Delta Waterfowl Foundation Top Stories

Delta's Tips for Preparing, Cooking Ducks and Geese - Just Get'em Out of the Freezer

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Like many hunters this time of year, Delta Waterfowl President Rob Olson has some ducks and geese in the freezer poised for the pot. He encourages other waterfowlers to prepare their birds and share them with family and friends.

U.S. House Passes E-Duck Stamp Bill

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a measure that, if approved by the U.S. Senate, would allow waterfowlers and others to purchase federal duck stamps online in all 50 states.

New National Survey to Shed Light on U.S. Waterfowler Participation

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

In November, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will release its newest national survey, with preliminary estimates available by the end of June. The survey is conducted every five years and is designed to provide data on hunting, fishing and other wildlife-related recreational activities.

Canadian Waterfowler Numbers Highest Since 2001

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

In an era of declining participation, Canadian waterfowl-hunter numbers have increased to their highest level since 2001, according to the Canadian Wildlife Service. In 2010, 152,678 resident waterfowl permits were sold, the largest number since 2001, when Canadian waterfowlers purchased 158,111 permits.

Delta Welcomes New COO

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Delta Waterfowl is pleased to announce Nick Pinizzotto has joined the organization as chief operating officer. Pinizzotto, 37, of Indiana, Pennsylvania, is an avid outdoorsman and committed conservationist who spent the last 15 years developing and managing several highly successful watershed conservation programs.

Saskatchewan Launches New Conservation Program

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Four rural municipalities in the Wascana Creek and Qu'Appelle River watersheds announced today they will introduce the Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) conservation program.

'Duck Man' Jones Wins Stuttgart's Celebrated Calling Contest

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Antonio (Duck Man) Jones of White Hall, Arkansas won the 76th annual World's Championship Duck Calling contest Saturday in Stuttgart.

Delta Hires New Regional Director

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMT

New Delta Waterfowl regional director Jeremey Stephens is no stranger to Delta Waterfowl and its programs. Three years ago, feeling the itch to get more involved in waterfowl conservation, Stephens founded the Howard County Delta Waterfowl chapter in New Franklin, Mo., about 25 miles west of Columbia.

Rohwer: Intensive Management May be Required Down the Road

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Dr. Frank Rohwer has a warning for duck hunters: The conditions that produced the remarkable fall flights of recent years won't last forever, and that means fewer ducks down the road. Fortunately Rohwer, who doubles as director of Delta Waterfowl's scientific research program, believes he has the answer: intensive management techniques like predator management, artificial nesting structures and conservation programs that protect small wetlands.

Al Hochbaum: How He Created the First Duck Research Facility

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMT

In 1938 a promising young graduate student named Hans Albert Hochbaum traveled at Manitoba's Delta Marsh to face the challenge that would ultimately define his life and shape the field of waterfowl management.

Hautman Wins Fourth Duck Stamp Contest

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Minnesota wildlife artist and Delta Waterfowl member Joe Hautman recently won his fourth federal duck stamp contest. Hautman's acrylic painting of a drake wood duck will be made into the 2012-2013 federal duck stamp. His painting was chosen over 189 entries from artists nationwide.

Delta's Top Ten Tips for Introducing Kids to Waterfowl Hunting

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT

In many jurisdictions across North America, there are age restrictions on when kids can start hunting waterfowl. Restrictions or not, there is nothing stopping you from bringing the little ones along for a hunt. Our advice is to just do it. You can't imagine how rewarding the experience will be—for you and the kids.

The Evolution of Steel Shot - Modern Waterfowl Ammunition Packs a Lethal Punch

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Steel shotshells have advanced nicely since the advent of lead being banned for waterfowl hunting. Improved wad systems and better propellants produce faster muzzle velocity and consistent patterns, which results in reliable ammunition that cleanly kills ducks and geese at reasonable ranges.

Canadian Long-Gun Registry To Be Scrapped

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The Conservative Party of Canada kept one of its' election promises today by introducing legislation to scrap the controversial long-gun registry. The proposed legislation, introduced in the House of Commons by Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, would eliminate the registry and all information currently contained in it.

Faces of Freedom - Wounded Veterans' Hunt Gives New Hope

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Canadian and American veterans will be introduced to waterfowl hunting in Manitoba's renowned 'pot hole' country. It's a rare opportunity for soldiers from two countries, who fought in the same conflict, to help each other deal with personal challenges back home.

Banding Program Eliminates Paper Certificates

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMT

As of Aug. 1, the Bird Banding Lab of the U.S. Geological Survey discontinued the practice of mailing certificates displaying banding information on reported birds. However, hunters can still collect an electronic certificate by providing an e-mail address when they report the band.

ALUS in Alberta

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMT

It was a "coming out" party like no other. More than 40 people, enjoying blue skies and a steak bbq, took in the County of Vermilion River's first Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) tour held June 21st.

Retriever Seminar Focuses on Nutrition, Training Techniques

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Delta Waterfowl Magazine editor Paul wait travels to the Purina Event Center in Gray Summit, MO to attend a retriever seminar on nutrition and training.

Conservation at Crossroads: Funding Cuts Could Jeopardize the Future of Hunting and Fishing

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMT

In recent months the catch-phrase "conservation at a crossroads" has been used to describe the future of our fish and wildlife resources in light of Congressional efforts to cut spending for key programs. Anyone who's been paying attention knows there has never been a time conservation wasn't at a crossroads.

On the Road with Dennis Carter - Veteran Trapper on Front Lines of Delta's Low-grass Research

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Warning: It’s not always wise to be downwind of trapper Dennis Carter. Depending on the day, Carter's scent can pucker your nostrils, perhaps even burn them like napalm in the morning. After all, he who works with skunks sometimes gets sprayed. Carter is on the front lines of Delta's ongoing predator management research in low-grass areas. Delta began trapping sites in both North Dakota and Manitoba following research that showed duck production in areas with abundant nesting cover produced at population-expanding levels without managing predators.

Volunteers Help Illinois DNR Band Geese

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The entire operation — which included a helicopter to drive the geese toward the awaiting pen — was like being served at an efficient fast-food restaurant. Six stops and three hours later, 500 resident Canada geese in Central Illinois were wearing shiny bands.

Breeding Population Survey Released; U.S. Continues to Attract Majority of Nesting Ducks in PPR

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Duck hunters will find plenty to cheer about in the annual breeding population and habitat survey, which was released earlier today. Conducted each May by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife Service, this year's survey reveals the second-highest pond count and a record 45.6 million ducks, the most since the survey was started in 1955. Blue-winged teal, shovelers and redheads soared to record levels, and if that's not enough, mallard, pintail, canvasback and gadwall numbers rose substantially from 2010.

Delta Waterfowl Welcomes New Magazine Editor

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Delta Waterfowl is pleased to announce Paul Wait has joined the organization as editor of Delta Magazine. Wait, 43, a native of East-Central Wisconsin, brings more than 15 years experience as a magazine and newspaper editor to Delta. He previously was editor of Wildfowl, Wisconsin Outdoor Journal and The Trapper and Predator Caller magazines.

Checking Hen Houses with Matt Chouinard in MN

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Come along for the ride (and paddle) as photographer Fred Greenslade visits Delta Waterfowl biologist Matt Chouinard as he checks Hen Houses in Minnesota.

Delta Research Station Damaged In Historic Flood

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMT

In a cruel twist of fate, the 'heart and soul' of Delta Waterfowl has been severely damaged by floodwaters on the 100th anniversary of the organization. Many buildings at the Delta Research Station, located on the south shore of Lake Manitoba, have been damaged by high winds and water during some of the worst flooding in memory.

Delta Chapters Use Off Season to Prepare New Waterfowlers - Waterfowl Heritage Fund Instrumental in local Education Efforts

Wed, 25 May 2011 12:00:00 GMT

When hunting buddies Matt Kneisley and Jay Kreider decided to form a Delta Waterfowl chapter, they had one goal: To give back to their local community. Thanks to Delta Waterfowl's Waterfowl Heritage Fund, they've been able to do just that.

Conditions Report May 12th - Water, Water Everywhere...

Thu, 12 May 2011 12:00:00 GMT

A bird's-eye view says it all...southern Manitoba is experiencing the wettest conditions in the past three hundred years. Despite extensive flood control measures, officials plan to deliberately breach dikes on the Assiniboine River to release pressure downstream.

Delta Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Wed, 04 May 2011 12:00:00 GMT

One hundred years is a long time for any organization; a century of aspirations, 10 decades of hard work, countless successes to celebrate and occasional failures to learn from. Since 1911, Delta Waterfowl has seen it all.

Fred Greenslade's Photos From the Field

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Every year Delta Waterfowl photographer Fred Greenslade heads to the marsh and takes thousands of photos of migrating waterfowl. Here is a selection of some of his favorites from the spring so far.

Canadian Outdoor Network requests release of firearms studies - Hidden documents may offer different perspective on long gun registry

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Canada's Outdoor Network, representing more than 500,000 outdoor enthusiasts across the country, is calling for the release of a long-buried Liberal study on the effectiveness of the controversial long gun registry.

Delta Scientific Director: Gulf Coast Duck Assessment Lacked Leadership, Coherent Planning

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The federal assessment to measure the 2010 Gulf Coast oil spill's impact on waterfowl lacked leadership, urgency and coherent planning says Delta Waterfowl's Scientific Director Frank Rohwer.

Delta Waterfowl Trappers in the Field - Second Year of Promising Low-Grass Research Continues

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:00:00 GMT

When it's spring, it's trapping season at Delta Waterfowl. Delta's Men of Steel have begun another year of managing predators in four low-grass sites in North Dakota and Manitoba.

Devney Picked for Minnesota Waterfowl Focus Group

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Delta Waterfowl Senior Vice President John Devney has been chosen to be a member of the first-ever Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Waterfowl Hunter Focus Group. The 12-person group will focus on hunter recruitment and retention, habitat problems affecting waterfowl, and hunting and harvest issues.

Delta Waterfowl-Minnesota DNR Effort Putting Mallards on the Wing

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Matt Chouinard is a biologist for Delta Waterfowl who makes his living erecting, maintaining and evaluating artificial nesting structures called Hen Houses. Matt says 1,050 of them have been installed across 19 counties in western Minnesota in a cooperative effort with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Delta Waterfowl's Top Ten Spring Snow Goose Hunting Tips - Staffers Share Their Secrets

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMT

If you're looking for an prescription for successfully hunting spring snows, Delta Waterfowl has a small coterie of snow goose aficionados who are qualified to help. After years of hunting these wily birds, they've learned some fool-proof (or nearly so) secrets to help fill your freezer with some tasty wild protein. Enjoy the spring season.

Weston Foundation Donates $1.5 Million to Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) in Norfolk, Ontario

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, a private family foundation dedicated to land conservation, announced today it will provide close to $1.5 million to the Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) project in Norfolk County, Ontario. The Norfolk ALUS project is a farmer-led, community-supported initiative that promises to revolutionize conservation in this country. It’s built on the principle that landowners should be paid, not punished, for positive contributions to the environment.

Mother Nature's Gift: Excellent Wetland Conditions Predicted

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMT

People throughout the prairies are anxiously watching the weather forecasts. Record soil moisture and a heavy snow pack, combined with a quick thaw could mean serious flooding on both sides of the Canada/US border. There is a ton of potential trouble for landowners…and possibly an epic breeding season for waterfowl.

Delta Warns of Cuts to Duck-Friendly Programs

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Attention waterfowlers: A proposal by the U.S. House of Representatives would dramatically cut funding to time-tested conservation programs important to the future of waterfowl and waterfowl hunting, according to Delta Waterfowl Senior Vice President John Devney.

Tori McCormick's Blog - The 'Strait' Skinny: Jeff Foiles on the Hot Seat.

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Celebrity Waterfowler Facing Serious Charges in the U.S., Canada. What are the implications for waterfowling?

Delta: No Hunting Changes to Michigan's Huron-Manistee National Forests

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Delta Waterfowl and its members and volunteers are opposed to any proposed changes to firearms hunting in Michigan's Huron-Manistee National Forests. Delta Waterfowl Senior Vice President sent a letter Feb. 7 to Lee Evison, forest planner for the Forest Service at Huron-Manistee National Forests, in which he expressed his concern over any hunting changes and urged Evison to "stay the course by maintaining historic hunting activities."

Delta - Minnesota DNR Hen House Partnership Enters Fourth Year

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMT

For Delta Waterfowl biologist Matt Chouinard, there's nothing like helping make more ducks for duck hunters—even if it requires trudging through waist-high snow and falling through the ice to conduct maintenance on a Hen House. Chouinard's work is part of an ongoing Delta Waterfowl-Minnesota Department of Natural Resources partnership to increase the local mallard breeding population in a historically duck-producing stronghold: the Prairie Pothole Region of western and southwestern Minnesota.

Measuring Success - Taking a Limit is Great, but Hunters Need to Put the Kill Into Context

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:00:00 GMT

What's wrong with killing a limit of ducks or pheasants, you ask? Nothing; nothing at all. In fact, I endorse it—that is, unless you become so obsessed with the task that you can't appreciate or enjoy any other aspect of our hunting culture.

Making Mentors

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Three years ago, Kim Poppel shot her first duck at Delta Waterfowl's inaugural mentored women's hunt at historic Delta Marsh. Now she's a mentor for the two-day annual event. How the student became the teacher.

Delta Waterfowl Launches 'First Hunt' Program - The Mission: 'Creating Life-long Waterfowlers'

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:00:00 GMT

A new Delta Waterfowl program is designed to tackle one of waterfowl management's most vexing social problems—declining hunter participation. First Hunt is Delta Waterfowl's comprehensive program to recruit and retain waterfowl hunters in the United States and Canada, where waterfowl-hunter participation has been declining for years.

Vote for Jacob Sands as Budweiser Conservationist of the Year

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Texas Native Jacob Sands is one of the four finalists for Budweiser’s annual Conservationist of the Year award. Sands has been heralded for his work in the development of the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center near Dallas. The Center has proven to be an exceptional means of educating the public on the important role of wetlands and Jacob has also used the facility as a locale to introduce local youth to waterfowl hunting. “We believe the Center can be a great vehicle to provide insights to the tremendous conservation legacy of hunters-this is a story that often goes untold today” adds Sands.

Delta Waterfowl - Ducks Unlimited Competition Drives Innovation by Delta President Rob Olson

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:00:00 GMT

It will be no secret to anyone reading this column that Delta Waterfowl and Ducks Unlimited have had their share of family disagreements over the years. For many supporters of conservation, this dynamic is at best odd, and at worst exhausting. A close friend of mine, who happens to live in Mississippi, once asked me what seems like a pretty simple question: "Why can't y'all just get along?" After all, aren't we all—Delta, DU and government agencies—just family? I wish it was that simple.