Question for non-DU and non-DW members

[Po Monkey Lounger]

What one thing could DU do (or stop doing) to cause you to join or re-join?

Same question re DW?

Lets assume for the purpose of this discussion that neither DU nor DW can control the weather, set the duck season framework, ban robos, or set harvest limits ----- hopefully we can agree that those things are in the hands of mother nature and the USF&W.

[duck]

DU could sell all its property and put into improvements of nesting grounds, predator control and survival of ducklings. I think presently and in the past DU has been interested in banquets, fund raisers and getting federal farm program funds so that a few big-wigs have some neat places to hunt and party. I don't think I could ever be a member of DU again until some evidence of their helping improve duck numbers is established.

[Don Miller]

If DU would take DW's lead on preditor management and would admit that preditor management works, I would get back on my local DU committee. That ain't gonna happen. DU has aligned themselves with a bunch of anti-hunters, so they are careful not to rock the boat.

[sportsman450]

No one thing would do it.DU has lost my trust,and it looke like they've lost the trust of a lot of others.Everything they say has an air of half-truth to it.

A classic example would be a response to claims that DU feeds ducks in the northern states.Keeping them there long past their normal migration time.In a rambling statement,one of DU's Ms.leadres said that DU did not feed ducks "In an effort to short stop them".He didn't actually deny that they fed them.He just said they didn't do it to purposely keep them up north.I don't know if they feed em or not,but this kind of response left the door open for later justification if they do.

ABSOLUTE HONESTY-Then in the aftermath CLEAN HOUSE!!!

[Chad Manlove]

Well, if you don't mind, let me close the door. Bottomline: Ducks Unlimited DOES NOT FEED DUCKS!! We have never been involved with feeding ducks and never will.

If you want to know the truth.....then ask me. I will give you an honest answer to every question.

Duck, DU can't sell its property. That's because we don't own any property south of the breeding grounds. Yes, DU owns 5-10 tracts in North and South Dakota. Yes, DU owns 2,000 tracts in prairie Canada (all on the breeding grounds). But we don't own property in the south or mid-latitude states.

[Po Monkey Lounger]

Thanks for your comments Chad. I think that should help dispel some of the inaccurate hysteria. But, the facts have never stopped a good rant on this board.

Come on guys, I started this thread with the hope of generating some serious discussion re just what it would take for DU and/or DW to earn or re-earn your support. Do any of you who love to bash these conservation groups have any real beef with them based upon facts, or are you simply trying to publicly validate your decision to not give back to the sport?

For you guys who proudly state that that you do not support DU or DW with membership and/or $ contributions, what exactly do you do to give back to the sport?

[Po Monkey Lounger]

A few notes for clarification re my previous post: I think that Don Miller's point is valid and I share his opinion on that issue. Also, my general reference to the folks who fail to support these fine conservations groups is not necessarily directed to the folks who posted on this thread, but to the posters on other threads currently on the board. (Just needed to CYA before anyone got their panties in a wad).

[RedLeg84]

If DU would pay more attention to the hatching and predator control instead of buying up tons of acreage in Missouri for the ducks to just get stopped then I would join. I like the way DW does things although they have a few faults also.