks Unlimited
(Continued) Jack and Weezie have been wonderful supporters of Ducks Unlimited
for many, many years. They also have many years of perfect attendance at DU
National Conventions. Everyone knows who the „Pin Lady‟ is. Weezie would trade
into the wee hours of the morning to collect pins from every state and then she
would help her friends collect theirs. One of the great ways Jack enjoys and
supports conservation is by sponsoring the annual Delaware DU meeting,
followed by a fantastic dove hunt. He also donates many duck hunts on his
beautiful impoundment which nets many needed dollars for DU‟s conservation
programs in Delaware and across the continent. Jack has been the recipient of
several conservation awards and has logged in many hours on DU committees.
It is all these things that this committee, and we hope you, would like to
recognize. Following is what we would like for you to consider as soon as
possible.
The Dukes‟ farm at Taylor‟s Bridge is a child of the Delaware Bay; it is the winter,
and summer home to a myriad of migratory birds that travel from all over the
continent to arrive here. One place in particular, the Prairie Pothole Region, sends
many a winged migrant to the Delaware and Chesapeake Bay area‟s every year
and research shows that 3 out of every 4 ducks harvested are from this region.
This region is a part of the Missouri Choteau, a paradise of wetlands that hosts
more birds for the breeding season than you can imagine. They are under a new
and devastating threat, and the land is being destroyed at an alarming rate. This
is America‟s breadbasket of waterfowl and wetland birds. There are many land-
loving farmers and ranchers who, like Jack and Weezie, want to see the balance
between man and land continue for the next generation. Unfortunately, they don‟t
have the financial means to continue and are forced to sell out or plow under
more and more fragile habitat. There is an option for them, one that allows them
to stay on the land and reap some of the land value by allowing a conservation
easement to be placed on the property. They do not sell the land but sell the
development rights and agree to maintain the land as it is with a blend of
production along with protection for the wildlife acres. Even if the lands change
hands, they are still protected in perpetuity. Rescue the Duck Factory is an
emergency national campaign that DU is undertaking over the next 16 months to
raise $40 million to buy conservation easements on key ranches and farms. Our
work to recognize Jack and Weezie is part of this effort. Attached is a list of
critical properties we hope to secure as soon as possible, with your support. Our
federal and state governments recognize this critical area as well and for each
dollar you help us bring to the table it will be matched 3:1 to significantly protect
not just wetlands but a way of life, a way of life that Jack and Weezie know and
appreciate. The Delaware State Campaign Committee of Ducks Unlimited has a
goal of raising $500,000 by this spring and will commemorate a property or a
series of properties in Jack and Weezie‟s honor. Friends, the opportunity for us to
make a difference in perpetuity, are before us. We have an opportunity to
recognize all that we admire in folks like Jack and Weezie. It‟s an opportunity to
make a difference on the landscape that we know must occur. An anonymous
donor has already given us $100,000 to help save these ranches and farms and
recognize Jack and Weezie. We are asking you to step up as well to help make
this happen. Time is of the essence so please act quickly.
We encourage you to contact Jim Dodd at 302.521.1600, or any of us on this
committee about what we want to accomplish. Please consider a gift to secure yet
another piece of the puzzle of waterfowl conservation. Now is the time and time is
short, if we want to see the skies filled with waterfowl today, tomorrow and
forever. “We need your help now.”
Delaware DU State Officers
State Chairman Scott Crawford
Preceding State Chairman Howard Wilkins
Zone Chairman – North Lou Caputo
Zone Chairmen – South Clif Bakhsh
Ed Brown
State Secretary Christy Willis
State Treasurer Clif Bakhsh
Major Gift Chairman North Richard Corkran
Major Gift Chairman South Ed Brown
Major Donor Chairman Jim Dodd
State Auction Chairpersons Herb & Debbie Kenton Shoot Chairman Dave Waters State Media Chairman Don Robitzer Volunteer Recruitment Chairpersons Lou Caputo Cindy Scuse Brown Website Design Chairman Jason Crook DU Tag Chairman Howard Wilkins Planning and Events Bill Baker Co Chairmen Matt Brickley National Development Committee Member Peter MacGaffin Greenwing Co Chairmen Kenny Hopkins Jason Crook Ed Montague National Youth and Education Chairman Ed Montague Director of Fundraising and Volunteer Relations Joe Rowan Regional Director Tony Senn
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Today's youth are the conservationists of tomorrow. Delaware Ducks Unlimited recognizes an
important resource in their continued pursuit of the Ducks Unlimited mission. This precious
resource is found not just in grass roots fund raising, but is found in the education of today's youth.
Every year, the Delaware chapters of Ducks Unlimited come together and host a weekend
dedicated to youth and conservation. Now in its 5th year, the Delaware Greenwing event is held at
Owens Station Preserve in Greenwood, DE.
This year‟s event brought youth from three counties and even surrounding states to participate in
many activities. Youth were able to participate in the duck and goose calling contest, decoy
carving competition, archery, sporting clay target shooting, and casting/fly fishing activities. In
addition to outdoor related activities, State agencies including DNREC, and other exhibitors were
on hand to provide educational information specifically focused on conservation and preserving
Delaware's open spaces.
The Delaware Sr. and Jr. Duck Stamp finalists were also judged at the event as in years past.
Local artists Richard Clifton and George Williams were in attendance to show their support and
display their art focused on wildlife and decoy carving. The day would not be complete without a
trick shooter demonstration from Beretta, a visit from a National Guard helicopter, and even a
Native American blessing from the Nanticoke Indians.
Every year the event is free to all youth who participate and fund raising provided by local business
contributions help register each child as a Greenwing, so that they receive continued education
throughout the rest of the year.
The Greenwing committee would like to thank everyone who helped make this event possible.
The 2010 Delaware Greenwing event will be on April 24th and the fundraising shoot on the 25
th
Please SAVE THE DATE!! Register online at: http://www.ducks.org/Page4254.aspx
5th Annual Greenwing Day by Jason Crook, New Castle County DU
“Today's youth are the conservationists of tomorrow.”
HAIL CALL: If anyone is interested in participating in the Greenwing committee,
this is a very rewarding experience and is the foundation for all we do in DU…
please contact Jason Crook – 302-218-5503 or [email protected] to get involved!!
Both the Northern and Southern Zone Workshops were held with both events being well
attended. The Northern Workshop was held at the Burris Lodge and the Southern Workshop
was held at the home of Ed Brown.
The workshops were well attended and many topics were presented and discussed. The
central topic of the workshops was the “Fundamentals of Event Management”. Finding ways
in which all of the committee‟s can get back to the basics of event efficiency, proper pricing
of silent items, reserves on live auction items, the true costs of running an event, ticket
pricing and marketing your event for success.
New materials were distributed to your area chairman and the new committee hats look
great. Please plan on getting to your next committee meeting to get your hat.
One other topic that we should all keep on our minds when thinking about DU is reaching
out to people we know who may have an interest in volunteering to work with you on your
committee. Please mark your calendar for November 22, 2009 that will be the Sunday that
we do our Waterfowl Hunter Party at the Liepsic Fire Hall, more details to come on this
exciting event. Also don‟t forget to run a local recruitment event in your area.
Enjoy the summer!
Delaware Holds Zone Workshops by Lou Caputo, Northern Zone Chairman
Refocus on event
efficiency and getting
back to basics was
the theme of the zone
workshops
Delaware State Raffle Announced
Details……
35 chances will be raffled across the state at
chapter and state events
The winner of each event raffle will receive a
Butch Wagner Cinnamon Teal Decoy as well
as an entry into the State Raffle
Drawing will be held at The Lame Duck Clay
Shoot - August 2010
Winner will get their choice of DU Tag #78
or War Eagle Duck Boat Package
Don’t miss your chance to
secure your spot out of 35!!
First State Conservator
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Where does your donation go?
Core Values
The core values and guiding principles of Ducks Unlimited's team of staff and
volunteers are:
Waterfowl and wetland We conserve North America's
waterfowl and wetlands.
Ethics We act to uphold the
reputation of DU, treating people and wildlife
with respect
Science-based decisions we evaluate our programs
to guide us and ensure credibility.
Team DU We work together as volunteers and staff.
Waterfowling We value and enjoy the sport
and heritage of hunting.
Collaboration, not confrontation We partner with those who share
common goals and values.
Wise investments We commit at least 80%
of our resources to conservation.
Passion and commitment We celebrate the culture of
DU as we serve our members.
During the past fiscal year, 88 percent of DU's expenditures were converted directly to conservation work. This habitat is needed desperately by ducks, geese and other wetland-dependent wildlife to survive.
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Upcoming Delaware DU Events TYPE DATE HOST CHAPTER / EVENT LOCATION CONTACT
September 12, 2009
Kent County Chapter Fall Dinner
Clayton, DE KEVIN BERRY 302.423.8494
September 12, 2009
Nanticoke Chapter Sponsor Event
Seaford Fire Co Seaford, DE
ED MONTAGUE 302.285.9115
September 17, 2009
New Castle County Chapter Fall Sportsman’s Dinner
Hockessin Memorial Fire Hall Hockessin, DE
JASON CROOK 302.218.5503
September 2009
Brandywine/Naamans Bill Geddes Clay Shoot
Hopkins Game Farm Kennedyville, MD
DON ROBITZER 302.472.7200
October 8, 2009
Brandywine Chapter Fall Sportsman’s Banquet
Vicmead Hunt Club Wilmington, DE
DON ROBITZER 302.472.7200
October 17, 2009
Appoquinimink Chapter Annual Dinner
Townsend Fire Hall Townsend, DE
DAVID RIDDELL JR 302.379.4797
October 17, 2009
Indian River Chapter Annual Dinner
Gumboro Fire Hall DONNIE HOLLADAY 302.537.7374
October 24, 2009
Quack Pack Family Fun Day
Wilson’s Farm Smyrna, DE
CHRISTY WILLIS 302.270.1218
November 1, 2009
Delaware Hunters Chapter Pre- Goose Clay Shoot
Owens Station Greenwood, DE
MARK A. BREEDING 302.632.0747
November 7, 2009
Central Delaware Chapter Felton Dinner
Felton Fire Hall Felton, DE
HOWARD WILKINS 302.381.2275
WHP November 22, 2009 DE STATE COMMITTEE- WATERFOWL HUNTERS PARTY
Leipsic Fire Hall Leipsic, DE
SCOTT CRAWFORD 302.222.2470
December 4, 2009
Eastern Sussex Committee Annual Dinner
Rehoboth Beach Convention Center
RUSTY PRIDE 302.542.6973
December 31, 2009
Delaware Hunters Chapter New Years Eve Bash
Felton Community Fire Company Felton, DE
MARK A. BREEDING 302.632.0747
Delaware Chapters Recognized – 2009 State Awards by Jason Crook, New Castle County DU
On August 23rd, 2009 The Delaware DU Chapters were recognized for their 2008 efforts at the State Awards event held annually at
Sambos Tavern in Liepsic, DE. In addition to all you can eat crabs, shrimp, corn, fries, and cold beverage, the Delaware State
committee was recognized for their leadership efforts during the 2008-2009 fiscal year. There were committee members from Kent Co.,
Central DE., Eastern Sussex, Nanticoke, New Castle Co., Brandywine, Indian River, Appoquinimink, Quack Pack, Naamans Creek,
Tidewater and Flight line in attendance, making this year's State Awards the largest. State Chairman Scott Crawford thanked the
chapters for their dedication to the cause and hard work over the past year even in the tough economy and congratulated all those who
received recognition at the event. He closed the event with saying he received his DU magazine in the mail last week and saw the
ultimate reward on the cover that every member of DU should be proud of "2009 forecast...duck numbers are up!!"
Below are the individual Chapter awards that helped make the 2008-2009 year another success for Delaware Ducks Unlimited.
Congratulations to all the award recipients and their hard working chapters!!
AREA CHAIRMAN OF THE YEAR!! : Robb Warfel-Central Delaware
HIGH CHAPTER INCOME: Brandywine-Don Robitzer/Tim Jones HIGH DINNER NET: Brandywine-Don Robitzer/Tim Jones
LARGEST DOLLAR INCREASE: Central-Robb Warfel MOST EVENT SPONSORS: Brandywine-Don Robitzer/Tim Jones
GREATEST INCREASE IN SPONSORS: Eastern Sussex-Rusty Pride MOST EVENT MEMBERS: Appoquinimink-Dave Riddell
GREATEST INCREASE IN MEMBERS: Appoquinimink-Dave Riddell BEST NET TO GROSS: Appoquinimink-Dave Riddell
BEST SBA PROGRAM: Delaware Hunters-Mark Breeding NEW EVENT AWARD: Kent County-Kevin Berry
HIGH NET SHOOT: Central-Robb Warfel MOST NEW MAJOR DONORS: Nanticoke-Ed Montague
On Thursday June, 18th the New Castle County committee held their 6
th annual golf outing. The
day started with perfect “ducky” weather including torrential rain but this didn‟t stop DU supporters
from braving the elements for the cause. The Deerfield golf course hosted this year‟s tournament
and catered to almost 120 golfers. The NCCo committee of about 20 showed up early to check-in
golfers, sell mulligan‟s, and setup the ball room for the festivities to follow the full round of golf.
After the rain subsided and the green light was given by the grounds manager, the tournament was
under way. The golfers play a scramble format with closest to the pin on the PAR 3s, longest and
straightest drive competitions. Immediately following the round a fantastic lunch was served in the
grand ball room of the clubhouse, followed by many raffles, a silent auction and presentation of the
1st, 2
nd and 3
rd place foursomes and of course the famous NCCo “bringing up the rear” Duck butt
trophies for the last place finisher.
The NCCo committee worked hard in the ball room to turn an event that could have been a disaster
with the weather and raise almost $14,000 net for the ducks. The committee would like to thank it‟s
dedicated sponsors, NKS for the event signage and donated items, LINEX for sponsoring the truck
of cheer, and PRO Physical Therapy, Alan Spiro – Clarion Belle/Quality Inn Skyways, Crisconi
Brothers Painting for hole sponsorships.
The 7th
annual Golf outing is already on the calendar for June 17, 2010 and tentatively slated to be held at the Deerfield Golf and tennis club in Newark, DE. If you are interested in securing a
foursome or becoming a sponsor for the 2010 tournament please contact [email protected] or check out www.nccducks.com for tournament updates.
Shots of the 6th Annual NCCo DU Golf Tournament courtesy of Jason Crook
The vision of Ducks Unlimited is wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl
