Delta Waterfowl

[captain duck]

Glad to see so many of you interested in Delta Waterfowl. Like many of you I have changed camps. DU has become to much politics for me. I was once sponsor chairman of Hinds and Washington Counties in early 80's. Have been involved in Delta for 4 years and helped put on first banquet in Stuttgart 2 years ago. Also helped in West Point.One of my long time friends in Brandon is National chairman of the board of Delta Waterfowl.

[Bluegrass]

Well, tell me where to send the money b/c I ain't sending no more to DU..!!

[captain duck]

Bluegrass- Go to www.deltawaterfowl.org. You'll be glad you joined.

[H2OFowl]

John Devney, Communications Director at Delta, called me this am to let me know he was coming into town next week. I dont know how much room were going to have, but if anyone is interested in attending please email as soon as possible so I can get things lined up.

<A HREF="mailto:hlg@dixie-net.com">hlg@dixie-net.com</A>

[Hambone]

Captain Duck , in your perception, how is DU "too political"? Do you believe that we need to be in one "camp" or the other? I don't know a great deal about DW, but their ideas, in general, look good. I do have some question as to whether they are realistically obtainable, considering the national and international scope of the subject. It may just be individuals talking, but I have gained an impression that DW attempts to recruit new members by promoting an anti-DU platform. If that is the tacit or spoken agenda, I suggest that DW reconsider its strategy, because it is probably running off some substantial contributors. I would certainly say that if you have a problem with DU, contribute to DW. Better still, give to both and cover all the bases - both organizations have the same ultimate goal!

[Chuckle]

i believe captain duck, by saying DU is becoming "too political", is saying that the goals of DU have become less about restoring waterfowl habitat and providing new habitat and more about getting more money and lobbying for certain bills in washington,d.c.
while this is certainly important, the money that regular folk, like you and i, give to DU hoping for better hunting land is being funneled toward smoothing over senators and such. i have a friend that lobbies for DU in washington, and he told me the same thing. he precluded to the idea that most of the time he spends lobbying is done in a five star restaurant or on high priced big game hunts, with a few duck hunts thrown in for good measure.

this year, at our DU convention, there were a whole lot more people there that have never set foot in a duck blind, much less watch a group of mallards drop in at sunrise. they seemed to be there because it was a good opportunity to show off their money or because going to a DU convention was the thing to do. not that i wouldn't like to see their money, but it is hard to talk about hunting to people that don't even hunt.

HELL, I SAW A DU DUCK HEAD STICKER ON A CADILLAC YESTERDAY.

i guess i just got off on a serious rant, but that's my 2 cents, and just thought i would add it to the pot.

oh yeah, by the way, if you couldn't tell by my post, i joined DELTA WATERFOWL a couple weeks ago.

[ February 04, 2002: Message edited by: Chuckle ]

[captain duck]

Hambone-Chuckle's reply before I saw your question did address some of the Too Political issue. Delta Waterfowl is definitely not anti-DU. DU's net dollars that actually go to the ducks is 45-55% DW's is 90%+. DW is simply a research org that studies habitat, predator control, migration, breeding, populations, etc. They have no political agenda and don't loddy legislation or take Senators to 5 star restaurants. I am a 7 time sponsor and 25 year member of DU and always will be. Now I only pay my $25 to DU and give as much as I can comfortably afford to DW each year. The research is what DW gives to DU to implement a gameplan for better habitat.

[sondance]

IMHO the deal w/ DU and politics is evidenced in all the corporate ties they have as illustrated by thngs like the DU Vac etc... They do support wetlands preservation which is a good thing but, I personally feel like they don't support the hunter. DW seems to do a better job of that. I am not interested in the official underwear of DU. I am interested in organizations that support my opportunities to hunt waterfowl not just raise money. I belong to both organizations but, DU is loosing sight of who there true base is, the average joe who likes to duck hunt. I think most true waterfowlers could care less about all the corporate sponsorships. I am only speaking for myself but, I feel the focus of DU is no longer on the ducks and the hunters but on the ducks and who ever writes the biggest check. Ducks don't do me a lot of good if I can't hunt them. Sure they are beautiful and contribute to biological diversity. But, I wouldn't even think about them without the hunting opportunity. Just my $.02

[goosebruce]

Don't think I even have to add a thing....
H20fowl, John is the person that sparked me about delta. I consider him a friend, and a great worker for the ducks. Always glad to hear him talk, or drink a beer with him. What where you talking about getting together? travis

[H2OFowl]

Sometime next week, He is supposed to give me a call in the next day or two let me know when he is gonna be here (Oxford). I've known him for about a year now and youre right its always good to here from him. Email me and when I get the exact time and place Ill email back.

[mississippi_duc_htr]

My sentiments exactly chuckle and sondance very well said!!!!! [img]images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

[gadwall2]

H2O,
John called me today and wants to meet up with me somewhere. I have several guys interested in Delta also. I don't know how many guys you have interested, but maybe we can all sit down somewhere together.

my email is kmcquary@dixie-net.com