Indiana Ducks Unlimited

Transcription

1 Indiana Ducks Unlimited July, 2012 edition newsletter INSIDE THIS ISSUE Cover, Contacts, Facts & Events / 2 Chairman Chat with Jim Franz / 3 At Large with Jim Prough / 4 PRIDE & Social Media / 5 The OFF Season / 6 What are we DUing? / 7 Youth Day at the range / 8 9 Policy Update / Nat. Convention Photos / 11 Nat. Decoy Collection / 12 St. Joseph Valley GW Event / Independence Day / 15 Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge Gains Ground / 15 Feather Society / DU Merch. (Contact you RD for more info.) / Messages from the Editor / 25 1

2 Upcoming Indiana Events District Summer Meeting Saturday, July 14, 2012 District 11 Summer Meeting Thursday, July 19, 2012 District 6 Summer Meeting Saturday, July 28, 2012 Crystal Valley Corn & Sausage Roast Thursday, August 02, 2012 Porter County Smoker Saturday, August 04, 2012 Posey County 6M Saturday, August 11, 2012 Region 5 Meeting Friday, August 17, 2012 Kankakee Valley Gun Bash Saturday, August 25, 2012 Lowell Dinner Banquet Saturday, September 08, 2012 Muscatatuck Dinner Saturday, September 08, 2012 Tell City SNO Saturday, September 08, 2012 Crown Point Golf Outing Saturday, September 15, 2012 Big Lake Waterfowl Hunters Party Thursday, September 20, 2012 Howard County Banquet Friday, September 21, 2012 Goshen Dinner Thursday, September 27, 2012 Whitley County Dinner Saturday, September 29, 2012 Goose Pond Dinner Saturday, September 29, 2012 Noble County Sportsman s Night Out Banquet Saturday, September 29, 2012 Wawasee Waterfowl Hunters Party Saturday, September 29, 2012 Cover Photo The Indiana State Newsletter cover will feature photos contributed by DU volunteers from around the state of Indiana whenever possible. Please submit your photo and a few words about the who, what, when, where and why.. Banded Gosling Location: St. Joseph Valley GW Event Photographer: Unidentified State Facts 2011 Accomplishments Completed Projects: 20 Acres Conserved: Acres of Technical Assistance: 5,911 Dollars Invested: $479,741 State Contacts Indiana State Chairman Jim Franz Jafranz1950@embarqmail.com Indiana State Treasurer Pam Harkin Pamela_m_harkin@uhc.com Indiana State Council Chairman Curt Lee lee7598@comcast.net Indiana Regional Director North Dave Neal dneal@ducks.org Indiana Regional Director South Joe Borders jborders@ducks.org Indiana Director of Developement Doug Gorby dgorby@ducks.org Indiana Regional Biologist Michael Sertle msertle@ducks.org Indiana State Webmaster/Newsletter Randy Armstrong northwestindianadu@gmail.com 2

3 Chairman Chat With Jim Franz My name is Jim Franz and I am honored to have the opportunity to visit with you in each bi monthly IN DU Newsletter, over the next two years in my roll as Indiana State Chairman for Ducks Unlimited, which started July 1st, I look forward to working with you to reach our long term goal of becoming a million dollar net state again and maintaining this level consistently for years to come. We can do it as we have a terrific base of volunteers. My first order of business in this position is to thank Curt Lee for the past three years of dedicated service and for having us on the right track to reach our goal. Thank you Curt for your guidance and unselfish service! This 75 th Anniversary year as helped us to build incredible momentum. The results of the 2 Diamond Events ($75,000 net income minimum) we have had so far have been amazing. The Ft Wayne Sponsor event (which will probably qualify as a Double Diamond event) and the Indianapolis Sponsor event, have given us a huge boost into the final 6 months of our calendar year with a significant net income percentage increase for Indiana. These Diamond Event results are the product of hard work, enthusiasm and commitment by our local volunteers and regional directors, as well as a great national package and a just and noble mission statement. Those 2 events have given us a strong lead as they pass to baton to the rest of us for the rest of the year. I urge all area chair persons to attend their upcoming district meetings to learn more about our progress and the opportunities we have to increase our net income at each event over the past year. Please bring other committee members with you to these meetings as there is always good information to learn and share. My agenda for the next two years includes 2 areas of focus for the area chairpersons: 1.) Event attendance 2.) Efficiency If we can continue to increase each of these a little each year, we will have results we can all be proud to call ours. Thank you all for your hard work. Jim 3

4 At Large With Jim Prough Thoughts from the Board It s July 4 th a day to celebrate leaders and leadership. So, what does this have to do with DU? 236 years ago today, the leaders of the soon to be United States of America, signed the Declaration of Independence. Those leaders risked much, as they sought to change the way they were governed, and set the course for people to pursue the ability to work, worship and pursue happiness as they saw fit. Move forward 161 years, and another group of leaders, decided enough was enough, and they were going to put their time and talents behind a fledging organization called Ducks Unlimited. There are many similar characteristics of these leaders one led to form a representative government, which became the United States of American; and one focused on fostering the can do spirit that led to the greatest conservation organization in the world Ducks Unlimited. I have read many books on leadership, by John Wooden, Steve Jobs; and have recently finished DU s own Leaders, Legends and Characters. I can always take away something to better my professional and personal life. To me, John Wooden says it best: Leadership is the ability to get individuals to work together for the common good and the best possible results while at the same time letting them know they did it themselves. John Wooden Leaders influence others, they do not dictate; and that can be even more interesting when you add the fact that in DU we are all Volunteers! How did DU survive 75 years growing out of depression, surviving a recession and coming out a stronger organization? Leadership is the reason! We have great leaders at the National, Regional and State levels. To me, the real leadership of DU comes from the grassroots efforts within our local Hoosier communities where we hold DU banquets or events each year. The act of leadership takes many roles within DU; and anyone can be a leader!! The old story of how you got involved in DU may be as simple as someone asked me. I would like each of us to reach out to someone that is not involved in DU and ask them to become a volunteer leader for DU. If they don t know what they can do to help, suggest a specific area or committee within your chapter that could use an extra pair of hands. New volunteer leaders need the tools and encouragement to be successful. Speaking of tools to develop new leaders, Region 5 will be holding a Leadership development workshop in St. Louis in August. I would like to see lots of Hoosier leaders in attendance there are many ways that new leaders can give of their time, and talents to better our organization. Please consider inviting, an existing leader or someone you think would be interested in helping DU grow. Who knows, maybe he or she will become the next national leader of Ducks Unlimited. We won t find that person until we ask. I look forward to seeing you at the leadership workshop in St. Louis in August. Jim PS. I hope everyone has a safe 4 th of July. As always, thank the service men and woman who keep us free. 4

5 Indiana PRIDE What is Indiana PRIDE? The Ducks Unlimited Indiana PRIDE (Putting Resources Into Ducks Everywhere) program is securing major sponsors to support habitat conservation and our waterfowling heritage in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with special emphasis on the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi River ecosystems. For 70 years, with the support of our volunteers, members and donors, Ducks Unlimited has been successful in turning grassroots dollars into habitat throughout North America. Your gift will leave a legacy on the landscape to be enjoyed by future generations and enhance our rich waterfowling heritage. Ducks Unlimited will use your gift in the most efficient manner, focusing on the highest priority areas in Indiana and North America. At least 80 cents of every donated dollar goes directly into habitat programs. For more details on sponsoring, please contact Tom Quarandillo (574) Or Doug Gorby (734) INDU Social Media Get connected with Ducks Unlimited today and get exclusive updates, tips and tricks and other insider info online now. You can find DU on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Myspace and more. Facebook Check out DU's official Facebook page for the latest updates on conservation, hunting and more. "Like" Ducks Unlimited today and you can join the conversation on our Facebook wall, upload fan photos and more! While you're there, show your support by joining DU's official Cause. More than 100,000 fans and growing! Twitter If you're looking for quick tips on the go, follow DU on Twitter! You'll get updates from DU's national headquarters and across the country about the latest DU news, conservation projects, hunting and migration information and more. You can even subscribe to receive DU tweets on your mobile phone. YouTube Ducks Unlimited's official YouTube channel has a great collection of videos to help improve your shooting, set up your decoys, clean your gear, train your dog and much more. Check out all these videos and subscribe to DU on YouTube today! Websites & Social Media for Local Chapters Check the updated Indiana pages on the Ducks Unlimited website for links to local chapter web sites, Facebook pages, Twitter accounts & more. Click here to get connected! 5

6 The OFF Season WF360 (Things to do & read When we re not hunting) DU TV This season's wide range of hunts is sure to get you fired up as you witness rich waterfowling traditions, cupped wings and amazing retrieves. View air dates & times» ROBERT W. PEIFER SCHERERVILLE, IN DU has lost a great friend of the ducks. Robert W. Peifer, age 74, of Schererville, passed away Wednesday, July 5, Robert was a man of great stature with a quiet voice. His work and support is much behind the scenes and not announced as that's the way he was. Robert was a lifelong area resident who volunteered his time with the Schererville School Board, Schererville Fire Dept., and Little League. He was an Army Veteran and a life member of the NRA, life member of ATA, legacy member of Ducks Unlimited, and 40 year sponsor of the Calumet Council of the Boy Scouts. Bob was a great man and personal friend to many and will be truly missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Sandy and son Mark. R.I.P. Robert. District Meetings District 2 Meeting North Central Indiana Crystal Valley, Elkhart, Goshen, Mud Lake, St. Joseph Valley, Wa Nee, Wabash County & Wawasee Chapters Sunday, July 15 th, 2012 at 10:00am Back Forty Sporting Clays, B Rd, Bourbon, IN Lunch will be provided after the meeting and a round of Sporting Clays will be offered at a reasonable rate to anyone who would like to participate RSVP by July 13 th to Tom Quarandillo at or quarandillo.1@nd.edu District 3 Meeting North East Indiana Adams County, Bluffton, DeKalb County, Fort Wayne Sponsor, Fort Wayne Stag, Huntington Hills, IPFW University, Lagrange County, Noble County, Three Rivers & Whitley County Chapters Saturday, July 14 th 2012 at 10:00am St. Joe Conservation Club, 5871 County Road 60 St. Joe, IN Lunch will be provided after the meeting and rounds of 5 Stand will be offered at a reasonable rate to anyone who would like to participate. RSVP by July 12 th to Paul Minar at or minar89@ligtel.com District 4 & 5 Meeting West Central & Central Indiana Crawfordsville, Howard County, Lafayette, Miami County, Purdue University, White County, Tipton County No District Meeting scheduled due to the lower amount of fall events in these Districts, we will plan on meeting on an individual chapter basis. Please keep me posted on your fall event dates and upcoming meeting schedule. 6

7 What are we DUing? J.E. Roush Fish & Wildlife Area 2012 Women In The Outdoors Sunday, June 24, 2012 Roush Fish and Wildlife Area hosted its Second Annual Hunter Recruitment & Retention Women In The Outdoors Shooting Event (WITO) in cooperation with Huntington County Wild Turkey Federation and Ducks Unlimited. Thirty two women participated in the event ranging from 18 to 75 years of age. The event was advertised in the local papers, Fort Wayne Newspaper, DFW s website, and word of mouth. We had several first time shooters and others with very limited experience. Approximately 10 volunteers assisted in various parts of the program. A total of 32 participates had a lot of fun. Prior to shooting, participants were instructed with a safety talk from our range safety officer. We operated the range as normal so all procedures were followed. All ladies were allowed to shoot rifles, pistols, and shotguns at clay targets. Several different calibers were used and many brought their own firearms which they were shooting for the first time. The shoot started at 12 noon and lasted until 3:30 p.m. Snacks were provided by several individuals along with drinks of soda and water. We conducting a drawing at 3: oo pm for several nice prizes including the over $ worth of items that Denise Reust Office Manager had donated for our R&R events. NWTF and Ducks Unlimited provided several nice prizes also. Barb Nevius did a very good job with turkey federation in organizing this event. A very good time was had by all including Jeff, his students never failed to connect on at least one clay target. Two participates actually were used to shooting from horseback at stationary targets but had trouble with the clay targets moving and them being stationary. Plans are already being made for next year at this time. The DNR FW website helped with participation. We had about six people sign up after checking out the website. Most of the cost of targets, ammunition, and snacks was shared by NWTF, Ducks Unlimited, and local vendors. A big thank you will be going out to them. This event grew 28 percent this year. After observing the targets Mrs. Reed shot it reminded not to make her upset. Another successful event at Roush FWA. This event completes are three week run for R&R during the month of June. DU License Plates! 500 plates must be ordered in 2012 to recover the bond we ve secured to put the INDU plate into production Find out more! 7

8 J.E. Roush Fish & Wildlife Area 2012 Youth Day at the Range Sunday June 17, 2012 Roush Fish and Wildlife Area hosted its second annual Recruitment and Retention event Youth Day at the Range shooting event in cooperation with Huntington County Wild Turkey Federation, Whitetails Unlimited and Ducks Unlimited. Twenty three youth showed up ranging in age from 5 to 15 many of whom had never held a firearm in their life. The event was advertised in local papers, DNR website and word of mouth. Approximately 10 volunteers and two employees assisted with various parts of the program. Prior to shooting, participants were instructed with a safety and range procedures talk from our ranger safety officer. The range was open to the public during the event so all normal procedures were followed. All youth were given the opportunity to shoot each different type of firearm they desired. We had scoped and open sited.22 rifles,.22 and larger caliber hand guns and shotguns with clay targets available. Many of the smaller children only shot the.22 rifles but even they had a great time. New this year was the NWTF Jakes Take Aim range. This is a portable BB gun range brought in on a trailer and designed for younger children under the age of 10. Many kids enjoyed this new addition to the event. The shoot started at noon with lunch provided by pizza hut and cookies were baked and provided by Barb Reed. The event lasted until about 3 p.m.. when most of the kids had all the shooting they desired. Clean up was complete by 4:00 p.m. Many door prizes were given away after the shoot that included local gift cards, a free airplane ride, turkey calls all secured by Denise Reust at the Roush office. Ducks Unlimited treated us very well and provided an air rifle, greenwing knife, camping set and other various items including duck calls for each participate. (Parents were very happy about this) Whitetails unlimited gave away a very nice youth compound bow and every kid went home with something. All participates received a NWTF knife, patches and other items just for showing up. The local newspaper came out to cover the event and interviewed several attendees. Special thanks go to the NWTF for aiding in planning and coordination of the event. Our local chapter of NWTF provided all the volunteer help and I cannot say enough about them and how much they do for Recruitment and Retention and hunting in general. Ducks Unlimited and the local Whitetails Unlimited provided very nice prizes for the event. Denise Reust Office Manager did an excellent job of securing many nice door prizes from many local vendors. Jeff and Jeremy helped out with firearm instruction, set up/tear down and general planning/flow of the event. The kids were very happy and several even came up to thank the staff and volunteers that helped put on the event. What a great Day at Roush FWA shooting range. We are very lucky and on Sunday June 24 th we will be hosting a WITO event in cooperation with our local chapter of NWTF. 8

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10 Policy Update Senate Passes Farm Bill Benefits for Conservation by Gildo Tori, Director of Public Policy The U.S. Senate passed their version of the Farm Bill in May, with better than expected conservation benefits. DU worked closely with Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Ranking Member Pat Roberts (KS) to ensure conservation programs remained robust during tough budget times. Highlights of the Conservation Title: In an effort to simplify conservation programs, improve efficiencies, and reduce costs, 23 conservation programs were condensed to 14 programs. CRP was reduced to 25 million acres from 32 million acres, but the reductions will be scaled down so as not to occur at once. Even though this is quite a reduction, it is much better than the 14 million acres proposed by some. WRP was consolidated into one easement program along with GRP and FRPP and a permanent budget baseline was established for the first time, ensuring the program will survive into the future. The wetland program is slated to receive 60 percent of the funds. A new regional conservation partnership program was established that will provide funds for regional partnerships to focus and expand conservation efforts in key watersheds, like the Great Lakes. A Sodsaver provision was included in the bill to protect unbroken native lands, such as the prairie pothole region. Conservation compliance was once again coupled with crop insurance, which should result in better on the ground conservation practices that benefit soil, water and wildlife. The House of Representatives now takes up the Farm Bill, with hopes that it can be completed yet this year. DU staff, volunteers, members and partners will be working diligently to ensure the House version maintains strong conservation provisions. Watch DU s web site to see how you can help! RESTORE survives in Transportation Bill The RESTORE Act, which will use fine money from the Gulf Oil spill, passed within the Transportation Bill, providing critical funding for coastal wetland restoration and rehabilitation of coastal habitats impacted during the spill. This is a major victory for conservationists and the millions of waterfowl that winter along the Gulf. DU played a major role in advocating before Congress to include the RESTORE Act, especially during the critical conference committee negotiations. DU would like to thank all members who took action on RESTORE s behalf. 10

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15 Vital Habitat Protected at Patoka River NWR By: Mike Sertle After almost two decades of funding and administrative struggles, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) acquired the 1,043 acre Columbia Mine property for inclusion into Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Splitting the line of Gibson and Pike Counties in southern Indiana, this large scale acquisition was completed by Ducks Unlimited (DU) in partnership with the FWS, Sycamore Land Trust, and Peabody Coal Company. Currently, the property is in co ownership by the Sycamore Land Trust and FWS. Patoka River NWR will be slowly assuming management oversight of the property and will determine when and how it will be opened to public recreation, likely by Fall Often referred to locally as the Black Beauty property and comprising the eastern half of the popular Snakey Point Marsh, this large complex of wetlands and uplands will provide vital habitat to waterfowl, upland gamebirds, and numerous other species of wildlife. DU s involvement was made possible thanks to a large funding gift provided by an outside entity, and is the sixth acquisition of its type within less than a year at Patoka River NWR. Together in partnership, the FWS and DU have acquired and permanently protected over 1,537 acres of wetland and upland habitat for inclusion into Patoka River NWR. Independence Day By: Dale Hall Before we begin celebrating in the holiday happiness of the 4 th of July, let s take a moment and remember that what we re celebrating is really Independence Day. Our Independence Day. In many ways, the World s Independence Day. The ideals that form the foundation of the United States of America are envied and respected all over the world by people who love justice and freedom, and despised by those who are too inept to succeed through skill and leadership, and thus resort to tyranny and oppression in order to call themselves leaders. But leadership is not the prize of force, but rather the gift from those who would follow. The gift from those who know freedom must be defended from tyranny and aggression, and who know all too well the price of that freedom. This 4 th of July finds us once again in the election debates to determine the next President of the United States and what the make up of Congress will be from a party standpoint. But let us not forget that thousands upon thousands of dedicated patriots have paid the ultimate price so that Americans can openly debate what is best for this country without fear of being harassed, arrested or harmed by the government representatives they are criticizing. This year saw the revolution of the Arab Spring, where oppressed people took to the streets to demand their freedom and to follow the example of the United States of America. Yes, we are the envy of the world, but the currency used to purchase of our freedom flowed in the streets of Europe, Korea, Viet Nam and, still today, in the Middle East. That currency was and remains the blood of heroes that willingly put themselves in harm s way with defiance against cowards in the darkness and resolve to, if necessary, lay down their lives to ensure America never waivers. That s what we re celebrating this week. Courage, sacrifice and love without question. These are the attributes of the American warrior. These are the values of America. So, as we celebrate this week and watch the beautiful fireworks displays across this great land, let us not fail to remember that we are celebrating bravery, commitment and love that goes beyond self. Let s take time to remember that we, today, have loved ones on fields of battle, ensuring our freedom. Keep these heroes, and those that served before them, in your prayers that they may return home safely to the freedoms they have so faithfully fought and served to preserve. God Bless you all and God Bless the United States of America. Please have a happy and safe Independence Day! Dale Hall 15

16 Feather Society What is the Feather Society? When you joined Ducks Unlimited, you demonstrated your care and concern for wetlands and waterfowl conservation. Now, you can help DU ensure the future of these beloved resources for your children and your grandchildren by joining the feather society. The members of this prestigious group of DU supporters choose to include Ducks Unlimited in their estate plans. Careful planning often allows Feather Society members to enjoy substantial tax advantages while supporting DU s vital conservation mission. Feather Society members proudly wear distinctive lapel pins and are acknowledged each year in the Ducks Unlimited Annual Report. Giving to Ducks Unlimited through the Feather Society shows your commitment to our noble mission conserving, restoring and managing wetlands and associated habitats for North America s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. Ways of Giving to the Feather Society: Wills an excellent way to provide not only for your loved ones, but also by donating to Ducks Unlimited a specific dollar amount, specific property, or a percentage or all of what s left. Life Insurance one of the simplest ways to make a significant gift in the future is by naming Ducks Unlimited as beneficiary to receive all or a portion of the proceeds of an existing or new policy. Retirement Plan offers a variety of tax-advantaged ways to use IRA/401k or other tax-qualified retirement plan assets in charitable gift planning. Trusts facilitate the giving of property, consolidate assets for estate administration, create control, provide tax-planning alternatives and deal with issues of mental or physical incapacity. Revocable living trust Irrevocable trust Credit shelter trust Charitable remainder trust Land/Real Estate Do you own a home or other property you no longer want? Make a charitable gift of it to DU and you could avoid capital gains, yet provide tax favorable income. Charitable Gift Annuity fund with cash or appreciated assets and benefit from immediate charitable tax deduction and immediate or deferred payments. In most cases, the payments are substantially higher than what current CDs or money markets are generating and not subject to market risk or fluctuations. The payments are for life or lives (if a joint account), meaning you cannot outlive the income. The residual will be used by DU to continue its conservation programs. Endowment: How and Why? Ducks Unlimited stands today as a global force in conservation. Ducks Unlimited conservation programs have evolved and expanded over the years to address the habitat needs of waterfowl and other wildlife on ever-changing landscapes. Today, DU and our many partners use space-age technology and cutting-edge research to conserve habitat as efficiently and cost effectively as possible. DU #Q0???

17 When your gift matures, the principal of your gift is left intact, while the income generated by your gift provides permanent funding for DU s vital conservation programs. The sustained base of income that the endowment provides is essential to the continued success of DU in conserving critical habitat for waterfowl, other wildlife and mankind. Let Ducks Unlimited work with you, your attorney and financial advisors to help you arrange a gift plan that best suits your goals and needs. Feather Society Levels: o Silver... up to $99,999 o Gold... $100,000 to $249,999 o Emerald ,000 to $499,999 o Platinum... $500,000 to $999,999 o Diamond... $1,000,000 and above Make a Commitment to Future Generations. Join the Feather Society. For additional Information call: Sarah McCallum Director of Gift Planning or DUCKS smccallum@ducks.org This brochure is for informational purposes only. Ducks Unlimited is not engaged in rendering legal or tax advice. Please consult an attorney or other professional advisor for legal or tax assistance.

18 Merchandise Multiples No Limit Order Quantity Needed Updated 6/27/2012 A1115 $35.00 A1114 $56.00 C1121 $66.00 L0758 $46.00 L1250BI $ Y1175BI $42.00

19 Merchandise Multiples No Limit Order Quantity Needed G1270 $60.00 L1231 $63.00 G1170 $16.00 L1147 $52.00 L1151 $38.00 L1247 $59.00

20 Merchandise Multiples No Limit Order Quantity Needed L1132 $41.00 L1131 $54.00 L1148 $25.00 L1039 $40.00 L1046 $74.00 L1135 $43.00 B1284 $ L1150 $36.00

21 Ducks Unlimited 1/2 Price Inventory Sale Updated 5/22/12 Forever Friends Giclee A1013A $57.00 Brett Favre Collage E8819A $ Wooden Cabinet L1133BIA $40.00 Grandfather Clock L1143BIA $150.00

22 Ducks Unlimited 1/2 Price Inventory Sale SOLD OUT Boomer Figurine Skeeter Figurine QP0102DUA Order in Increments of 12 $3.00 Buster Figurine QP0101DUA Order in Increments of 12 $3.00 Boomer and Pals Sculpture L0836A $12.00 Boomer Sculpture L7712A $16.00

23 Ducks Unlimited 1/2 Price Inventory Sale Baldpates Wigeon Sculpture L1030A $33.00 High Country Deer Sculpture L0635A $29.00 SOLD OUT Collectible Duck Call Got em Dad Sculpture L0749A $22.00

24 Ducks Unlimited 1/2 Price Inventory Sale Greenwing Bicycle G1171BIA $30.00 Standing Canvasback Decoy C0920A $33.00 Leather Purse L1139A $18.00 Patchwork Quilt L1144A $18.00

25 Messages from the Editor The Indiana newsletter belongs to all of us! I would hope that everyone can realize the value in chapter participation and consider asking a committee member to volunteer as a newsletter chairman, so to speak, to send in material to be included in future issues. The more we get to know each other the more we (and the ducks) will benefit. In order to make this happen I will need your help. I encourage ANYONE & EVERYONE on your chapters to submit news, stories, photos, accomplishments and recognitions no matter how big/small to share with the rest of your DU family. I promise to make every effort to include everything you send me and space is not an issue... I guarantee you can't send too much (that is a direct challenge). Thanks, Randy Armstrong INDU Newsletter Editor/Webmaster CPDU Secretary/Webmaster Send questions, comments and article submissions to: Bigarmstrong69@gmail.com Or NorthwestindianaDU@gmail.com Your headlines should be in here! Volunteering takes special efforts from special people and Ducks Unlimited is full of both! Highlight what your chapter is doing and be proud of the difference you make every day. What we have today wouldn t be much without what you ve done yesterday. 25