Florida Ducks Unlimited 6 Winter 2006 Florida Ducks Unlimited 15 Winter 2006

2006 Florida State Duck Calling Contest

The 2006 Florida State DuckCalling Contest will be heldthis year on Sunday, August

27th, as part of Bass Pros FallHunting Classic. Held each year atthe Bass Pro Shop in Orlando, thisyear is once again shaping up to beone of the best contests yet.

Once again, we will be having aSenior Division only with an entreefee of $3.00 per caller.

This years contest will be sanctionedby the World Duck Calling Contestin Stuttgart, Arkansas with the winnergoing to the World in November torepresent the State of Florida. All rulesgoverning the contest are set forth by

the sanctioning body with a copyavailable upon request.

Registration for the event will closeat noon the day of the contest. Allcontestants must be legal residents ofFlorida at the time of the contest. Thecontest will begin promptly at 2:00pm. Any questions can be directed tothe Event Chairman at the following:

Marc Stepbach9948 Domingo DriveBrooksville, Florida 34601Home (352) 796-3662Cell (352) 263-1717email: mstepbach@earthlink.net

Florida Ducks Unlimited State ConventionMay 5-6-7, 2006

Ocala Hilton, 3600 S.W. 36th Ave, Ocala, Phone 352-854-1400

Hotel Room Rates for DU: Convention Registration:Regular Room $ 89.00 + tax per night

After April 1, 2006 $159.00 + tax per nightSpouse or Child over 12 years $ 60.00

DU Member $ 90.00

Member Name _______________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip _______________________________________________________

Phone: _____________________ E-Mail: _________________________________

DU Chapter:____________________________ Position:______________________

Guest:________________________________________

Guest: ____________________________________

Guest:________________________________________

Guest: ____________________________________

DU Member Registrations: _______ each @ $90.00 ____________ After April 1, 2006: _______ each @ $100.00 ____________

Guests: ____each @ $60.00 _______ After April 1, 2006: _____each @ $75.00 _______ TOTAL ENCLOSED _____________

Credit Card # ______________________________________Expiration___________ Type of Card___________

Name on Card____________________________________ Signature _____________________________________________

MAIL TO: Tony Rushing • 1046 Pine Creek Circle NE • Palm Bay, Fl. 32905 • 321-725-3246 • tonyrushing@bellsouth.net

By Marc Stepbach

The Golden Triangle Committee (Eustis, Mt Dora, and Tavares)takes the fundraising challenge to the limits and offers a guidedduck hunt with the committee as a Live Auction item.

During one of the committee meeting, the suggestion (challenge!) wasmade that a duck hunt with the committee would be a valued auctionitem. Much to the committee’s surprise, the duck hunt for two in centralFlorida with the committee was auctioned off for $600.00, which sold fordouble the committee’s anticipated value in the live auction.

Two hunters from Phillips Toyota in Leesburg, Jim O’Neill and JohnBach, met committee members Tom Shea and Ben Driver in the earlymorning hours to hunt the prime Emeralda Marsh. Ben’s son RyanDriver and hunting buddy Nick Vealux arrived even earlier to set thedecoys and prep the blind. Other committee members, Dennis Renfroand his son Tyler, Kevin Caldwell and his son Cory joined the group atthe marsh for the duck hunt.

While we were having a successful hunt, other committee memberswere preparing a gourmet lunch. Head chief, Randy Chavers and hiswife Sharon, prepared the ultimate shore lunch by grilling bacon wrappedduck and goose while slow cooking cream pheasants in the crock pot.

Other committee members present, Harlan Siler, Lorie Williams, RayMcIntyre, Denise Driver, John Bustle, John Riggs, Kirt Guidry andDebbie Kemerer prepared a variety of side dishes from wild rice to rawoysters.

The committee displayed the DU banners and raised the DU flag forall the hunters to see as they left the marsh from the morning hunt. Weencourage other committees to pull your resources to enhance your event.Who knows this was such a successful committee effort that we maymake this an annual hunt.

Golden Triangle Committee Offers New Auction ItemBy Dennis J. Renfro

The U.S. Supreme Courtwill hear a case in Februarythat could dramatically

affect the future of more than half the100 million acres of wetlands remain-ing in the United States. DucksUnlimited joined other conservationorganizations and two of the world’slargest outdoor gear retailers in filingan amicus brief addressing whetherthe Clean Water Act protects wet-lands adjacent to small tributariesthat flow into larger bodies of water.

The brief describes for the courthow these wetlands and small tribu-taries are vitally important to thefuture of fish and wildlife conserva-tion, and to the more than 82 millionhunters, anglers and wildlife-watch-ers who spend $108 billion annuallyin the United States pursing their

outdoors passions.For more than 30 years, the Clean

Water Act has protected these kindsof wetlands and the fish and wildlifethat depend upon them. The federalSixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruledthat these adjacent wetlands are pro-tected by the Clean Water Act, butthat could change if the SupremeCourt overturns their ruling.

“This is a serious issue for all duckhunters and the millions ofAmericans who understand the valueof wetlands to hundreds of wildlifespecies, as well as the many benefitswetlands provide people,” said DucksUnlimited Executive Vice PresidentDon Young. “The coalition that’sfiled this brief came together, becausewe understand that a place forwildlife, clean water and flood pro-tection are important to the qualityof life we all want. Wetlands, cleanwater and the opportunity to fish and

hunt are legacies our childrendeserve.”

Jim Murphy, wetlands counsel forthe National Wildlife Federation,agrees.

“The lower court properly recog-nized that the Clean Water Act wasintended by Congress to broadly pro-tect America’s waters,” he said. “If theSupreme Court reverses the lowercourt findings, we risk reversing threedecades of progress in cleaning upour nation’s waters and slowing lossesof wetlands. What a sad legacy toleave our children.”

The Supreme Court case combinestwo cases, Carabell v. United Statesand United States v. Rapanos, whichare on appeal from the Sixth CircuitCourt of Appeals. The lower courtupheld Clean Water Act protectionof headwater wetlands and streams.An Army Corps of Engineers officialhas independently estimated that if

the lower court ruling is not upheld,well over half of the remaining U.S.wetlands and streams would lose pro-tection under the Clean Water Act.

The coalition filing the brief is sup-porting the Bush administration’sposition that Congress intended toprotect headwater wetlands and trib-utaries under the Clean Water Actwhen it was passed in 1972.

Joining Ducks Unlimited and theNational Wildlife Federation in theamicus brief are the AmericanFisheries Society, AmericanSportfishing Association, Bass ProShops, Boone & Crockett Club,Izaak Walton League, MichiganUnited Conservation Clubs, Orvis,Pheasants Forever, The WildlifeSociety, Theodore RooseveltConservation Partnership, TroutUnlimited and Wildlife ManagementInstitute.

DU, Partners Move to Protect WetlandsBy Scott Yaich

Ducks Unlimited Director of ConservationPrograms

October 13th 2005 …… Tallahassee Florida. One hundredlocal folks with black jack, roulette, and craps on theirminds and “Duck Bucks” in their pockets, all hoping to

bust the house. The three hour casino night event was great fun for all.The Tallahassee committee chaired by Martin Rivenbark hired a

professional gaming party company to provide the dealers and the tablesfor the event. The Ducks Unlimited conservation mission was the bene-ficiary of all the “winnings”. Each person attending was given a supplyof “Duck Bucks” which they exchanged for chips with the dealers andthe gaming began.

During the evening, the not-so-lucky could buy a raffle packagewhich included more Duck Bucks to enable them to continue the fun.While all this fun was taking place, a buffet of goodies was available torefuel the energy to keep shaking those dice and throwing those chips“all in”. An open bar was also on hand to be sure the players didn’t getdehydrated. The silent auction also provided an attraction few couldresist!

At the end of the evening, everyone could exchange their chips fortickets to a 3-tiered raffle table that included guns, prints, decoys, andother DU merchandise. This event proved to be an excellent way toraise money for DU and add a new fun event to the committee’s eventsfor the year.

The Tallahassee Chapter holds a Sponsor Banquet, Greenwing Dayand an annual banquet in addition to the casino night. Congratulationsto Martin and the entire Tallahassee committee for another great event.If you would like to try an event of this type in your community, con-tact Martin or his Regional Director, Dave Grabow for some tips onmaking this event successful for your committee.

www.ducks.org 7 Winter 2006www.ducks.org 14 Winter 2006

Casino Night: ‘Duck Bucks’ on their minds

From The Duck Blind

PHOENIXPHOENIXMay 24-28 2006PHOENIX

NUMBER OF ADULTS LISTED BELOW: ______@ $350 = $ ______($350 registration fee includes cost of banquet)

NUMBER OF CHILDREN 14 YEARS OFAGE OR YOUNGER LISTED BELOW: ______@ $0 = $ 0

SATURDAY BANQUET ONLY: ______@ $75 = $ ______

DESERT TOUR (Adult): ______@ $75 = $ ______

DESERT TOUR (Child 12 or younger): ______@ $65 = $ ______

HOT AIR BALLOON TOUR (Adult): ______@ $165 = $ ______

HOT AIR BALLOON TOUR: ______@ $115 = $ ______(Child 12 or younger)

SPORTING CLAYS FUN SHOOT: ______@ $30 = $ ______

TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED: (Payment due in U.S. Dollars)$ ______

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: DU, Inc. - Convention 2006CHARGE TO: � VISA � MASTERCARD � AMERICAN EXPRESS � DISCOVER

My Card No. is:____________________________________

Expiration Date: Mo. ________Yr. ____________________

Signature:________________________________________(Charge Not Valid Unless Signed)

PRINT NAME OF EACH PERSON AS YOU WISH FOR IT TO APPEAR ON NAME BADGE:

First Last Nickname, if any

1.)_____________________________________________________

Spouse/Guest Age of children

2.)_____________________________________________________

3.)_____________________________________________________

This is: � My first DU Convention� My spouse/guest’s first DU Convention

PREFERRED MAILING ADDRESS: � HOME � OFFICE

STREET ________________________________________________

CITY ________________________________________________

STATE/PROVINCE:________________ZIP/POSTAL CODE: __________

PHONE: HM: (______) __________________________________

WK: (______) __________________________________

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC.

69TH ANNUAL CONVENTIONREGISTRATION FORM

DUCKS UNLIMITED POSITION(S)OR CONTRIBUTION LEVEL (Maximum of Two, for your name badge)

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

DUCKS UNLIMITED AFFILIATION(S) OFSPOUSE/GUEST OR CONTRIBUTION LEVEL(Maximum of Two, for your name badge)

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Full amount of registration fee will be refundedif written cancellation notice is received nolater than Friday, May 5, 2006. After this

date, refund will not be possible.

MORE THAN YOU BARGAINED FOR!

Your DU convention registration is certainly oneof the biggest bargains you will see for a longtime! The $350 registration fee covers: all of

the scheduled parties, meals, and social events;plus Hospitality Central for the entire

convention; plus all registration materials; plusthe Annual Convention reception and banquet.

Please Return This Form With YourPayment to:

CONVENTION CENTRAL 2006DUCKS UNLIMITED, INCONE WATERFOWL WAY

MEMPHIS, TN 38120-2351TELEPHONE: (901) 758-3716

Fax: (901) 758-3850OR

REGISTER ON-LINE ATwww.ducks.org/nationalconvention

PLEASE NOTE: Complimentary registration fee for children 14 years of age or younger applies only to those staying at theJW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa and DOES NOT INCLUDE Saturday evening banquet cost of $75 per person OR coststo participate in the tours OR participation in the sporting clays fun shoot.

THE CONVENTION REGISTRATION DESK WILL BE LOCATED IN THE GRAND CANYON BALLROOM LOBBY OF

THE JW MARRIOTT DESERT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA

PHOENIXPHOENIXMay 24-28 2006PHOENIX

To help us plan the transportation requirements for these tours, please select the day and time you would like to participate.

DESERT TOUR

Experience the splendor of the untamed Sonoran Desert and the majesty of the giant Saguaro Cactus on the four-wheel drive Jeep DesertTour. During this off-road tour you will travel through the most lush plant life of any desert in the world. The naturalist-guides will bring tolife for you the delicate balances of the desert ecosystem and regale you with tales of the Wild West in an entertaining dialogue. Tour par-ticipants will traverse a rugged desert 4WD trail; learn amazing secrets about the desert, its cacti, plants and wildlife; and come to appre-ciate the resourcefulness of the Indians who thrived in this harsh land. And to make this tour even more memorable, it will be organizedas a Team Building Photo Rally! Each Jeep on the tour will constitute a team of 5 people. Starting with the tour departure from the JWMarriott Desert Ridge Resort, each team will work together to answer questions, and create team names and songs. You will be learningabout Arizona history and the desert flora and fauna in a fun and competitive way. The tour guide adds to the excitement of the competi-tion by providing information without giving the answers to questions that are incorporated into the rally activity. At various points eachteam is instructed to take photos with the cameras provided. Rally winners will be determined by the tour guide/judges at the last stop onthe tour. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it!! To fully enjoy this tour, be sure to wear closed toe shoes, sneakers or light boots, comfortable cloth-ing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and of course, a camera.

LENGTH OF TOUR: 4 hours

COST OF TOUR: $75 per adult and $65 per child 12 years of age or younger

� WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 � THURSDAY, MAY 25

8:00 a.m. - Noon # of people _________ 8:00 a.m. - Noon # of people _____________

Please PRINT name(s) of each tour participant Please PRINT name(s) of each tour participant

______________________________________ __________________________________________

______________________________________ __________________________________________

HOT AIR BALLOON TOUR

Soar like an eagle; float above the ground as if you are suspended in the wind; enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you watch the sun riseover the Sonoran desert; experience the beauty of the desert landscape and the rugged peaks of the Arizona mountains; and marvel atspectacular views of desert wildlife as you travel soundlessly above the treetops and below the clouds inside a wicker basket suspendedbelow a ten story high hot air balloon. Participants in this tour will be picked up before sunrise at our headquarters hotel – the JWMarriott Desert Ridge Resort – and transported to the desert launch site for the balloon ride of a lifetime. Watch as the balloon is inflated,then climb aboard the wicker basket, which holds up to 10 people, and soar to wherever the winds might take you. Each hot air balloonflight is a unique experience, the exact course and destination can never be predicted. The balloon flight will last about one to one and ahalf hours. Upon landing, you will be treated to a champagne toast, juice and muffins, followed by the presentation of a flight certificatesuitable for framing that will commemorate your memorable airborne experience. To fully enjoy this tour, comfortable closed toe shoes,sneakers or light boots would be appropriate (you take off and land in the desert), along with a light jacket or sweater for the pre-dawncoolness, sunglasses, a hat, binoculars, and most certainly, a camera.

LENGTH OF TOUR: 4 hours

COST OF TOUR: $165 per adult and $115 per child 12 years of age or younger

� WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 � THURSDAY, MAY 25

5:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. # of people_________ 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. # of people __________

Please PRINT name(s) of each tour participant Please PRINT name(s) of each tour participant

______________________________________ __________________________________________

______________________________________ __________________________________________

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC.

69TH ANNUAL CONVENTIONTOUR RESERVATION FORM

Well, I can’t believe another season has ended.We willjust have to wait for next fall and hope the Ducks willmake their return to your favorite hunting spot.

I also find it difficult to fathom that my two-year tenureas State Chairman is coming to an end. I became a volun-teer after attending my first dinner event at the PonteVedra Chapter in 1979.Wow, it is hard to imagine howmuch Ducks Unlimited has impacted my life;most of myfriends and acquaintances are a direct result of mybecoming a volunteer some twenty-five years ago.

When I became Florida State Chairman following GusKing, I knew I had my work cut out for me.Gus set anew standard of what is expected of a state chairman.

My goals were to work with the volunteers, improveevent efficiency, start new chapters and strengthen exist-ing chapters.After my first year as State Chairman,DucksUnlimited National began a new campaign very muchinline with what I wanted for Florida Ducks Unlimitedwith the addition of volunteer appreciation.

The recruitment retention and recognition of volun-teers has become paramount in our efforts to ensure thecontinued success of our fund raising for wetlands con-servation.In the last two years we have started eighteennew chapters and increased our net dollars to almostone million three hundred thousand dollars.This wouldnot have been possible without all your efforts. I want tothank all the volunteers for making Florida a leader inpercentage increase for 2005.

Our work is not over and as I step down I want each ofyou to welcome our new State Chairman LenSchwenneker.Lenny needs your support and I knoweach of you will continue your efforts to keep Floridaone of the top producing states for Ducks Unlimited.

Thanks again to each and every one of the great volun-teers I have had the distinct pleasure of working with forthe past two years.

Pat Saunders State Chairman

2004 & 2005

By Dave Grabow

www.ducks.org 13 Winter 2006www.ducks.org 8 Winter 2006

PHOENIXPHOENIXMay 24-28 2006PHOENIX

For those interested in shooting a round or two of sporting clays while attending Convention ’06, wehave made arrangements at the BEN AVERY SHOOTING FACILITY, located approximately 20 minutesfrom the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, for fun shoots on Wednesday morning, May 24 andThursday morning, May 25.

Shooting sporting clays in a desert environment is unlike any other. You might think that not having todeal with tall trees and shrubs that commonly challenge your shooting prowess at most other sportingclays venues would make this flat desert course a lot easier. Not so!! Give it a try while you’re inPhoenix. We think you will enjoy this unique opportunity.

The cost of a 50 bird sporting clay round will be $30 and that includes Winchester ammunition(12-gauge and 20-gauge • .410 and 28-gauge ammunition will be available for purchase at the shoot-ing facility), special awards for special shooters, as well as transportation from the JW Marriott DesertRidge Resort to the Ben Avery facility and back. A LIMITED NUMBER OF BERETTA 12-GAUGE LOANERSHOTGUNS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CLUB FOR A FEE OF $10. Feel free to bring your own shotgun anddon’t forget shooting glasses, vest, and any other gear you might need.

If you are interested in participating, please fill out your preferences below and send this form alongwith your other convention registration forms to Convention Central.

Name: _________________________________ ___________________________________

_________________________________ ___________________________________

___ I would like to shoot sporting clays at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility on Wednesday, May 24.

___ I would like to shoot sporting clays at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility on Thursday, May 25.

___ I would like to shoot sporting clays at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility on Wednesday, May 24AND Thursday, May 25.

TIME: Departure from the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday andThursday mornings, returning to the hotel by 12:30 p.m.

COST: 50 target round of sporting clays will cost $30.

PLEASE INDICATE YOUR DESIRE TO SHOOT SPORTING CLAYS ON THE CONVENTION REGISTRATIONFORM AND INCLUDE PAYMENT WITH YOUR REGISTRATION/TOUR FEES.

SPECIAL NOTE: For a modest fee to be collected at the shooting facility, and if time and interestpermits, we will also offer a 5-stand challenge and a 20 target flush.

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC.

69TH ANNUAL CONVENTIONSPORTING CLAYS FUN SHOO T PHOENIXPHOENIX

May 24-28 2006PHOENIX

NAME(S) (ALL OCCUPANTS): ________________________________________________________________________________________________(Provide ages of occupants 17 years of age or younger)

ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CITY:___________________________________STATE/PROVINCE: ____________________ZIP/POSTAL CODE: ______________________________

DAY TELEPHONE:(______)__________________FAX #:(______)__________________E-MAIL ADDRESS: ___________________________________

ARRIVAL DAY, DATE AND TIME:_____________________________DEPARTURE DAY, DATE AND TIME: ______________________________________

ROOM RATE: � $189 (single or double occupancy) Suites: Call Convention Central for Suite availability and rates: (901) 758-3715

ROOM TYPE: � Single (1 person, 1 bed) � Double (2 people, 1 bed) � Double (2 people, 2 beds)� Smoking � Non-Smoking � Handicapped Accessible

MARRIOTT REWARDS # _______________________________________________________________________

The above rates will be honored three (3) days prior to and three (3) days following the official Convention dates of May 24-28, 2006, basedupon availability, and do not include 12.07% state and local taxes.

Children 17 and under sharing a room with an adult are free. The rate for additional persons age 18 and over is $20 per person (maximum of 4).

Cancellation must be received 7days prior to arrival date to receive full refund of your room reservation deposit.

Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. Check-out time is Noon.

Room Reservation deadline: Monday, May 1, 2006

Please check one: � Visa � MasterCard � American Express � Diners Club � Discover

Credit Card #: ___________________________________________ Expiration Date: ___________________________

Signature ________________________________________________________________________________________

Special Requests/ADA Requirements __________________________________________________________________

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC.

69TH ANNUAL CONVENTIONROOM RESERVATION FORM

PLEASE CHOO SE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS:

JW MARRIOTT DESERT RIDGE RESORT & SPAReservations Department5350 East Marriott DrivePhoenix, Arizona 85054

Reservations Toll-Free Telephone: (800) 835-6206 (reference the Ducks Unlimited Convention)Reservations Fax: (480) 293-3891

On Line Reservations: www .ducks.org/NationalConvention/Hotel

To help us organize the reserved seating for the Convention Banquet, THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNEDWITH YOUR CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM. If you reserve your banquet seating in advance, your reservationticket(s) will be included with your Convention registration material, which you can pick up at our Registration/InformationDesk in the Grand Canyon Ballroom Lobby of the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.

Kindly choose one of the options listed below (Tables seat 10 people):

Name__________________________________ Spouse/Guest ____________________________________

Children_____________________________________________________________________________________

Must be provided whether you select option 1 or option 2

� Option 1: If possible, seat me, my spouse and/or guests, (please list names below) with attendeesfrom my home state who have already registered for the convention:

My state/province is ________________

________________________________________ ________________________________________

________________________________________ ________________________________________

________________________________________ ________________________________________

Note: Seating for individuals listed above cannot be reserved until their convention registration is received.

� Option 2: I would prefer to secure my seating in Phoenix during Convention week.

This form must be received at Convention Central on or before Monday, May 1. After this date, banquet seating requestswill be processed in Phoenix, and your reservation ticket(s) must be picked up at the banquet seating area of theRegistration/Information desk.

PHOENIXPHOENIXMay 24-28 2006PHOENIX

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC.

69TH ANNUAL CO NVENTIO N

BANQ UET SEATING RESPO NSE FO RM

SATURDAY, M AY 27, 2006

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO:Convention Central – 2006Ducks Unlimited, Inc.One Waterfowl WayMemphis, TN 38120-2351Telephone: (901) 758-3716Fax: (901) 758-3850

PHOENIXPHOENIXMay 24-28 2006PHOENIX

SPECIAL REGISTRATION FEE CONSIDERATION

Ducks Unlimited is pleased to provide COMPLIMENTARY REGISTRATION for all children 14 years of age and youngerwho will be STAYING AT THE JW MARRIOTT DESERT RIDGE RESORT & SPA and attending Convention ’06, EXCEPTFOR THE CLOSING BANQUET ON SATURDAY EVENING. Children attending the banquet will be required to pay the$75 per person Banquet only fee.

This special registration consideration for children also DOES NOT INCLUDE participation in any of the tours beingoffered in conjunction with the Convention or the sporting clays fun shoot. Children accompanying parents on anyof the tours or participating in the funshoot will be required to pay the appropiate registration fee.

KOKOPELLI KIDS ….

…. is a full-service children’s recreation program, with days that are fun-filled with interactive games and activitiesthat exercise the mind as well as the body. Kokopelli Kids is available for young guests between the ages of 4 and12. Each day is designed to provide maximum enjoyment for all participants, and might include arts & crafts, boardgames, botanical garden walk, computer learning, Indian folklore, musical games, outdoor fun, scavenger hunt,swimming, and much, much more. Counselors, who are CPR, First-Aid, and Water Safety certified, design daily pro-grams according to the ages and interests of the children enrolled. Kokopelli Kids is located on the first floor of theJW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa next to Roy’s Restaurant.

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR KOKOPELLI KIDS IS RECOMMENDED AND SPACE IS LIMITED, SO SIGN UP EARLY!A registration form and medical authorization must be signed for each child, and can be picked up at the ConciergeDesk in the hotel. Recommended attire for participation in the Kokopelli Kids activities are layered clothing (jacketor cover-up), closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, hat, change of clothes, and bathing suit.

PROGRAM INFORMATION:

Reservations are required and can be made by contacting the Kokopelli Kids Supervisor at (480) 293-3890 or extension 3890 while you are staying at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.

Resort Guest Non-Resort Guest

Full-Day $65 $809:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.(Includes lunch and afternoon snack)

Half-Day $30 $409:00 a.m. – Noon or 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Lunch $10 $15Noon – 1:00 p.m.

NOTE: There is a late fee for children not picked up at the appropriate end time. The fee is $10 for every 15 minutes after the pickup time.

IN-ROOM CHILDCARE SERVICE

For children under the age of 4 or for childcare outside of Kokopelli Kids hours, in-room childcare is availablethrough local childcare professionals. Contact the Kokopelli Kids Supervisor for more information.

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC.

SPECIAL INFORMA TION FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN ATTENDING DUCKS UNLIMITED’S 69TH ANNUAL CONVENTION

FRIDAY - May 5, 2006WILD GAME COOK-OFF 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Bring your wild game and your best recipe for cooking atits finest and prizes too. Bring a covered dish or salad.Hospitality Suite is open.

SATURDAY – May 6, 2006TBD

SUNDAY – May 7, 2006STATE COUNCIL MEETING 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

ALL MEMBERS WELCOME!

Ocala Hilton

3600 S.W. 36th Ave, OcalaPhone: 352-854-1400

Rates for DU:Regular Room $89.00 + tax/nightAfter April 1, 2006…………………….$159.00 + tax/nightConvention Registration:DU Member $90.00Spouse or Child over 12 years $60.00

Menu for Awards BanquetCajun Dinner

For further information:Contact Event Chairman:

Len SchwennekerHome: 407-957-5804Mobile: 407-908-4371

Home Address:2499 Bronco Drive

St. Cloud, Florida 34711rschwennek@aol.com

FLORIDA DUCKS UNLIMITED STATE CONVENTION 2006 AGENDA

2006 FLORIDA DU STATE CONVENTIONRegistration Form

Complete Form and return to: Craig Wood, Florida DU State Treasure,3785 Michaels Landing Cir E, Jacksonville, FL 32224-7990

Member Name

Address

City, State, Zip

Phone: E-Mail:

DU Chapter:

Guest: Guest:

Guest: Guest:

DU Member Registrations: each @ $90.00

Guests: each @ $60.00

After April 1, 2006: Member each @ $100.00

After April 1, 2006: Guest each @ $75.00

TOTAL ENCLOSED

Credit Card # Expiration

Name on Card: Type of Card

Signature

2006 Florida State Convention Challenge

Take part in the State Convention Chapter Basket Silent Auction!

By: Pat SaundersThis year all Chapters of Florida Ducks Unlimited will be given the opportunity

to show how much creativity they have along with their fellow Chapters. By partic-ipating in the State Convention Basket Silent Auction.

If you are not familiar with this project, it is the “Offspring” of the NationalConvention State Basket Silent Auction. This event was held in Orlando, Florida in

May of 2005. Out of approximately forty baskets, Florida placed third (3rd), withthe Florida Basket. Generating approximately $3000 for the Ducks.

The Chapters that enter this challenge will be awarded with various types of

GUNS. We will have 1st, 2nd and 3rd place baskets. The basket that generates themost dollars in the silent auction will be the winner. Second in dollars will receive

2nd place and third in dollars will receive 3rd place. Each will receive a GUN to useat that chapters Dinner event.

This year Florida DU wants ALL CHAPTERS to participate. This is a greatfundraiser; easy and a lot of fun. It is an opportunity for each chapter member toget involved. The items for the basket should represent your community; items canbe anything from Jellies and Jams to hunting and fishing trips, however NO PER-ISHABLES PLEASE.

Here are the guidelines that need to be followed:■ Make your basket eye-catching, bright and bold

■ All baskets should be 18x16x18■ The basket and all contents must be donated!

■ Ducks Unlimited FUNDS CANNOT BE USED TO PURCHASE ITEMS■ Each basket MUST be accompanied by a separate typed list of contents

■ Each basket needs to be clearly marked with the Chapter Name and Number■ All baskets should be brought to the convention…so this means we

should see a representative of each Chapter at the 2006 Convention! If youare unable to attend, please contact your Regional Director so arrangements

can be made to get your basket to the Convention.

So now that you know what the CHALLENGE is; select someone from yourChapter to be in charge of this project…..you will need to decide on your owntheme and design.

IT’S DIFFERENT….IT’S FUN….AND IT’S EASY

GET STARTED NOW!Please notify Craig Wood on your chapter’s participation. C1wd@aol.com

www.ducks.org 9 Winter 2006www.ducks.org 12 Winter 2006

Dale James was born and raised near Florence, SouthCarolina. Dale received his B.S. degree in Wildlife andFisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University in 1995

and completed an M.S. degree in Range and Wildlife Managementfrom Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 2000 in which he inves-tigated the breeding ecology of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks.Dale will complete his Ph.D. in Wildlife Science from Texas A&MUniversity in May 2006, which investigated the use of shoalgrassresources by wintering redhead ducks in the Laguna Madre ofTexas. In between graduate school, Dale was employed by theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Montana monitoring waterfowlnest success on private lands. Dale views his opportunity to workfor Ducks Unlimited as the South Atlantic Regional Biologist as aprivilege and looks forward to working with the many publicagencies, private landowners and DU volunteers. This job allowshim to utilize his waterfowl ecology knowledge towards conser-vation projects that benefit not only waterfowl but also other wet-land dependent species and the public as a whole. His positionas Regional Biologist also provides a great deal of satisfactionsince it provides him the opportunity to view the success ofDucks Unlimited’s habitat conservation projects firsthand.

Dale and his wife Michelle live in Charleston, South Carolinawith their son, Ben and daughter, Erin. Dale enjoys the outdoors,hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.

Meet Your Regional Biologist

How do you get a day away from the office? Obviously call-ing in sick still seems to work, but where are the birds?Pictured from left to right are Florida Senior Volunteers RickVollmer, John Pope and Bob Freeland. Gentlemen, don't forgetthat doctor's note when you return to the office.

Don’t Forget the doctor’s Note

Ducks Unlimited would like to ThankKeith for inviting us to his 40thBirthday Party. On June 18, 2005, DU

traveled to Moore Haven, Florida to celebratewith Keith. The party consisted of Keith rentinga building and inviting 200 of his best friends toa full blown, pig bar-b-queuing, two steppingnight of a open bar good time. Full entertain-ment provided by a live band.

Along with all the festivities, DU had a silentauction and raff les. Thanks to Keith, DucksUnlimited generated over $2800 for conserva-tion.

Happy Birthday Keith! And thank you onceagain for inviting us to your Birthday Party.

Volunteer Tim Miller and Keith’s Mom, PattiKeith and his Wife

By Steven R. Robbins

Meet Tevin "Whitebread" Billings (his blues name).Tevin is 8 years old and attends Jewett Schoolfor the Arts in Winter Haven. He is learning to

play multiple musical instruments, has classes in art anddrama, and is a very intelligent young man. In this picture,“Whitebread” and his grandpa, Steve Robbins, have justreturned home from his first duck hunting trip to AlligatorLake on December 22, 2005. The weather was ratherfrosty that Thursday morning (27 degrees) and Steve hadto convince him his cold fingers and toes weren't reallyfrostbitten! This is what it's all about. Thanks to Steve,Linda (the misses) and “Whitebread” for sharing a specialmemory with the Florida DU community.

My First Duck Hunting Trip

Amelia Island Dinner EventAmelia Island Dinner Event

As one of the 90+ locations forour Ducks UnlimitedVolunteer Appreciation Day,

the North Florida Region Volunteers gath-ered at the Cross Creek Golf Range onSaturday February 4th. Over 100 volun-teers and family members enjoyed the day’sactivities.

Many, many thanks to Mike Hill ofHill’s BBQ and Catering from Gainesvillefor providing the free fish fry of Grouper,Slaw, Hushpuppies and cheese grits every-one enjoyed for lunch. It was awesome; weappreciate Mike’s dedication and supportof our cause. Thanks also go to Budweiserand Tri-Eagle Sales for providing coldrefreshments for the day.

A national video feed via the Internetfrom the Arkansas State Convention pro-vided messages to the volunteers from JimYoung, Group Manager, VolunteerLeadership & Grassroots Fundraising,President Jim Hulbert and Executive VicePresident, Don Young. This Year’sPresidents Top 100 chapters were alsoannounced with our own JacksonvilleChapter making the list. CongratulationsJacksonville Chapter!

Arnold Palmer would have been proudof the volunteers that competed in the freeputting contest, a 9-hole competition thatended in a draw for the top prize in boththe men’s and ladies divisions. TristanHoffman of Nassau County smoked thecompetition in the youth division to winthe champion’s prize of a fine Crossmanpellet rifle. Dale Lavine of Monticello andLea Sorrells of Nassau County tied in theLadies Division to win a great DU ladieswatch. Bill Howell of Chipley, John Sparksof Lake City and Baker Wright ofMonticello ended in a 3-way tie for tophonors and a fine Black Duck Shooting

Rig Decoy. All ties were settled by randomdraw between the winners.

Attendees tested their shootin’ eye witha dart throwing game which resulted in thewinner taking home a nice dart board andcabinet, a new item from DU’s new SpringMerchandise Package.

Volunteers also tested their skill atthrowing the “Ducky Dice” to win somevery nice prizes. The top prize of the day, ahandsome Leather DU Office Chair (alsofrom the new Spring MerchandisePackage) was won by Scott Stephens ofGainesville.

Everyone participated in the NationalVolunteer Hat Survey to vote for the com-mittee hat for 2007, and a merchandisesurvey to help determine some of nextyear’s merchandise.

We had lots of door prizes to give awayand a very popular Silent Auction thatincluded more new merchandise.

As the days events drew to a close, the top10 event prizes were drawn and announcedlive from Little Rock and the Arkansas Stateconvention via our Internet feed. OurTallahassee location was drawn for the 3rdtop prize given away for the day, an allexpense paid hunt with the Ducks UnlimitedTV hosts and the possibility of the hunt beingfilmed for a TV show this fall! We then drewa winner from all the names in attendanceand our winner was Flora Blanchard, AreaChairperson of the Big Bend Chapter here inTallahassee.

I wish to thank everyone who pitched into help with set-up and clean-up and helpingwith raffles. Thanks to Ed Chadwell for tak-ing over registration. Many thanks toRegional Vice President, Buddy Dekle forhelping out all morning with set up. And,above all, the event would not have happenedwithout the all-day help from my number onevolunteer, my wife, Sandy. THANK YOU!

Whitebread’s first trip to Alligator Lake

Happy 40th Birthday Keith Martin

North Florida VolunteerAppreciation DayBy Dave Grabow

www.ducks.org 2 Spring 2003www.ducks.org 2 Spring 2003

VOLUNTEER DAY

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