May 2012 Gear Guide
Gearing up is a year-round process. Stay one step ahead with dual-purpose equipment.
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: April 2012
Member photos of the day from the month of April
|
|
Lease, Guide or Freelance?
When you get down to it, there are really only three ways most of us can hunt waterfowl. You can pay to lease a spot. You can hire a guide for the day. Or you can freelance on either public or private land (with permission). Which is better?
|
|
Retriever Training: Inside, off-season with Deke
Mike Stewart of Wildrose Kennels shows how and why you need to reinforce retrieving, even indoors this spring and summer. Deke the DU dog retrieves hats, gloves and a cooler in this segment.
|
|
Cooking: The Perfect Duck Sandwich
Sourdough bread, thinly sliced duck, lots of grilled onions and tangy horseradish sauce are an unbeatable combination. By Scott Leysath.
|
|
April 2012 Waterfowl Gear Guide
Preparation for the 2012-2013 waterfowl season begins now!
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: March 2012
Member photos of the day from the month of March
|
|
Rep. Rob Wittman
Rep. Rob Wittman (VA) wishes Ducks Unlimited a Happy 75th anniversary. For more 75th videos, visit www.ducks.org/75th.
|
|
Exmark proudly announces its official promotional partnership with DU
Exmark is proud to announce its official promotional partnership with Ducks Unlimited, the world's leader in wetlands conservation.
|
|
Chapter Spotlight: Fort Lauderdale, Florida Chapter
Fort Lauderdale—home of pristine beaches, mega yachts, and some of the most exquisite resorts in Florida. Once a spring break mecca for college students, this popular tourist destination is now host to Florida's largest Ducks Unlimited Greenwing event.
|
|
Whiting Petroleum Gives Back to North Dakota Prairies
Whiting Petroleum Corporation recently contributed $100,000 to Ducks Unlimited to restore wetlands on the western edge of North Dakota's Prairie Pothole Region (PPR).
|
|
March 2012 Waterfowl Gear Guide
There is no such thing as downtime for an avid waterfowler. March is a great time to work on gear, thoroughly clean guns, focus on dog training and begin sourcing new products for the 2012-2013 waterfowl season.
|
|
Photo Essay: Sunrise from the Duck Blind
Witnessing the sunrise from the duck blind is something waterfowlers enjoy on a regular basis. For some, it's why they head to the blind on rain-soaked or frigid mornings.
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: February 2012
Member photos of the day from the month of February.
|
|
RNT Tips: Listen to the Caller
John Stephens, president of RNT calls, explains why you should listen to the caller, rather than looking for the ducks.
|
|
Cooking: Grilled Duck Bites
Prosciutto, mango and jalapeño give this traditional appetizer a tangy, spicy twist. Submitted by Scott Leysath.
|
|
February 2012 Waterfowl Gear Guide
The February DU E-Newsletter Gear Guide offers a combination of equipment to help improve your success and comfort while hunting the liberal spring goose season.
|
|
Winchester presents DU with Partners in Conservation Award
To honor DU's 75th anniversary, Winchester Ammunition, a long-time partner of Ducks Unlimited, presented DU with its "Partners in Conservation Award" at Winchester's SHOT Show booth on Jan. 18.
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: January 2012
Member photos of the day from the month of January
|
|
Chapter Spotlight: Fort Bragg, California Chapter
Great things sometimes come in small packages. The Fort Bragg, California, DU chapter is a case in point.
|
|
January 2012 Waterfowl Gear Guide
The January E-newsletter Gear Guide provides items that are flexible for multiple conditions and allows hunters to adjust their hunting style, comfort and capabilities.
|
|
Lee and Tiffany Lakosky
Lee and Tiffany Lakosky wish Ducks Unlimited a Happy 75th Anniversary.
|
|
Chapter Spotlight: Pentagon Chapter
All DU volunteers are remarkable. But even within DU's exceptional volunteer community there are individuals who have taken the volunteer spirit a step further.
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: December 2011
Member photos of the day from the month of December
|
|
Rivers of Opportunity
From small creeks to massive rivers, chances are there are ducks and geese using the moving waters in your area.
|
|
Five Tactics for Late-Season Ducks
It's late season, when the sport's true diehards are like NFL linemen in the playoffs. Veteran waterfowlers share 5 expert tactics to help successfully end the season.
|
|
December 2011 Waterfowl Gear Guide
The Holiday Gear Guide is your go-to resource for the waterfowl hunters on your holiday gift list.
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: November 2011
Member photos of the day from the month of November
|
|
Working an Elevated Stand
Mike Stewart, Wildrose Kennels, uses Deke the DU Dog, to explain how to train your retriever on an elevated stand.
|
|
RNT Tips: Call to a Duck's Reaction
Jim Ronquest, RNT-V producer, describes how varying your calling techniques based on the ducks' body language will improve your calling success.
|
|
Wild Duck Andouille Gumbo
Submitted by Tom Balk. Serves 6.
|
|
Cold, Hard Facts: Cold Weather Duck Hunting Tips
The month of December can offer spectacular waterfowling.
|
|
RNT Tips: Learn Slow
Butch Richenback, RNT Calls founder, takes you step-by-step on learning to call ducks. Learning slow, and piecing individual segments together, will allow you to learn to be a better caller.
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: October 2011
Member photos of the day from the month of October
|
|
November 2011 Waterfowl Gear Guide
Decoys are the quintessential icon of waterfowl hunters, from hand-carved blocks to the newest variation of injection-molded, fully-flocked spread. From floaters to full bodies, decoy improvements over the years are a testament to technology and waterfowling ingenuity.
|
|
Mid-Season Magic
The middle of the season is possibly the most challenging time for waterfowl hunters. During this period, ducks and geese are notorious for skirting decoy spreads, ignoring calls, and in some cases, simply disappearing.
|
|
Retriever Training: Facing Distractions
Mike Stewart, Wildrose Kennels, explains how to keep your retriever's focus when facing distractions in the field. This training techinque is something that can be done any time of year and in any situation.
|
|
RNT Tips: Finding the easiest approach
Jim Ronquest, RNT-V producer explains how ducks will follow the easiest approach into the decoys. Setting your decoys along the easiest approach will help ducks commit to your decoys.
|
|
Scientific Waterfowling
Following are interviews with four preeminent waterfowl researchers. We can learn a lot from these experts, not only about how ducks react to their environment, but also how to apply this knowledge for better hunting success.
|
|
Close-Range Canadas
Over time, a goose hunter learns to take care of the little things. So we contacted four pros, all well schooled in the ways of the Canada goose, and asked them to share their expertise.
|
|
Southwestern Duck with Chipotle-Apricot Glaze
Submitted by Joshua Sasser. Serves 4.
|
|
October 2011 Waterfowl Gear Guide
Extreme weather conditions can force some hunters to leave the blind early. You don't want to miss a second this season, so having the proper clothing to hunt any conditions is a must. The E-newsletter Editorial team has compiled several clothing items that can make a difference when the weather inevitably turns for the worst. Also, we have included new clothing products geared specifically for women watefowlers.
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: September 2011
Member photos of the day from the month of September
|
|
Retriever Training: Working a Lower Stand
Mike Stewart, Wildrose Kennels, explains how to get your retriever ready to hunt a dog stand, beginning with a lower-level stand.
|
|
RNT Tips: Learning Single Quacks
Butch Richenback, founder of RNT Calls, explains how duck callers can begin by learning the single quack. Starting with the basics will lead into more advanced duck calling.
|
|
Early Fall Habitat Conditions in Canada
Due to favorable habitat conditions throughout Canada, fall flight expectations remain high. Overall migration still depends heavily on timely weather patterns.
|
|
Wild Rice Soup
Submitted by Dudley Friskopp. Serves 6-8.
|
|
September 2011 Waterfowl Gear Guide
Document your hunts: Waterfowler's cherish moments spent afield, and every season we reflect on the good times spent with family and friends. The DU E-newsletter Editorial Team knows capturing these experiences is important, and has selected several items that can help you document your hunts. Whether through a journal, photos or videos – this month's Gear Guide offers the equipment to share your waterfowling memories.
|
|
Retriever Training: Steadiness
Mike Stewart with Deke, the DU Dog explains an enjoyable way to teach steadiness.
|
|
Duck Calling Tip: Using Back Pressure
John Stephens, president of RNT calls, explains how a duck call's bore size can change the sound of each call. Using more back pressure, created with a smaller bore, callers can create different sounds needed in different hunting situations.
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: August 2011
Member Photos of the Day from the month of August
|
|
Early Teal: 8 Strategies for September Bluewings
While weather and local habitat conditions will affect where and when bluewings will be available, the following teal-hunting tips will help you make the most of your hunting opportunities when these fast-flying little ducks blow into your area.
|
|
Duck Tostaditas
Submitted by DU Member. Serves 4.
|
|
August 2011 Waterfowl Gear Guide
Waterfowler's Wish List: This month features waterfowling gear that fills up driveways and garages. The pre-season ritual of piecing together a wish list can now begin.
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: July 2011
Member Photos of the Day from the month of July
|
|
DU in Afghanistan: Quack Nasty!
The recent "Show Us Your Duck Head" contest, hosted on DU's Facebook page, proved that the DU logo is painted, tattooed and stuck to more than trucks and boats. One submission stood out above all the rest, and not only dominated the final voting, but aroused curiosity throughout both the organization and on Facebook—An AH-64 Apache helicopter dubbed "Quack Nasty."
|
|
Duck Scaloppini with Dried Cranberries
Submitted by Lenny Maiorano. Serves 4.
|
|
Shooting Tip: Panic Avoidance
Utilize the off-season to fix simple mistakes made when shooting in the duck blind. Gary Goodpaster of Collierville, Tenn., offers some tips to stay calm and cool in the blind to improve your shot and fill your bag this season.
|
|
Video Tip: Training in the Heat
Mike Stewart of Wildrose Kennels explains a few precautions to take when working with your retriever on hot summer days.
|
|
Pre-Season Prep: 7 Steps for Success
Like an early-morning wood duck buzzing the decoys, the upcoming waterfowl season will be here before we know it. While the to-do list is long, these seven steps will prove essential to a successful waterfowling season.
|
|
July 2011 Waterfowl Gear Guide
Gear Bag Accessories: Must-have blind bag items
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: June 2011
Member Photos of the Day from the month of June
|
|
Yamaha's 2012 Grizzly 700 and Grizzly 550 ATVs now Assembled in U.S.A.
Yamaha's top selling all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs), the Grizzly 700 FI 4x4 and Grizzly 550 FI 4x4, feature design and performance upgrades for 2012 further solidifying their place as the most off-road capable and durable machines in their respective classes.
|
|
Shotgunner's Guide to Waterfowling
Here's how to consistently hit the most common shots in duck and goose hunting
|
|
Waterfowl Feeding Adaptations
Ducks and geese are well equipped to find food in a variety of habitats
|
|
South Dakota Spectacular
The hunt of a lifetime is the reward for days of hard scouting in this state's prairie pothole country
|
|
Wetlands and the Farm Bill
Your support will be needed to save key agricultural conservation programs in upcoming legislation
|
|
Private Marsh Management
Duck clubs and other private landowners provide vital habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife
|
|
Retrievers: Healthy Choices
Developing a sensible routine will help keep your retriever in top condition
|
|
Field Reports: 2011 Duck Production Outlook
Good to excellent wetland conditions have set the stage for above-average waterfowl production on key breeding areas
|
|
Tropical Duck with Wild Rice
Submitted by Kathleen Knapp. Serves 4.
|
|
June 2011 Waterfowl Gear Guide
Hunting from a boat provides waterfowlers with endless opportunities, but it also adds a degree of danger and difficulty. Preparedness and quality equipment are of the utmost importance. The summer is a great time to get your waterfowl rig set up for the coming season, so the E-newsletter Editorial Team has selected a few items that can help get every boat-minded waterfowler ready for fall.
|
|
Goose Enchilada Roll-Ups
Try this interesting goose recipe this spring and surprise your guests.
|
|
Whooping cranes benefit from NAWCA and NET funded DU restorations in Nebraska
While elected officials were determining the fate of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, whooping cranes were spotted enjoying two Ducks Unlimited properties in Nebraska.
|
|
Grilled Duck Fajitas
Submitted by James Anderson. Serves 6.
|
|
May 2011 Waterfowl Gear Guide
Preparing for next season can never begin too early, especially with your retriever. Keeping your retriever in shape by instilling an off season training schedule is highly recommended, and the E-newsletter Editorial Team has selected several items to help you do just that. From bumpers to first-aid kits, your four-legged hunting partner will appreciate the work, and the luxury these gear selections provide
|
|
Chapter Spotlight: Northwest Suburban, Illinois Chapter
Illinois DU chapter sends a "taste of home" to troops overseas
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: April 2011
Our favorite Photos of the Day from the month of March 2011. Featured in the April 2011 Ducks Unlimited E-newsletter.
|
|
Photo Essay: Spring on the Prairies
A look at what breeding waterfowl will find as they return to the Duck Factory (by Chris Jennings)
|
|
April 2011 Waterfowl Gear Guide
Waterfowl are arriving on the breeding grounds, signifying the first stages of spring. Spring is a time for waterfowlers to reflect on past seasons and, of course, begin stockpiling gear for next year.
|
|
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel & Ducks Unlimited Announce 2011 "Dog of the Year"
Bud, a chocolate Labrador Retriever from Huffman, Texas, has been selected as the 2011 Jack Daniel's Single Barrel-Ducks Unlimited "Dog of the Year." As part of the winning package, Bud will be featured in the Single Barrel gift tin package available this fall and his owner, Roger Randall, will receive an original painting of his dog by famed wildlife artist Jim Killen.
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: March 2011
Our favorite Photos of the Day from the month of March 2011. Featured in the April 2011 Ducks Unlimited E-newsletter.
|
|
Cliff's Asian Duck Breast
Submitted by Cliff Russell. Serves 4.
|
|
Chapter Spotlight: Northern Minnesota Chapters
The sum success of 30 northern Minnesota DU chapters is greater than the whole
|
|
Photo Essay: Nesting Habitat
Experience the images waterfowl face when they arrive on the prairies this year
|
|
Congress Threatens to Cut Important Conservation Programs
House passes legislative measure eliminating key conservation funding
|
|
Photo Essay: The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum
From vintage guns and boats to calls and decoys, one of the largest collections of classic waterfowling gear and one of the best places to learn about waterfowling history is the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum in Havre de Grace, Maryland.
|
|
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel "Dog of the Year" Contest
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel is looking for the Chocolate Lab that best qualifies as the "2011 Single Barrel Dog of the Year." If you think your dog deserves the honor, then write and tell us why in 150 words or less. Official Contest rules are here.
|
|
Duck Kabobs
Submitted by Adam Olson. Serves 8.
|
|
Chapter Spotlight: Columbia, Missouri Chapter
Ask anyone on the Columbia, Mo., DU Chapter committee and they all say the same thing: this chapter knows how to have fun.
|
|
March 2011 Waterfowl Gear Guide
While there are many hunters still chasing light geese this time of year, many of us are focused on getting waterfowl hunting gear stored for the summer.
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: February 2011
Our favorite Photos of the Day from the month of February 2011. Featured in the March 2011 Ducks Unlimited E-newsletter.
|
|
10 Great Cities for Waterfowlers
Some of the country's greatest waterfowling opportunities are closer than you might think.
|
|
Facebook: DU Fans' Most Memorable Moments
We asked DU Facebook fans, "What is your most memorable moment from the 2010-2011 duck hunting season?" Read a sampling of our fans' responses.
|
|
February 2011 Waterfowl Gear Guide
As February's winter weather sweeps across the nation, many waterfowl hunters begin placing decoys into storage. Then there are light goose hunters. It's a new breed of waterfowler, determined to take one last shot and contribute to a conservation cause. The E-newsletter editorial team has chosen a few items that can improve any snow goose hunter's success rates this spring.
|
|
Remington/DU Partnership Announced at SHOT
Remington announced a new partnership with Ducks Unlimited at the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade show in Las Vegas, Nev.
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: January 2011
Our favorite Photos of the Day from the month of January 2011. Featured in the February 2011 DU E-newsletter.
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: December 2010
Our favorite Photos of the Day from the month of December 2010. Featured in the January 2011 DU E-newsletter.
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: November 2010
Ducks Unlimited member photos of the day from the month of November 2010
|
|
Favorite DU Photos: October 2010
Ducks Unlimited member photos of the day from the month of October 2010. Featured in the November 2010 DU E-Newsletter.
|
|
Wild Game Recipes
Each month, a new recipe is featured in the Ducks Unlimited E-newsletter. These recipes have been submitted by DU members and supporters all over the country. Try one at home tonight or spice up your next dinner party!
|
|
Waterfowl Migration Headquarters: Follow the Ducks
Ducks Unlimited is your waterfowl migration headquarters each hunting season! Be sure to check out the resources below each day to follow the ducks and better prepare yourself for your next trip to the field. Good luck!
|
|
Ducks Unlimited Email Newsletter
Read past issues of the monthly DU e-newsletter.
|
|
Cooking: Duck Scaloppine
This classic Italian dish tastes great with duck and takes only 20 minutes to prepare.
|