The Michigan Marsh Chatter 4th Quarter, 2012

A Word from our Chairman

Terry Laymon: 2011-2012 State Chairman

Greetings fellow DUers: Here we are, smack-dab in the middle

of FUNdraising events and the fall hunting season. Two of our favorite passions, FUNdraising & hunting go hand-in-hand. MI DU activities continue to grow and the results are excellent. We, as a state, have been vastly improving our committees EFFICIENCY from 38%, up to right around 50%. There is still work to DU in the EFFICIENCY arena, ask your R/D

or Zone Chairman for ideas and assistance. MI DU recently was on the receiving end of Certificates of

Appreciation at Huroc Park, Flat Rock, with Congressman Dingle celebrating 40 years of the Clean Water Act of 1972. Congressman Dingle had nothing but very high praise for Ducks Unlimited and related to me that he has been a member of DU for 35 years. The other celebration took place at the Township Hall of Harrison Twp., accolades and Certificates of Appreciation were received from Senator Carl Levin, Senator Debbie Stabenow, and Congresswoman, Candice Miller. We are most grateful for the awards and recognition, our passion for Conservation will never be stronger.

We are coming to the end of my two-year term as the State Chairman of MI DU….many of you refer to my term as the “Reign of Terror!” In a “Perfect World,” I would call each and every one of you to thank you personally for your support and involvement. Yes, a HUGE thank you goes out to our 30,000 members, our ever-increasing “Save an Acre” Sponsors, our Major Donors, our hard-working staff at GLARO, and our tireless Regional Directors, that are the best in the United States. I can’t thank the Zone and Area Chairs enough for the time and effort they put forth to put MI DU on the National Charts. Lastly, thank you to our State Committee Chairmen, my State Officer team that deserve a ton of credit, Dale Borske, State Treasurer, and Dave Steinbach, State Secretary. Kudos should also go out to all of the past State Chairmen that were always ready to share their experiences with us.

We didn’t get everything done that we targeted to get done, we did get our MI DU Tool-box up and running, thanks to Doug Furtah and Dale Borske. We were able to publish what you are reading now, our electronic newsletter…thanks to our Webmaster, Carolyn Stahl and State Secretary Dave Steinbach for making it happen. This is certainly not a “goodbye” message. I will continue to play a role with MI DU, and hope to shake your hand for what you DU, once again.

Best wishes,

Terry (Gooseman)

October–December 2012

In this issue:

Full story on page 2

The new MI DU Sponsor Print: If you missed the MI Convention, here is a preview of the 2013 MI sponsor print by Gerald Putt!

Double down on the Diamonds! Two Diamond events in the same year. The Monroe chapter should be very proud!

Full story on page 3

Waterfowl Legacy Program The volunteers of the Saginaw Bay chapter assisted the DNR with the Nayanquing Pt. youth waterfowl hunt

Full story on page 6

Scooter’s Goose Breasts Something a little different to do with those goose breasts you have been saving!

Full Recipe on page 5

MI DU State Convention Don’t miss the fun next summer.

Mark your calendar now. JULY 26,27. &28th, 2013

© 2013 Gerald W. Putt Lithography / Foremost Communications

Shoveler Couple

The Michigan Marsh Chatter

4th Quarter, 2012

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~ About the Artist ~ GERALD W. PUTT

Wildlife & Nature Artist

Gerald Putt is a wildlife and nature artist who grew up in the small, quiet, rural central Pennsylvania town of Boiling Springs where a picturesque log building is now home to Gerry’s wildlife art gallery. The ducks on the lake in his hometown inspired him at a young age and later became one of his first subjects. Today ducks, elk, turkeys and deer are some of the subjects that have harvested the most praise for Putt. Recently Gerry won the 2013 Michigan Ducks Unlimited “Artist of the Year”. Putt won 2012 Nevada State Duck Stamp & the PA Game Commission’s 2012 “Working Together For Wildlife” Art Competition. His painting “Winterberry Bandits” - Cedar Waxwings bested a field of competing artists making him a three-time winner of this competition. He won the “2011 National - Artist of the Year” for the Ruffed Grouse Society. His painting “Fan Dancer” - Ruffed Grouse captured top honors making him a two-time winner of this award. Gerry’s won the 2011 Pennsylvania Duck Stamp Contest ~ making him the first and only person to win this contest nine-times ( 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2002, 2000, 1998, 1996 & 1991 ). This is three-times that of any other artist. Putt won the 2009 North Carolina State Duck Stamp ( 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005 & 2004 ) and the 2006 Illinois State Duck Stamp ( 2006, 2005, & 2004 ). Gerry has been in the “Top Twenty” of the prestigious Federal Duck Stamp Contest many times and twice made the “Top Ten”. Gerry’s painting “Return of the Monarch” won the 2001 Pennsylvania Elk ~ Fine Art Print Contest and his wigeon painting won the 1997 Colorado Duck Stamp Contest. Gerry has been in the Ducks Unlimited National Art Package twice and was chosen as “runner-up” for Ducks Unlimited “International Artist of the Year”. Putt has won “Best of Show” & “Peoples Choice” honors at many wildlife art shows plus other state and national competitions. He was named Ducks Unlimited “Artist of the Year” for the states of Michigan, New York, South Carolina, Colorado and four-times for his home state of Pennsylvania.

Putt is a Life Sponsor of Ducks Unlimited and a Life Member of The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He is in his “fifth-decade” of supporting conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ruffed Grouse Society, Trout Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy and the National Wild Turkey Federation as well as many others. The sale of Gerry’s donated art has raised many thousands of dollars for the improvement and preservation of wildlife habitat.

S

© 2013 Gerald W. Putt Lithography / Foremost Communications

Shoveler Couple

The 2013 Michigan DU Sponsor Print

The Michigan Marsh Chatter

4th Quarter, 2012

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New Research to Evaluate Factors Influencing Breeding Mallard Survival

The number of mallards harvested in the Great Lakes region exceeds that of all other duck species and is largely derived from local populations. Mallard populations in the Great Lakes appear to be largely driven by processes operating during the breeding period including hen survival. Thus, understanding factors influencing breeding hen survival is essential for guiding habitat programs geared towards improving conditions for breeding mallards. Using data collected during the Great Lakes mallard study, 2001–2003, this research will evaluate factors impacting hen survival including habitat (wetland, forest, cropland, etc.) and hen-related (hen age and condition, breeding effort, etc.) parameters. Ryan Boyer, a former GLARO intern, is leading this effort as a M.Sc. candidate at Michigan State University. Submitted by,

John Coluccy GLARO Office

To reach Diamond status a chapter must fulfill certain requirements. The 2 sticking points are:

• Combo of net/net dollars with major donor pledges $75K plus

• Must raise these funds within a 30-day timeframe from event date

There were many diamond events this year in the state of Michigan, and our hats are raised to all these chapters. It is no small feat.

Yet one chapter, MI 024 Monroe has not only given DU 1 Diamond event but 2 DIAMONDS in this milestone year for DU! Monroe’s first Diamond held in March had 850 guests with a n/n of $76K and 2 major donor pledges over $8000 each. This was a $92K event!

Their second event was a sponsor event held this past August with 350 guests with a n/n of $14k but had pledges in excess of $100K!

Special thanks to Area Chair Marshall Anderson for leading the charge – he is high energy, idea man, helping the chapter reach for the stars. Volunteer Tracy Oberleiter, Monroe’s major donor specialist, and Zone chair Dave Perry who worked tirelessly along with another 20 volunteers to gain the Double Diamonds.

It took a lot of planning by the entire committee to accomplish this feat. This is one of the efficient and dedicated crew of volunteers not only in the state but in the country!

If you ever get the chance to attend one of Monroe’s events you won’t regret it.

Monroe’s Double Diamond Bret Plasters

Fall Events Fall Into Place Lloyd Wilson

A quick snapshot of the fall banquet season in northern Michigan shows a very pretty picture. It has been a productive and successful fall fundraising season for the chapters and the ducks. Many chapters topped last year’s performance, with some having their best year ever. It is getting tougher & tougher for committees to conduct a fun and successful event, and yet you did it! Your hard work, persistence, and dedication are the reasons why and it all is making a difference. Whether it is recruiting new volunteers, selling dinner tickets, obtaining donations and underwritings, or sticking to your budget, you’ve done it all. And the dividends have been significant.

I want to Thank All of you very much – you are the best!!

Have a safe and successful hunting season and a wonderful Thanksgiving & Christmas!

The Michigan Marsh Chatter

4th Quarter, 2012

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Goose Breasts Extraordinaire Compliments of Mike Stahl

Ingredients:

Skinless goose breasts Baking Soda

Vinegar Salt

2 eggs beaten Flour

Corn Starch Oil

Preparation and Cooking: Slice goose, or pheasant breasts thin horizontally. (To those of you from Evart, that’s across the grain.) Cover with water. Add; 1 Tsp. baking soda, 1 Tbsp. vinegar, and ½ Tsp salt. Let sit for 4 hours, then drain and pat dry. Add one inch of oil to frying pan, Hot, but not burning. Dip pieces in beaten egg, then flour then cornstarch (do I need to tell you to put it in the skillet?) Cooks in about 2 minutes, flipping at half time.

Two years ago I had the pleasure of experiencing this recipe on a trip to Manitoba and brought back this recipe that can be applied to a wide range of game. I have used it for Snow goose, Canada Geese and Pheasant. This is a quick and easy fix that only the lame and blind can screw up and is guaranteed to be the Hors d’oeuvre hit of your get together.

Mike Stahl

The Michigan Marsh Chatter

4th Quarter, 2012

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Southern Michigan has a great start to the fundraising year!

Southern Michigan had a great start to its fundraising season with events happening from East to West. The volunteers on Harsens Island had a boomer of an event. The room was full and everyone was having a great time supporting the DUCKS! The volunteers worked together to make sure that they again put a full house in attendance; this is how they have found their success. They are looking at this as a one day sale with only a few hours to entertain and make some good bucks for the DUCKS. One of the many high lights was the local hand carved decoy that brought $650.00 in the live auction; it was carved by one of the island residents and was a very nice item.

Michigan Center in the center of the Southern Region had another full house year; they increased attendance by about 15 people. Leading the charge were, Dan Karsten & Greg Meschke, both long time DU volunteers. They made sure that the attendee’s were treated to a great meal, after which Greg treated the attendees to the outstanding live auction that he emcees. The attendees look forward to hearing Greg ever year. He will be the first one to tell you he’s not the best auctioneer, but I think the crowd would beg to differ. The high light on the live auction were some hand carved works of art by Russ Bengal. I know some of you will wish you had attended that auction!

Over on the West coast the volunteers, headed by AC Gary Zech, at the Southern Michigan DU (St. Joseph) had another year of growth. Not only did they make more Bucks for the Ducks, but their attendance was up too. They increased attendance by about 25 people and this helped all aspects of the dinner. They had a great bucket raffle with many items that attendees wanted, including many useable items like tree stands and popup blinds. Gary stated that from feedback he had gotten last year the attendees wanted hunting items that they could use, “so that is what we got for them this year”. The live auction was anchored with a set of Mohammad Ali autographed boxing gloves. Boy did they make a BIG HIT with the crowd!

All of the events have had great moments and all the volunteers have worked their hardest to make it a success for DU. Without all of their hard work DU would not be able to put as many acres on the ground as it does. So a huge Thank You goes out to all the people that make the events happen across the Region and the State!

Craig Curtis

Donec interdum

The 2012 Youth Hunt. The youth hunt donated by Mike Scooter

Stahl at the June State Convention got off to a bad start, all blamed on the Pecks Lake beavers. Heavy spring rains washed out the beaver dam that controls the lake level of our pond. Sparse summer rains failed to trigger the beavers into action, so the lake was at a two-foot low all summer, leaving one to access the water only after wading in thigh deep muck thru the reeds to the open water. That was not a good option. Unable to launch the TDB duck boat, a deer hunt was offered as a replacement for the waterfowl hunt. This was accepted in good spirit by the purchaser Chris Friebler and his son Travis.

On Sept. 22nd, Travis and dad went afield at Burch Point Lodge, aka the swamp, dressed in their finest pumpkin orange suits and awaited the wiley bambi. Saturday saw only what they described as a plethora of squirrels, a horned owl, and pileated woodpeckers. When they came in for dinner, with reports of no deer being seen all day they were surprisingly still bubbly with excitement. It seems that they had the experience of a lifetime in seeing a Bobcat sneak into view and stalk and catch a squirrel not twenty feet from the blind we call Ft. Apache. It made their day. I still wonder why they named the cat Bob, and not Carl or Ralph. Travis also had a first as he had Spam for breakfast. He actually liked it

On Sunday at 9:00 Travis downed a nice doe at about 80 yards and proceeded to field dress his deer with much guidance from Chris and the Scooter. To his credit he handled it like a veteran deer hunter. Travis used a scoped rifle that he won at the Rabbit River DU event this spring,

I challenge someone to donate a youth hunt at next year’s 2013 State Convention at The Island Casino at Escanaba. I have donated a youth hunt for the past two years. Who will step up and provide a youth a quality hunt experience?

Mike Stahl

The Michigan Marsh Chatter

4th Quarter, 2012

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DU Volunteers assist with

Waterfowl Legacy program

The members of the Saginaw Bay Chapter of Ducks Unlimited were again at Nayanquing Point Wildlife area for the sixth consecutive year hosting the youth afternoon waterfowl hunt. This year was special as it is the kickoff of the Michigan Waterfowl Legacy program. Our members had tables set up with displays on projects in the area and across the state. We also signed up every youth attendee to the DU Green-wing program, gave each child a DU hat and small gift, serve refreshments, and explained our conservation program to them.

Thanks to our generous donors we were also able to provide refreshments to all the returning hunters from the morning outing and we were able to interact with over 150 people throughout the morning giving Michigan DU recognition and insight to the waterfowl hunters of our conservation endeavors. We have also signed up general memberships and recruited volunteers over the years that we have been doing this program with the State of Michigan. The volunteers were also able to leave the DU magazines as well as volunteer and membership forms onsite and in a matter of a few weeks all of these forms were taken by interested hunters.

If you are interested in getting an event such as this going at one of your local state game areas and need advise please contact Dale Borske at cruiseplanner1@chartermi.net.

Special thanks go to H & H Bakery of Pinconning and Wheelers Restaurant in Standish.

The Michigan Marsh Chatter 4th Quarter, 2012

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State Chairman elect is treated to GLARO Grand Tour! In September, Rod Larson and I attended the Malan WPA dedication. In conjunction with the

dedication, we were invited to pay a visit to the GLARO office in Ann Arbor. For those of you who are not familiar with it, GLARO is DU’s Great Lakes/ Atlantic Regional Office.

This office is the headquarters for our conservation and staff folks for a 21 state region in the North Central and Northeast part of the United States. All DU activities, except grassroots fundraising, are directed or originate out of this office for that 21 state area.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by Debra Gray whose official title is Administrative Assistant. (I am sure office manager extraordinaire is more appropriate.) Doug Gorby had arranged our visit, but was unable to be there. In his stead, Russ Terry, Director of Conservation Programs, led our tour and keyed the narrative and discussions of the various functions that GLARO fulfills.

An immediate impact upon us was observing a group of Geographic Information Systems interns doing an inventory of all North American wetlands using satellite imagery. This inventory is done periodically to determine net gain or loss over that period.

Following the meet and greet through the office, we adjourned to the conference room for an overview of the various roles GLARO performs. Broadly speaking, Ducks Unlimited is all about wetlands conservation and protection, but internally it breaks down into three interwoven entities; volunteers, fundraising staff, and conservation staff. As volunteers, we are familiar with our roles within D.U. It was fascinating and very informative to see how the others interact.

Russ Terry gave a presentation illustrating how conservation is delivered in the Great Lakes/ Atlantic Region as a whole, and then in our Great Lakes area in particular, through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

John Coluccy, Director of Conservation Planning, led off with a discussion of ongoing and completed research and monitoring projects and how they tied into our conservation work.

Dane Cramer and Mike Sertle then showed us several examples of projects that they had completed in Michigan, with video of before, during, and after illustrating the work. It is interesting to note, that in addition to planning and supervising these projects, they also line up the conservation partners to assist in funding the work. (We volunteers can relate to this: soliciting on a grand scale).

Pete Wyckoff, Regional Engineer, then showed us some of their masterpieces: water control structures, fish ladders, bridges, and the all important terrain changes that allow water to go in the direction desired.

Gildo Tori, Director of Public Policy, brought us up to date on the impact of public policy on waterfowl; Farm Bill; NAWCA, etc. on a national level and also legislative issues right here in Michigan.

Regional Communications Manager, Kristin Schrader, showed us what communication resources are available through GLARO including information, email, and graphic design.

Last, but not least, Todd Bishop and Russ Terry enlightened us about other conservation funding sources beyond the grassroots methods we are all familiar with; Major Gifts, Feather Society, and Initiative-based funding such as Dane and Mike facilitate through their projects.

Needless to say at the end of the visit, Rod and I were very impressed with the organization and staff at GLARO. We were also suffering an advanced case of information overload. I am not sure yet what sunk in.

GLARO is having an Open House December 14, 2012 in conjunction with the dedication of a plaque in honor of past Michigan D.U. State Chairmen. I urge you to attend if you can fit it into your busy schedules.

Thank you,

Pete