McCONNELSVILLE, Ohio, April 1, 2023— The Morgan County committee of Ducks Unlimited will host its 19th Annual Dinner Banquet and Fundraising Event Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 at the Morgan County Fairgrounds, McConnelsville, Ohio . (Doors open 5:30 PM, 5:30-7 PM Prizes/Raffles/Silent Auctions, Steak Dinner 6:30 PM, Live Auction 7:30 PM). Committee members are currently selling tickets for the banquet until September 11, 2023. You can also purchase your banquet tickets online at their website or from any committee member.

Columbus, Ohio, February, 2023 - At the State DU Awards Banquet the MCW Committee won the following: 2022 State Chapter Awards - Elite Chapter Banner, Silver Excellence Award, Multiple Event Club, Top Money Event (9th in State), Total Money Award (10th in State),  Number of Event Sponsors (4th in State), Total Greenwing Membership (9th in State)

• Elite Chapter Banner Award
• Silver Excellence Award
• Top 5 State Chapter Award (4^th Overall in State)
• 1^st in State – Number of Event Sponsors (30)
• 2^nd in State – Total Greenwing Membership (Age 17 and under)
• 3^rd in State – Top Money Event
• 6^th in State – Total Membership at Event
• 10^th in State – Greatest Efficiency at Dinner Event

Committee members Chuck Price and Todd Spence also received individual “Wetland Warrior” awards for their efforts to conserve wetlands. Eight “Wetlands Warrior” Goose Decoys were given out statewide for 2021.

McCONNELSVILLE, Ohio, June 9, 2021— The Morgan County committee of Ducks Unlimited will host its 17th Annual Dinner Banquet and Fundraising Event Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 at the Morgan County Fairgrounds, McConnelsville, Ohio . (Doors open 5:30 PM, 5:30-7 PM Prizes/Raffles/Silent Auctions, Steak Dinner 6:30 PM, Live Auction 7:30 PM). Committee members are currently selling tickets for the banquet. You can also purchase your banquet tickets online at their website or from any committee member.  See any committee member or purchase online at www.morgancountywaterfowlers.org .

 
This is the 17th year of the event and a sold-out crowd is expected. Banquet activities will include games, auctions and raffles of wildlife and sporting art and firearms as well as goods and services donated by area businesses. Proceeds from the event will go to support DU's wetlands and waterfowl habitat conservation efforts in Ohio, the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Please take a look at the website for more information.

     As you can imagine DU has suffered monetarily this year as a result of the economic realities of COVID-19. Many chapters have been unable, like us, to hold their events in a normal manner. We are not actively soliciting donations or underwriting as in the past, because we feel there are too many economic uncertainties facing businesses, sponsors, and individuals in these times. Due to this, if you have attended, sponsored, underwritten or donated items in the past we would appreciate your support this year by buying into a raffle or bidding on an item in our online event. But if you wish to donate or underwrite an item please contact a committee member to discuss your options. The revenue generated from this event is critical to our conservation mission and the future of waterfowl hunting.

     Our online event will consist of three parts: A General Raffle, a DU Guns of the Year Raffle, and a National Package Online Auction. To participate in any of these parts, you will need to purchase a DU Membership package ($35) as the event buy-in. You will have a specific time frame to purchase your event ticket buy-in, raffle chances, and online auction bidding. You will be able to watch and follow our drawing online through a video link that we will provide to you.

     We promise when we can hold an in-person event, we will come back stronger and bigger than we have in past events. But we need you to continue your support of our chapter this year through this online event. Please visit our website to remain in contact with us and to gain event information. The URL is: www.morgancountywaterfowlers.org

Details of Online Event Part 1:

A General Raffle with Tristar Upland Hunter .410 Shotgun, FN Model 509 Pistol, Tristar Viper Max Camo/Cerakote 12 GA Shotgun, choice of 7 more guns, Yeti Coolers, and other prizes. This replaces our normal $100 Hat Tier Raffle. Price: $100 Ticket (20 chances) with additional tickets available at $100 each (20 chances). Please see our website for a specific list of all these prizes. You can watch the drawing online and we will contact the winners.

Details of Online Event Part 2:

A Three DU Guns of the Year Raffle consisting of:

2020 Shotgun of the Year: Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus Shotgun

2020 Rifle of the Year: Weatherby Vanguard First Lite Bolt-Action Rifle

2020 Handgun of the Year: Beretta M9A3 Handgun

Only 50 chances will be sold on the DU Guns of the Year Raffle. Price: $100 You have a chance at one of the three guns. Please see our website for pictures and details. This raffle will work like our past Goose Band Raffles in that with three guns offered – 1st number drawn gets choice, 2^nd number drawn gets choice of two guns left, 3^rd number drawn gets gun that is left. You can watch the drawing online and we will contact the winners for their choices.

Details of Online Event Part 3:

An online National Package Auction: For the first time in its history, Ducks Unlimited is providing the opportunity to bid on official DU event merchandise that were previously ONLY available at DU events. This is your chance to get fantastic DU merchandise and support waterfowl and wetlands conservation at the same time!

The following items will be available in the auction:

2020/21 Federal Duck Stamp                         2020 DU Stamp Print

2020/21 ODNR Stamp                                   2020 Decoy of the Year White-Fronted Goose

Gadwall Decoy                                               Cinnamon Teal Decoy

2020 Knife of the Year                                   Duck Call Vase

Whiskey Jug                                                   Cast Iron Skillet

30 qt Floating Cooler                                      DU Crest Hanging Sign

Argentina Dove Hunt                                     South Dakota Pheasant Hunt

Busch LED Sign

Please see item details and pictures on our website. Our website is where you can purchase event tickets and find links to participate in our online event. Event Tickets can also be purchased directly from a committee member.  OUR CHAPTER AND THE DUCKS NEED YOUR SUPPORT THIS YEAR!

Online tickets and online bidding will be available until November 14, 2020. The online drawing will be held on November 21, 2020. It will be posted on our website for your viewing pleasure. We will contact all winners by email.  We appreciate all your past support and hope that you will consider continuing to support our chapter in these trying times by participating in our virtual online event.

Morgan County Waterfowlers representative, Todd Spence (left) presents a check from the Ducks Unlimited chapter to Gary Bush (center) and Pastor Joel Weekley (right) to pay for a new portable basketball hoop. It has been placed in Trinity United Methodist Church’s parking lot to be used by the youth of the community. Walmart discounted this item to make its purchase affordable. “We’d like to thank Gary Bush for implementing this project and seeing that it was completed. We are happy to work together with others in our community to benefit the youth,” said Spence.

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McConnelsville, Ohio June 7, 2019 - The Morgan County Waterfowlers are sponsoring a Passport to Fishing Workshop for Adults who have little or no fishing experience on August 8, 2019 at Trinity UM Church from 6:30 - 8:45 PM. There will be a follow-up Fishing Day on August 10, 2019 at AEP from 9 AM - Noon. Pre-registration is required.

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McConnelsville, Ohio June 7, 2019 - The Morgan County Waterfowlers donated a new 6 X 6 16' treated post to Trinity United Methodist Church to replace on their Basketball Hoop at the church parking lot.

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McConnelsville, Ohio February 2019 - The Morgan County Waterfowlers have sponsored a Morgan Youth Sports Little League Team 2019 season.

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McConnelsville, Ohio February 2019 - The Morgan County Waterfowlers

Committee members attended the 2018 State Awards Dinner in Worthington on February 16, 2019 and won the 2019 Shotgun of the Year for the committee. Members took home all kinds of prizes including a total of four FFL guns. See our Facebook page for more details. We also won one "State Duck Head" award receiving 9th Place in the State for "Greatest Money Increase for Dinner Event".

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McConnelsville, Ohio, May 2018 -

$5.00 Each                        Drawing: July 12, 2018                        3 for $10.00
Ducks Unlimited Pre-Event Raffle - Winchester SXP Pump Shotgun 12 GA

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McConnelsville, Ohio, February 19, 2018 - The Morgan County DU chapter won five state "Duck Head" awards at the Ohio Ducks Unlimited 2017 State Awards Dinner held in Worthington, Ohio on February 17, 2018.  The Chapter won the following 2017 State Chapter Awards: "Ohio DU Bronze Excellence Award  2017, 1st Place - Canvasback Resiliency Award, 9th Place - Greatest $ Increase Dinner Event Award, 9th Place - Chairman of the Year Award, and 10th Place - Total Membership  Award.

Twelve Morgan County Waterfowlers Chapter Committee Members attended the Ohio Ducks Unlimited State Awards Dinner in Worthington, Ohio in February.

                                                   

2017 Ohio DU Bronze Excellence Award                                                1st Place - Canvasback Resiliency Award

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McConnelsville, Ohio, February 20, 2017 - The Morgan County DU chapter won two state "Duck Head" awards at the Ohio Ducks Unlimited 2016 State Awards Dinner held in Wilmington, Ohio on February 18, 2017.  The photo below shows chapter representatives Jim Johnson and Todd Spence with State DU Chairman, Bill Ebert. The chapter won 7th Place - Calendar Raffle Event Award 2016, and 6th Place - GreenWing Membership Award -2016.

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The Morgan County Waterfowlers are a proud sponsor of this event.  First annual Best Dam Festival at Tom Jenkins Dam, located at 23560 Tom Jenkins Dam Road, Glouster, Ohio. Activities begin at 10 a.m. and include nature bingo, Smokey the Bear, water safety and more from the Ohio Division of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Water Craft. Additional activities, including a Boat Poker Run, food trucks and other family activities will take place at other docks/ locations on Burr Oak Lake ending the day at Burr Oak Lodge. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.facebook.com/burroakalive

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McConnelsville, Ohio, May 27, 2016 ----Local Ducks Unlimited Chapter, Morgan County Waterfowlers make two donations to local groups.

Todd Spence, representing the Morgan County Waterfowlers gives a $100 check to Carol Wheeler for the Morgan Archery group. "Our Ducks Unlimited chapter is proud to continue our support of this endeavor and the life-long skills being taught through this program", said DU publicity chairman, Todd Spence.

Todd Spence, representing the Morgan County Waterfowlers gives a $100 check to Bob Thurman, FFA advisor. "This is the 11th year that our Ducks Unlimited chapter has donated to help send someone to FFA camp”, said DU publicity chairman, Todd Spence.

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McCONNELSVILLE, Ohio, February 21, 2016 - The Morgan County Waterfowlers won three state awards yesterday at the 2016 Ohio Ducks Unlimited State Convention held in Wilmington, Ohio. The chapter won the prestigious Bronze Unlimited Excellence Award - 2015,  5th Place - Calendar Raffle Event Award 2015, and 9th Place - GreenWing Membership Award -2015.

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McCONNELSVILLE, Ohio, June 8, 2015— The Morgan County committee of Ducks Unlimited will host its 11th Annual Sportsmen's Dinner Banquet and Fundraising Event Saturday, Sept. 19th, 2015 at the Clarence E. Miller Ohio National Guard Armory, 4497 Hawk Drive, McConnelsville, Ohio . (Doors open 5:30 PM, 5:30-7 PM Prizes/Raffles/Silent Auctions, Steak Dinner 6:30 PM, Live Auction 7:30 PM) Please note: A Photo ID is required for all adult entry to the facility.Committee members are currently selling tickets for the banquet. You can also purchase your banquet tickets online at their website or from any committee member.  See any committee member or purchase online at www.morgancountywaterfowlers.org .
 
This is the 11th year of the event and a sold-out crowd is expected. Banquet activities will include games, auctions and raffles of wildlife and sporting art and firearms as well as goods and services donated by area businesses. Proceeds from the event will go to support DU's wetlands and waterfowl habitat conservation efforts in Ohio, the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Please take a look at the website for more information.

Ducks Unlimited was formed to provide for the life cycle needs of North America's migratory waterfowl by protecting, restoring, enhancing and managing important wetlands and associated uplands. DU is the world's largest private sector waterfowl, wetlands and wildlife conservation organization, with one million supporters and members in the U.S. Since its inception in 1937, DU has raised nearly $2 billion and conserved nearly 11 million acres of habitat throughout North America.

All Tickets are pre-sale of the event: There will be no tickets sold at the door.
Single Ticket: $50 (includes 1 Steak Dinner, 1 regular DU membership - 6 issues of Ducks Unlimited magazine, Membership card and decals, 1 raffle chance on the dinner gun).
Couples Ticket: $80 (includes 2 Steak Dinners, 1 regular DU membership - 6 issues of Ducks Unlimited magazine, Membership card and decals, 2 raffle chances on the dinner gun). 
Greenwing Ticket: $25 (children age 17 or younger) includes 1 Steak dinner, 1 Greenwing DU membership, Greenwing decals (age 11 and younger), Two unique DU decals (one duck head and one DU shield for ages 12-17 years), Four issues of the Puddler magazine (both print & online versions, ages 11 and younger), Six issues of Ducks Unlimited Magazine (ages 12-17 years). Chances on Greenwing raffle items.
Sponsor Ticket (Banquet Sponsor & Guest): $325 (includes 2 Steak Dinners - for sponsor and guest, 1 Framed Sponsor Print, 1 Sponsor Pin, 1 Bronze Sponsor DU membership - 6 issues of Ducks Unlimited magazine, 1 raffle chance on a sponsor gun, 1 regular DU membership for guest - 6 issues of Ducks Unlimited magazine, Membership cards and decals, 2 raffle chances on the dinner gun).

This year there is an Early Flight Raffle available for those who purchase their tickets before September 1, 2015. Tickets purchased on or after September 1st, will cost: $60 Single Ticket and $100 Couples Ticket. There will be no tickets sold at the door.

For more information about Ducks Unlimited, contact Committee Chairman Chuck Price at 740- 962-4026, visit the chapter’s website: www.morgancountywaterfowlers.org,

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McConnelsville, Ohio, June 8, 2015 ----Local Ducks Unlimited Chapter, Morgan County Waterfowlers make two donations to local groups.

Todd Spence, representing the Morgan County Waterfowlers gives a $100 check to Carol Wheeler for the Morgan Archery group. "Our Ducks Unlimited chapter is proud to continue our support of this endeavor and the life-long skills being taught through this program", said DU publicity chairman, Todd Spence.

Todd Spence, representing the Morgan County Waterfowlers gives a $100 check to Bob Thurman, FFA advisor. "This is the 10th year that our Ducks Unlimited chapter has donated to help send someone to FFA camp”, said DU publicity chairman, Todd Spence.

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McCONNELSVILLE, Ohio, August 4, 2014— The Morgan County committee of Ducks Unlimited will host its 10th Annual Sportsmen's Dinner Banquet and Fundraising Event Saturday, Sept. 20th, 2014 at the Clarence E. Miller Ohio National Guard Armory, 4497 Hawk Drive, McConnelsville, Ohio . (Doors open 5:30 PM, 5:30-7 PM Prizes/Raffles/Silent Auctions, Steak Dinner 6:30 PM, Live Auction 7:30 PM) Please note: A Photo ID is required for all adult entry to the facility.Committee members are currently selling tickets for the banquet. You can also purchase your banquet tickets online at their website or from any committee member.  See any committee member or purchase online at www.morgancountywaterfowlers.org .
  “We are looking forward to a great crowd at this year's banquet” said committee publicity chairman Todd Spence of McConnelsville. “This is our 10th year anniversary and we are planning bigger and better things for our attendees. Banquet activities will include games, auctions and raffles of wildlife and sporting art and firearms as well as goods and services donated by area businesses. Proceeds from the event will go to support DU's wetlands and waterfowl habitat conservation efforts in Ohio, the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Please take a look at our website for more information”.
Ducks Unlimited was formed to provide for the life cycle needs of North America's migratory waterfowl by protecting, restoring, enhancing and managing important wetlands and associated uplands. DU is the world's largest private sector waterfowl, wetlands and wildlife conservation organization, with one million supporters and members in the U.S. Since its inception in 1937, DU has raised nearly $2 billion and conserved nearly 11 million acres of habitat throughout North America.

Single Ticket: $50 (includes 1 Steak Dinner, 1 regular DU membership - 6 issues of Ducks Unlimited magazine, Membership card and decals, 1 raffle chance on the dinner gun).
Couples Ticket: $80 (includes 2 Steak Dinners, 1 regular DU membership - 6 issues of Ducks Unlimited magazine, Membership card and decals, 2 raffle chances on the dinner gun). 
Greenwing Ticket: $25 (children age 17 or younger) includes 1 Steak dinner, 1 Greenwing DU membership, Greenwing decals (age 11 and younger), Two unique DU decals (one duck head and one DU shield for ages 12-17 years), Four issues of the Puddler magazine (both print & online versions, ages 11 and younger), Six issues of Ducks Unlimited Magazine (ages 12-17 years). Chances on Greenwing raffle items.
Sponsor Ticket (Banquet Sponsor & Guest): $325 (includes 2 Steak Dinners - for sponsor and guest, 1 Framed Sponsor Print, 1 Sponsor Pin, 1 Bronze Sponsor DU membership - 6 issues of Ducks Unlimited magazine, 1 raffle chance on a sponsor gun, 1 regular DU membership for guest - 6 issues of Ducks Unlimited magazine, Membership cards and decals, 2 raffle chances on the dinner gun).

Tickets purchased after September 12th, will have an additional cost, so get you tickets early. At the door, or after September 12th sales: $60 Single Ticket and $100 Couples Ticket.

For more information about Ducks Unlimited, contact Committee Chairman Chuck Price at 740- 962-4026, visit the chapter’s website: www.morgancountywaterfowlers.org, or contact DU’s National Headquarters in Memphis, Tenn., at (901) 758-DUCK (3825). 

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McCONNELSVILLE, Ohio, June 16, 2013— The Morgan County committee of Ducks Unlimited will host its 9th Annual Sportsmen's Dinner Banquet and Fundraising Event Saturday, Sept. 21st, 2013 at the Clarence E. Miller Ohio National Guard Armory, 4497 Hawk Drive, McConnelsville, Ohio . (Doors open 5:30 PM, 5:30-7 PM Prizes/Raffles/Silent Auctions, Steak Dinner 6:30 PM, Live Auction 7:30 PM) Please note: A Photo ID is required for all adult entry to the facility.Committee members are currently selling Pre-event raffle tickets for a $500 Cash Prize. Raffle tickets can be purchased from any committee member. The committee members also are selling tickets for the banquet. You can also purchase your banquet tickets online at their website or from any committee member.  www.morgancountywaterfowlers.org .
See any committee member or purchase online at “We are looking forward to a great crowd at this year's banquet” said committee publicity chairman Todd Spence of McConnelsville. “This year we are introducing DU's Great Gun Giveaway. Each winner will have their choice of 30 different guns. Other activities include games, auctions and raffles of wildlife and sporting art and firearms as well as goods and services donated by area businesses. Proceeds from the event will go to support DU's wetlands and waterfowl habitat conservation efforts in Ohio, the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Please take a look at our website for more information”.
Ducks Unlimited was formed to provide for the life cycle needs of North America's migratory waterfowl by protecting, restoring, enhancing and managing important wetlands and associated uplands. DU is the world's largest private sector waterfowl, wetlands and wildlife conservation organization, with one million supporters and members in the U.S. Since its inception in 1937, DU has raised nearly $2 billion and conserved nearly 11 million acres of habitat throughout North America.

Single Ticket: $50 (includes 1 Steak Dinner, 1 regular DU membership - 6 issues of Ducks Unlimited magazine, Membership card and decals, 1 raffle chance on the dinner gun).
Couples Ticket: $80 (includes 2 Steak Dinners, 1 regular DU membership - 6 issues of Ducks Unlimited magazine, Membership card and decals, 2 raffle chances on the dinner gun). 
Greenwing Ticket: $20 (children age 17 or younger) includes 1 Steak dinner, 1 Greenwing DU membership, Greenwing decals (age 11 and younger), Two unique DU decals (one duck head and one DU shield for ages 12-17 years), Four issues of the Puddler magazine (both print & online versions, ages 11 and younger), Six issues of Ducks Unlimited Magazine (ages 12-17 years). Chances on Greenwing raffle items.
Sponsor Ticket (Banquet Sponsor & Guest): $325 (includes 2 Steak Dinners - for sponsor and guest, 1 Framed Sponsor Print, 1 Sponsor Pin, 1 Bronze Sponsor DU membership - 6 issues of Ducks Unlimited magazine, 1 raffle chance on a sponsor gun, 1 regular DU membership for guest - 6 issues of Ducks Unlimited magazine, Membership cards and decals, 2 raffle chances on the dinner gun).

For more information about Ducks Unlimited, contact Committee Chairman Chuck Price at 740- 962-4026, visit the chapter’s website: www.morgancountywaterfowlers.org, or contact DU’s National Headquarters in Memphis, Tenn., at (901) 758-DUCK (3825). 

"Congratulations to all the young athletes who participated in this year's tournament," said Kevin Dixon, shooting sports coordinator for the Division of Wildlife, which coordinates NASP in Ohio. "The Division of Wildlife is very proud to sponsor a program that teaches participants a life-long recreational skill and has helped improve their school participation and attendance."

(McConnelsville, Ohio, June 22, 2007) - The local Ducks Unlimited chapter, Morgan County Waterfowlers, is preparing for their 3rd Annual Ducks Unlimited Banquet to raise money for Wetlands Habitation. The banquet will be held on Thursday, September 20, 2007 at the Deavertown Community Building.
 Committee members are currently selling Pre-event raffle tickets for a Beretta A391 Xtrema2 Semi-Automatic Max-4 Camo Waterfowl Edition in 12 GA with a 3 1/2 inch chamber. The new Beretta Xtrema2 is known as the "do it all" shotgun, designed from the outset to work hard for you. This shotgun features soft shooting gas operation, a 28" vent ribbed Optima-bore (overbored) barrel, with TruGlo fiber optic sight, the new Kick-off recoil reduction with Gel-Tek recoil pad, and Aqua technology for extreme environmental protection. The stock and forearm are in Max-4 camo with enlarged rubber inserts to allow for greater grip-surface and minimize transmission of vibrations. The standard matte receiver is grooved for scope mounting and has "Ducks Unlimited" and the duckhead in black on the right side of the receiver. Provided with a hard shell "take-down" style case. Gun lock is included. Raffle tickets can be purchased from any committee member and cost $10 each and only 300 tickets will be sold.  Gun Drawing to be held on September 20, 2007 at the DU Fall Banquet. Need not be present to win.
 The Morgan Co. Waterfowlers Chapter of Ducks Unlimited is made up of volunteers from Morgan & Muskingum Counties. We are asking for individuals and
businesses to donate items (by underwritting the cost) to offset our costs and maximize our profits for conservation. These items will be auctioned or raffled off at the DU banquet on September 20, 2007 to raise money for developing, preserving, restoring and maintaining waterfowl habitat on the North American continent.  The money derived from this event will provide valuable funding for wetland conservation. We appreciate your consideration to donate for our second annual Morgan Co. Waterfowlers Chapter of Ducks Unlimited banquet event. Contributions can be large or small and you may donate or sponsor one or more items. Your contribution of merchandise will be converted to conservation dollars and we will see that you get proper recognition during the event. We are a bona fide 501-C3, non-profit corporation and we depend largely upon donors like you to maintain our important habitat improvement programs. For information on how to underwrite any of the items, please email: info@morgancountywaterfowlers.org or visit or website: www.morgancountywaterfowlers.org for more information.
 The committee members also are selling tickets for the banquet. Information is as follows: The 3rd Annual DU Chapter Sportsmen's Banquet - Thursday, September 20, 2007 (Doors open 5:30 PM, 5:30-7:00 Raffles/Silent Auctions, Dinner 7 PM, Auction 8 PM) at Deavertown Community Building (old school).
 Cost: for a Single $50.00 (includes 1 Meal - Steak Dinner, 1 year DU membership - 6 issues of Ducks Unlimited magazine, Membership card and decals, 1
raffle chance on Benelli Nova Shotgun).
 Cost for a Couple $70.00 (includes 2 Meals - Steak Dinners, 1 year DU couple membership - 6 issues of Ducks Unlimited magazine - one magazine subscription per household, Membership cards and decals, 1 raffle chance on Benelli Nova Shotgun).
 Cost for Children - (Greenwing membership is for children ages 17 or younger) - $15.00 each (includes 1 Meal - Steak Dinner or Pizza, 1 year DU Greenwings membership -  one-year subscription to Puddler or Ducks Unlimited magazine (depending upon member's age), Greenwing membership card, Greenwing decal, invitations to local Greenwing events.
 Cost for a Sponsor & Guest $325.00 (includes 2 Steak Dinners - for sponsor and guest, 1 Framed Sponsor Print, 1 Sponsor Pin, 1 Bronze Sponsor DU membership - 6 issues of Ducks Unlimited magazine for the sponsor, 1 raffle chance on a Benelli Nova Sponsor Shotgun - sponsor only drawing, 1 regular DU membership for guest - 6 issues of Ducks Unlimited magazine for the guest, Membership cards and decals, 2 raffle chances on Benelli Nova Shotgun). See any committee member or email: info@morgancountywaterfowlers to purchase your tickets.
 DU Chapter Committee members are Donny Strader, Jr., Chuck Price, Todd Spence, Chet Pifer, Tara Strader, Ron Foreman, Tony Sines, Carlos Ballinger, Carrie Price, Terry Clark, Eric Smith, Dan Dickson, Don Strader Sr., Jerry Juniper, Flo Neff, Don Ferguson, Brooke Smith, Don Bell, and Mike Ferguson.

GREENWING Chloe Sines recently competed in the first state wide NASP (National Archery in Schools Program) competition in Columbus. She shot a 239 and finished 4th  (one pt. from 3rd) and qualified for the National Tournament in Kentucky on June 9th.

 (EASTLAKE, OHIO, FEBRUARY 23-25, 2007)—Members of Ducks Unlimited’s Ohio chapters recently held their annual convention here at the Radisson Inn.
 The local Ducks Unlimited chapter, Morgan County Waterfowlers, continued their winning ways at the state level by winning two state awards for 2007. They received 2nd in the state in Greenwing Memberships with 79 (88 was top). They also received a 4th place award for SBA (Sealed Bid Auctions) Prints of wildlife scenes.
 This is the second year of existence for this chapter and the first year they received four awards. (Rookie of the Year Chapter, Attendees per Event - Placed 8th in the state (219 attendees - 300 was top), Greenwing Membership - Placed 9th in the state (35 members - 62 was top), and SBA (Sealed Bid Auction) - Placed 3rd in the state.
 Ohio Ducks Unlimited's presence is almost as old as that of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Formed in 1938; Ohio Ducks Unlimited provided volunteer leadership for Ducks Unlimited in the state of Ohio for the purpose of raising funds for DU's conservation efforts. It also served as a visible presence for DU in Ohio. Ohio DU continues in those roles, as a voice for Ohio DU members and dedicated volunteers and as a conduit between the Ohio membership and the National organization.
 DU Ohio has more than 1,400 dedicated committee volunteers and more than 75 committees across the state, with more committees forming all the time. Ohio DU membership has grown to some 15,000 members across the state. Annual proceeds raised by dedicated Ohio DU volunteers have grown from $1,400 in 1938 to more than $1,000,000 for the ducks. At an average per acre cost of $250 for the habitat restoration that DU does, that latter figure represents more than 4,000 acres of additional habitat for which Ohio’s DU members are responsible annually. Ohio DU works closely with DU biologists and the Ohio Division of Wildlife in the interest of restoring wetlands to Ohio.
 For more information about how you can get involved, contact Donny Strader, Jr., local DU Chairman or go to www.morgancountywaterfowlers.org.

Congratulations to Jeff Lloyd, winner of the PSE Nova compound bow given away at the Maysville High School National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) event on October 18th (see article below).  The bow was co-sponsored by Morgan County Ducks Unlimited and Muskingum County NWTF.  Both the ducks and the turkeys were well represented at the event. Over 35 new Greenwings and Jakes were signed up helping to ensure future generations of conservationists.

ZANESVILLE - There was a lot of passion on display Wednesday (10-18-06) in the Maysville Middle School gym. The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) held its kickoff event, and Maysville's nationally-ranked archery team was the center of attention. The team is an offshoot of teacher Chris Skinner's outdoor recreation class that also includes mountain biking, hunting and fishing.
     Maysville high school and elementary students heard top-notch speakers and saw impressive archery demonstrations. Among those on hand were Derry Null, Zanesville's national champion archer and a member of the Matthews Pro Team; International Bowhunters Association president Ken Watkins; Ohio NASP coordinator Kevin Dixon and outdoor skills officer Dan Perko of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Ohio Outdoor Magazine and Times Recorder outdoor writer Bob Loewendick.
    Also putting on displays were the National Wild Turkey Federation, Morgan County Ducks Unlimited chapter and T&K Guns and Archery, in association with the Southeastern Ohio Sportsmen's Club. Maysville High School principal Mark Ulbrich read a Chinese archery poem that went over well with many of the students.
    "If we had 14 of programs like this across the state, we would rule the country," Dixon said. "Maysville is well ahead of the curve, and Chris (Skinner) is a phenomenal coach, instructor, leader and teacher. "It's another avenue to keep kids in school; kids react well to it. It provides a niche for kids to believe in themselves." "They learn life skills, self esteem and discipline," Perko said. "It's all about the individual. It fills a void for those who maybe aren't athletic and not into team sports.""I'd like to think this catches kids who fall through the cracks and everyone misses," Skinner said. "If you can help even one kid, you're getting the job done."The program has definitely helped more than one at Maysville.
    Sophomores Bo Shirer and Alex Sherman were the top male and female junior archers in Ohio in 2005, and helped Maysville finish third nationally."Seeing the teams shoot inspires you," Sherman said of the kickoff event. "Everyone gets something out of it (archery). Being on the range calms me down." "It just goes to show you if I can do it, anyone can do it," said Shirer, who won the shootoff between Maysville archery team members at the end of Wednesday's festivities. "You get out of it what you put into it. "Like Derry (Null) said. It's not a sport; it's a discipline. It's competition between yourself and your mind. I've been doing it for about two years, and now I'm hooked." Senior Megan Smith, another top archer on the team, said archery has taught her a lot about herself, and life. "It's changed my attitude tremendously; it's positive with confidence, focus and discipline," she said. "It carries over into everything you do. I'm more calm now, too." Perhaps the best experience of the day was working with elementary students just being introduced to the sport, some of them no doubt future Maysville archery team members.
    "It was really fun, especially shooting with the little kids," Sherman said. "A lot of them were happy with just hitting the target." "They got a taste of it; a few of them really got into it," Shirer added. "Hopefully, they liked it just enough to get them interested and keep them coming back," Smith said. "It's all about getting that seed planted with the elementary students, getting a bow in their hands," Skinner said. "I was approached by an elementary teacher today about them starting a program."
    Morgan physical education teacher Carol Wheeler, who brought 60 of her students to the Maysville outdoor recreation program last summer, also took in the proceedings as Morgan develops its archery program. "I think more schools in the area should start archery programs," Skinner said. Smith thinks they will.
"When I come back in five years, there will probably be MVL archery competition," she said. "I hope our students saw the passion here today with Bo, Alex and the team."
dweidig@nncogannett.com
740-450-6761

Slade bags his first deer last Saturday with a bow. His father, Dan reports, "It was from a ground blind at 25 yards. He's been shooting a compound for about 3 years now, and was extremely pumped. It was a nice sized Doe, she only went about 150 yards. It was a great shot."

Her picture is on the bottom.  The two above are from other age groups.

Chloe and her parents at the awards ceremony.

Chloe on stage receiving her award.

• Rookie of the Year Chapter
• Attendees per Event - Placed 8th in the state (219 attendees - 300 was top).
• Greenwing Membership - Placed 9th in the state (35 members - 62 was top).
• SBA (Sealed Bid Auction) - Placed 3rd in the state.

      "First of all "Thank You" to all of the people who made this work, from start to finish.  We had some rain both days, Friday, was slow due to the rain, but when it wasn't raining on Sat., the booth was hopping! We gave out balloons, stickers, Waterfowl ID posters, and workbooks to the kids. I looked down the strip we were on and there were balloons everywhere, even on boats, people at the concerts, old and young were seen carrying balloons! We had the main raffle for a Henry .22, Charles Daly shotgun and 2 wildlife prints, tickets were 1 for 10 or 3 for 20.  We had 2 silent bid prints on friday and they did so well we ran 4 on Sat.  Tony generously donated 3 decoys, we put them in the silent auction, and only the bufflehead sold. The other 2 will be returned to him at the meeting.  We had a couple from Logan, Doug and Angela Hacker, who want to help on the committee, as well as Sam Thompson, from McConn., and Terry Clark from Zanesville, he sent an email to me friday night, and he and his wife gave us a visit on Sat.,also, Sharon Milligan and her signifigant other are strongly considering helping on the committee.

NEWSFLASH!!!!!     CARRIE PRICE, the better half of Chuck (hehehe), is welcomed as a Committee Member.  She has some great idea's, and accepted the offer as a committee member!

      The Zanesville WHIZ-TV News were there, and did a interview with our chapter, and I will be picking up the tape today, so we have something to laugh at for the next meeting.  Neighbors are calling to say they saw us on the news in a interview.
      We have a guy who commited to donate a rock sandblasted with the DU logo for the event, (thanks Chuck P. for telling me about this guy, I talked to him Sunday AM and he said OK to the donation).

Dollars for the Ducks, here is what we did:
Silent Bid Prints ran at event brought:
1. 75.00
2. 60.00
3. 60.00
4. 50.00
5. 50.00
6. 75.25
50/50: 162.00 total  81. to winner +81. to the ducks
Gun / Print Raffle: 620.00
Decoy: 20.00 silent auction
Met alot of great people, gained committee members, made alot of kids happy, raised money for the ducks, and recieved media attention, I would say it was a successful event!

      The newly formed Morgan County Waterfowlers attended their first district meeting on July 27th at Buckeye Gun Club near Thornville, Ohio. Twelve of the 15 local committee members participated in the event.
      Before the meeting, the opportunity to shoot trap and 5-station sporting clays were enjoyed by those attending. The meeting opened with DU State Chairman Sid Lark of Toledo welcoming and thanking the attendees for their volunteerism.
     Rodney Schlafer, Southern Ohio Regional Director for Ducks Unlimited than spoke and shared a PowerPoint presentation introducing a DU Outreach Program available to chapters. He also discussed various subjects such as conservation, recruitment, and relationships with other organizations such as Pheasants Forever and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to support habitat conservation in Ohio and across the continent.
      The meeting closed with a raffle of two shotguns and various items from the 2005 National event Merchandise Package. Many members of our local chapter came home with prizes. 

     "Everyone,  ...What a Day!  The event was a blast!  Many people welcomed our Chapter, and awaited our arrival. When we arrived and set our booth up, IT LOOKED GREAT! You could see it from anywhere in the RiverFest, Rodney sent the banner and the Roto Duck we brought, attracted people like it does ducks. We even had a guy stop and take a pic of the spinning wing decoy!  ...My thanks go out to all of the help, from Rodney for getting the stuff to us on short notice, to set up and help of running the booth: Todd "Duck-Tape Man" Spence, Chuck & Carrie Price, Don Sr. (came down from Grove City) and Tara Strader. You can see from the pictures Todd put up on the site the booth was a CLASS ACT!
      The chapter sold a Print in the silent auction, it brought $75.00 to the winner of Carrie Price. The Gun and Print Raffle brought in $280.00 the winner of the gun was Donny (I bought 9 tickets!)  and Debra Enke took the Eagle print home.
      It was in the upper 80's, all day and we had a great spot next to the "Birds of Prey" Show and Fly Tying booth which kept alot of attention around our booth.  Attendance was down really low this year, about 300 people came through, last year was 1500. But we made the best of it came out ahead and not in the hole, we received alot of public awareness, and gained the support of alot of people.  We won in every aspect of the event, however we would of liked to see a high attendance like last year. Joy Padgett - St. Senator stopped by bought a couples ticket to the dinner, and underwrote the Wood Duck Decoy. We were personally thanked for being at the event and what we are doing by; Amy from the Chamber of Commerce, Morgan Co. comissioners, Supervisor SE Ohio Ohio Div. of Watercraft, Joy Padgett St Senator, and John Wisse from Div. of Watercraft anounced our presence and gave a history of DU on stage. We gained alot  of support today from everyone. Gary Clark brought a piece of slate with a duck on it and donated it to our Chapter to auction off at our dinner event. Thanks again." ...Donny