State Chairman’sMessage

Pg. 4

Standing on thePrairie

Pg. 5

ND DU Receives National Awards

Pg. 10

Avian FluQ&A

Pg. 11

North Dakota

Duck FactoryThe Next 30 YearsWelcome

Welcome to the “Duck Factory,” a publication that will be printed and distributed to ND Ducks Unlimited members. We think it will be

a great reading piece that is aimed right at those who enjoy hunting waterfowl and wildlife. There is much to share with everybody. There is good news about the conservation activities underway in ND, but also some solemn information in regard to the continued loss of habitat in this great state. Ducks Unlimited’s volunteers lead the way for conservation in this state. They’ve contributed to the 220,000 acres of wetland and grassland projects already completed in ND. Volunteers in the United States have raised over $2.3 billion since 1937 and have neared the 12 millionth acre conserved in North America. Some pretty heavy numbers generated by all of those DU volunteers over 70 years since incorporation in 1937.

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In thirty years the landscape in North Dakota has three directions to take which will plot the course for waterfowl habitat that is so important to wildlife and hunting. Staying just as it is today seems pretty far-fetched. Furthermore, a realization of a change in the uses of our land and water and creating the prospect of preservation of what we currently have and even making more habitat seems even more out of reach than ever. Further reduction in grasslands and wetlands seem to be the course things will follow. Pretty somber thoughts for those of us who love waterfowl and the hunting heritage we grew up with here in this great state. In the 30 years that have past since the mid-seventies we have witnessed many acres of wetlands and grasslands that ducks need to successfully breed and raise their broods. This story is not meant to say things are so far gone that we may as well sell our guns and decoys. It’s far from that. But the next 30 years is signifi cant to what happens in the prairies of Canada, Montana, and the Dakotas. This time period will have the most

Continued on page 7...

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Page 14 Ducks Unlimited - North Dakota Duck Factory

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We’re looking for 400 vehicles that are proud to show your support of waterfowl and the hunting heritage. If you are interested in getting a Ducks Unlimited license plate for your North Dakota car or truck, simply fi ll out the form and mail it to:

Paul MyerchinBormann and Myerchin, LLP418 E Broadway Ave, Ste 240Bismarck, ND 58501

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Show your supportSportsman’s

Warehouse Recognized for Contributions to

Wetlands Conservation Ducks Unlimited partner is the only company on record to receive Platinum Teal Award. MEMPHIS, Tenn., August 24, 2006 - In the race against time to preserve continental wetlands, one of Ducks Unlimited’s dedicated corporate sponsors has reached an impressive philanthropic milestone. The Sportsman’s Warehouse, a DU partner since 1997, recently received a Platinum Teal award for its support and generosity. To qualify for this honor, a donor must give goods and services valued between $500,000 and $1 million to Ducks Unlimited. Since its fi rst donation to DU, Sportsman’s Warehouse has generously given $650,000 to support DU’s critical mission to conserve North America’s vanishing wetlands. “By donating funds to save imperiled wetlands, the Sportsman’s Warehouse is helping to ensure the future of the

sporting grounds and wildlife habitat that it values so highly,” said Ducks Unlimited Executive Vice President Don Young. “Without the support of such dedicated corporate partners, who show true devotion to the spirit of the outdoors, DU’s efforts would never have been as successful as they are today.” Beyond simply committing philanthropic support, the Sportsman’s Warehouse has provided other invaluable services to DU in its time as a partner. In only a few short years, the company has become a top DU retailer and a frequent host of DU awareness and outreach events, including hunting education classes and cook-offs. The Sportsman’s Warehouse, an indoor oasis for those who love the outdoors, provides a wide selection of high quality fi shing, hunting, camping and outdoor products. It is the only company on record to have ever received this award.

Page 13www.ducks.org

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Date Event Town Place09/08/2006 Con Hillman Tribute Bismarck Elks09/12/2006 Grand Forks Banquet Grand Forks The Betty09/14/2006 Jamestown Banquet Jamestown Civic Center09/14/2006 Minot Banquet Minot Grand International09/18/2006 Marion Banquet Marion Community Center09/20/2006 Fargo Banquet Fargo Holiday Inn09/20/2006 Williston Banquet Williston Airport Intl Inn09/21/2006 Dickinson Banquet Dickinson Eagles09/26/2006 Bismarck Banquet Bismarck Ramkota Inn09/29/2006 Devils Lake Banquet Devils Lake Memorial Building10/04/2006 Rugby Banquet Rugby Eagles10/05/2006 Van Hook Banquet Newtown/Parshall Scenic 2310/07/2006 Harvey Banquet Harvey Eagles10/14/2006 McIntosh County Banquet Ashley Dakota Family Restaurant10/18/2006 Bowman/Slope Banquet Bowman 4 Seasons Pavilion10/19/2006 Cooperstown Banquet Cooperstown Country Club10/20/2006 Gackle Banquet Gackle American Legion10/21/2006 Cando Banquet Cando Memorial Bldg10/21/2006 Oakes Banquet Oakes Angry Beaver10/21/2006 Braddock Banquet Braddock Community Center10/27/2006 Elgin Banquet Elgin Our Place10/28/2006 Steele Annual Banquet Steele Lone Steer11/01/2006 Enderlin Banquet Enderlin VFW11/02/2006 Souris River Sponsor’s Banquet Minot Grand International11/06/2006 Larimore Banquet Larimore Legion Hall11/08/2006 Benson County Banquet Maddock Community Center11/09/2006 Hettinger Dinner Hettinger Country Club11/09/2006 Central Dakota Ladies Banquet Mandan Seven Seas11/17/2006 Velva Banquet Velva Legion Club11/18/2006 Pekin Game Feed Pekin Community Center11/??/2006 Bottineau Banquet Bottineau Armory11/??/2006 Pingree Banquet Pingree 281 Stop11/??/2006 Foster County Banquet Carrington Chieftain Inn11/??/2006 Grafton Banquet Grafton Marketplace on 4th12/07/2006 Kenmare Couples Banquet Kenmare South of the Border01/26/2007 Ducks Unlimited 70th Anniversary Party Steele Lone Steer01/27/2007 Dickinson Sponsor Game Feed Dickinson TBA02/03/2007 Beulah Banquet Beulah Eagles02/22/2007 West Fargo Banquet West Fargo VFW02/??/2007 Medina Banquet Medina Community Center03/09/2007 DU Masters Conference (March 9th,10th) Memphis, TN TBA03/14/2007 Mandan Banquet Mandan Seven Seas03/15/2007 Burke County Banquet Lignite 109 Club03/17/2007 Valley City Banquet Valley City Eagles05/18/2007 70 Prizes for 70 Winners Prize Give-away Jamestown Gladstone Inn05/19/2007 ND Ducks Unlimited State Convention Jamestown Gladstone Inn05/20/2007 ND DU Fun Shoot Bismarck Capital City Sporting Clays05/23/2007 National Convention Anchorage TBA08/04/2007 ND Volunteer Appreciation Party TBA TBAAll dates and places are subject to change, check nd.ducks.org to see current list of events in North Dakota.

1417 39th Ave. SE Mandan On the Strip • 667-4524

1-800-814-9185www.actionsportspolaris.com

ND DU Event Calendar

Survey National Wildlife Health Center and others are diligently monitoring migratory birds in Alaska and eventually, all 50 states. To date, thousands of waterfowl and shorebird samples from Alaska have been collected, and the high pathogenic H5N1 virus has not yet been found.

In the United States, the federal government has established a Web site at www.pandemicfl u.gov. Managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Web site provides one-stop access to U.S. government avian and pandemic fl u information.

Why has the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of the avian fl u virus received so much attention from the medical community and the media?

A much greater concern than the negligible risk of widespread high pathogenic H5N1 transmission from wild birds directly to the human population is the risk that the virus could change and acquire the ability to effi ciently jump from human to human. Experts are concerned that under these conditions, the virus could spread rapidly among humans resulting in a global pandemic (in other words, infection occurring over

a wide geographic area and affecting a high proportion of the population). This has not occurred during the nine years since high pathogenic H5N1 has emerged but it remains a possibility and health offi cials must prepare for the worst-case scenario. This fact is the basis for the widespread concern and publicity that has been reported throughout the world during the last year.

Are North American waterfowl hunters at risk of contracting the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian fl u while waterfowl hunting?

There is no evidence that the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian fl u is present in North America. Until it is, there is no risk of contracting the virus from birds in North America. In fact, the risk of contracting the virus from birds in areas where the virus is presently found is low and has been, so far, highest in individuals who had close contact with infected domestic poultry or fowl.

What kind of precautions should I take if handling wild birds?

While the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian fl u is currently not a threat to the U.S. public, DU

encourages people to follow the standard precautions offered for protecting themselves against wildlife related diseases when handling harvested animals.

According to the National Wildlife Health Center, “Persons handling wild birds should follow routine hand washing and safe food preparation practices. These include disinfecting surfaces, being careful to avoid cross contamination with other food products, keeping raw meat away from other food utensils, and thoroughly cooking all wild birds prior to eating. Following these steps is good practice to minimize risks associated with the handling and preparation of wild fowl.”

Ducks Unlimited encourages waterfowl hunters to follow these practices while handling dead waterfowl, there are other diseases besides avian fl u that can be spread to humans. We believe hunters should think of making these standard habits, as they will add an additional layer of protection against avian fl u or any other disease.

Is it OK to eat ducks, geese and other wild birds?

Yes. The standard recommendation for ensuring that any wild game is

safely cooked is to cook all types of meat thoroughly to at least 155-165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill disease organisms, parasites and viruses such as avian fl u.

What should I do if I fi nd an unusual number of dead ducks or geese while hunting or visiting a wetland?

It’s not uncommon to see dead ducks or geese while in the fi eld. Do not assume that any form of bird fl u killed the ducks or geese, because these birds can die from many other causes.

However, if you should notice an unusual number of dead ducks or geese, you should call the nearest offi ce of your state wildlife agency, and report what you have seen.

Where can I obtain more information about avian fl u?

The federal government has established a Web site www.pandemicfl u.gov for avian fl u that provides a central source of information on management of the virus. The site confi rms the involvement of the federal agencies in the monitoring of and response to emerging information and offers links to relevant avian fl u information.

Page 12 Ducks Unlimited - North Dakota Duck Factory

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Avian Flu Q and A - Continued from page 11

It’s a great way to have fun, meet new people and support your conservation work. There are numerous volunteer opportunities available at DU. DU volunteers work on our more than 4,000 annual fund-raising events across the country. Join the team of nearly 40,000 DU volunteers and help conserve our precious wetlands.Volunteers are the heart and soul of Ducks Unlimited. These dedicated people manage and coordinate our fund-raising events, such as annual local dinner banquets, golf tournaments, a variety of sporting events and sealed bidauctions. You can also volunteer to assist youth members by organizing a Greenwing event.Contact any one of these people so you can join a team in your area now! Herb Dittus David Heringer State Chairman State Volunteer Coordinator PO Box 93 5225 Apple Creek Drive Beulah ND 58523 Bismarck ND 58504 hdittusb@westriv.com heringer@umary.edu 701-873-5743 701-250-7154

Or clip and mail in this form to:Jeff EsslerRegional Director5556 Falconer DriveBismarck ND 58504jessler@ducks.org701-224-8270

Join the Ducks Unlimited Team...become a volunteer

Name: _________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________

City: _________________________State: ___________Zip: ___________

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Email Address: _________________________________

Page 11www.ducks.org

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What is avian infl uenza (avian fl u/bird fl u)?

Avian infl uenza, or avian fl u, is a common, naturally occurring virus in birds that has many forms or subtypes. Scientists believe all birds are susceptible to infection by some form of avian fl u. Some birds, like waterfowl, can be infected with the virus but develop no signs of illness. In addition, the potency (virulence) varies greatly among the various subtypes of the avian fl u virus.

Virulence is classifi ed as either low pathogenic avian infl uenza (LPAI) or high pathogenic avian infl uenza (HPAI). Most avian fl u subtypes are LPAI and cause little or no signs of illness in domestic or wild birds and pose no threat to human health. These subtypes are found every year in waterfowl. HPAI viruses are associated with the H5 and H7 subtypes. Some strains of the H5 and H7 subtypes may be extremely infectious and fatal to domestic poultry, sometimes posing a threat to human health.

What is the high pathogenic Asian H5N1 strain of the avian fl u virus?

The high pathogenic Asian H5N1 strain is a particularly virulent strain of avian fl u that was fi rst detected in Southeast Asia in 1997.

Is the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian fl u a risk to humans?

To date, the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of the avian fl u virus

has resulted in the deaths of millions of domestic birds. The virus has infected more than 232 humans and is responsible for 134 human deaths. In view of the hundreds of millions of domestic fowl and the millions of people that have been in close contact with domestic birds over the past nine years in Asia, this is an extremely low rate of infection. However, human health offi cials are concerned with the greater than 50 percent mortality rate of people that have been infected.

There is no evidence that the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian fl u is yet present in North America or that wild birds have transmitted this H5N1 strain of avian fl u to humans. In all cases in which the route of transmission has been detected, direct contact between people and domestic fowl has been the probable cause.

A limited number of possible human-to-human transmissions have been reported, however, there is no evidence for sustained human-to-human spread of the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian fl u.

The risk is greater for humans who are handling infected domestic birds and possibly infected wild birds in affected countries. While it is not currently an issue for the avian fl u virus in North America, DU encourages people to follow the standard precautions offered by the National Wildlife Health Center for protecting themselves against all diseases when handling harvested animals. If the disease were to ever become an issue here, these habits

would add an extra layer of protection for people, even though it remains highly unlikely for the disease to be transmitted directly from birds to people.

How do people get the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of the avian fl u virus?

To date, transmission from domestic poultry, through contact with infected birds, contaminated surfaces or feces, is the only proven way this H5N1 strain of avian fl u virus has caused human infection.

Do migratory waterfowl disperse the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian fl u virus?

The available evidence supports the contention that migrating birds are responsible for part of the spread of the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian fl u virus out of Asia. However, the illegal movement and trade of poultry has also been implicated in the dispersal of the virus and seen by most authorities as the most serious threat to spread the disease.

Thousands of wild birds have been sampled in North America, and offi cials haven’t found any infected with the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian fl u virus. While the high pathogenic H5N1 strain kills some waterfowl species, most survive and can become carriers of the disease without showing any outward symptoms. Intensive monitoring of wild birds is continuing worldwide in order to follow the spread of the high pathogenic H5N1strain of avian fl u in Europe and Africa. The latest results

(May 2006) from Europe have only found a few isolated cases of infection in wild birds. This follows widespread predictions over the winter that this spring’s migrants from Africa and environs would be much more highly infected than has actually resulted.

Where has the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian fl u virus been detected?

To date (7/26/06), the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian fl u has not been detected in North America. An extensive government surveillance system has been established to detect its arrival should it occur.

The World Organization for Animal Health and The World Health Organization maintain Web pages devoted to reporting all laboratory confi rmed cases of the H5 strains of avian fl u in humans and animals based on location.

What is being done to monitor the high pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian fl u in North America?

Because some waterfowl and shorebird species migrate between Alaska and Asia and across the Atlantic from Europe, authorities in the wildlife conservation, hunting and medical communities are taking steps to monitor the situation closely and take action, if necessary.

The probability of the arrival of high pathogenic H5N1 avian fl u in North American waterfowl cannot be predicted. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological

Avian Flu Q and A

Continues on page 12

Page 10 Ducks Unlimited - North Dakota Duck Factory

This drawing was completed by D.J. Dahlin from Kenmare at a Ducks Unlimited Greenwing function hosted by the Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge and the Kenmare Goosefest. Seventy-one Greenwings attended the event that was held on August 3rd. Several learning stations enabled children to learn more about the outdoors and wildlife. The station where D.J. drew this picture of a mallard involved learning about the skills necessary for creating the fi ne art we enjoy. Artist Andrew Knudson from Towner was present to talk about wildlife art and demonstrated his skills by doing an original painting of a wood duck that he donated to a DU fundraising event this autumn. Each Greenwing present had 20 minutes to draw wildlife, and D.J.’s was chosen by the event organizers as best of event.

Herb Dittus, state chairman for ND Ducks Unlimited, and his dog Riley pose with a Mallard and Canvasback that were awarded in May 2006 at the national convention. NDDU has shown signifi cant growth in members, sponsors, life sponsors, volunteers, dollars raised at the grassroots fundraising events.

NDDU fi nished in the top 12 in the nation based on the criteria that recognizes steady growth in grassroots efforts. The awards were received NDDU National Trustees Bruce Kaiser of Williston and Nellie Ward of Tolna.

ND Ducks Unlimited receives national awards

We are proud to announce our corporate sponsors of the 18th annual Kenmare GooseFest: • State Bank & Trust of Kenmare • Cenex - Farmers Union Oil Co., Kenmare • Eagle Operating Inc.

October 22 - 28, 7 Day Hunting Festival

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For more information contact Jeff Dahlin - 701-467-3477

40700 436th St. NW, Kenmare ND 58746 thedahlins@hotmail.com

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www.KenmareND.com

Bird Hunting Contest - Snow Goose; Canada Honker; Green Head Raffle

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Page 9www.ducks.org

Ducks live in wet areas. If you hunt ducks, chances are you will be in and around water as you pursue your quarry. As you set out

your decoys in the early morning hours, and your dog is splashing around in the slough with you, you need to be very careful about what you and your dog, boat, decoys, decoy bags, boots, and other equipment drags as unintentional stowaways. These stowaways called aquatic nusiance species (ANS) are very bad news to wetlands in ND and taking this lightly will only put greater stress on the remaining wetlands that waterfowl need for survival. Ducks Unlimited Biologist Scott McLeod states, “As is true with our lakes, aquatic nuisance species (ANS) also pose a threat to the health of our nation’s wetlands, particularly prairie potholes where management is largely left up to mother nature. ANS, whether plants or other organisms, when established, are generally quite aggressive and can quickly gain a competitive advantage over native fl ora and fauna. In the case of aquatic plants, the result is typically a monotypic stand of these undesirable species which can drastically alter the hydrologic cycle and functionality of these wetlands. In addition, these alterations can have a profound impact on aquatic food resources, both plants and invertebrates, which waterfowl rely upon during both breeding season and during migration as well. All in all, ANS are bad actors and precautionary steps should be exercised by all hunters, especially those bringing in equipment from other states, to ensure that our wetlands are protected.” The threat is so real and so bad to ND wetlands that new rules to curtail the spread of ANS and enforcement of laws are being put into place. Lynn Schlueter, biologist with the ND Game and Fish department states that ND is protecting duck hunters recreation, which means enacting regulations that require boats and hunters equipment to be free of aquatic vegetation. “Any vegetation snagged on a decoy anchor or duck boat or trailer that is not cleaned off can be moved to a new water and start new problems. This is important to us all. We’ve already had some cases of these unwanted plants in SE North Dakota that are unwanted and don’t need them anywhere in this

state. These bad plants and animals that make up aquatic nuisance species (ANS) have no place in our wetlands and only bad things result if they get introduced.” Hatchlings need macro invertebrates to grow. With no or limited food, not many ducks will be produced on that area. Duck hunters and those who like to fi sh, ANS equates with less desirable fi sh. This poses a double whammy, which translates into degraded duck and goose hunting fi shing for walleyes and trout. Aquatic nuisance species cause problems by out competing native or desirable species. The impacts

are in the trophic cascade (energy moving up the pyramid to the top, only 20% of the energy moves up to the next level) in one or more trophic levels. As an example, if carp become established in water body, they muddy the water (abotic trophic level is reduced), they root up plants while feeding (another trophic level disturbed) and eat macro invertebrates (a third trophic level disturbed). Also, carp can cause small fi sh to leave an area (now the fourth trophic level is impacted). The problem is a 10% reduction

in abotic trophic levels is 90% energy for next level which is plants. Now starting at 90% and losing 15% of the plants’ trophic energy which carries over to the macro invertebrates. The triple threat is you are starting with less energy, there are fewer plants which macro inverts feed on, and carp are eating the macro invertebrates. At this point, carp can effectively reduce the trophic energy available to less than 50% of what should be there. So, waterfowl numbers are going to drop on this lake. So are the fi sh numbers. If you get great upland habitat for nesting ducks, the duckling numbers will never rebound with ANS present as there is no or limited food. Land and water go hand in hand to make waterfowl. Once the duck numbers drop too low, then it is hard to get a rebound to levels where the population can expand. If no one has eliminated the ANS or carp problem, the duck numbers on that water body will never rebound. Spread this problem out over 1/3 of ND’s potholes. Now you have a major problem that fi xing will be very diffi cult. Want to guess who is going to pay – hunters and anglers – we already gladly pay for the privilege to enjoy outdoor recreation through licenses, stamps, and taxes. Add in a fee to fi x the problem. If hunters abandon their sport there will be few left to pay for the fi xing of the problem. ND is in the process of developing the Administrative regulations at this time. The state law allows for a Class B misdemeanor, up to $1,000 and equipment could be confi scated. The regulations will likely not be completed by duck season, but it is still important that we (hunters and anglers) take this seriously to prevent ANS transfer. It is the prevention that makes the most sense. You can prevent the spread of ANS by taking care of your dog and your equipment by following basic cleaning activities to assure that these unwanted plants and animals do not get into the precious wetlands in ND. It is better and cheaper to prevent ANS today than to try and cure it tomorrow at great expense.

The threat is so real and so bad to ND

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the spread of ANS and enforcement

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New Threats ToWetlands Can Be Prevented

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goose hunting area.

Page 7www.ducks.org

2006 recipient of the Ducks Unlimited “Friend of the Ducks” award in North Dakota

Joe Fladeland of Bismarck is only 16 years old. But he knows more than you would ever imagine about the ducks and habitat changes that are occurring. Joe stated, “Upon reading Ducks Unlimited magazines, I discovered there was something wrong with the landscape now. It seemed every issue I received there were articles about declining duck populations and the loss of wetlands and nesting habitat. As a waterfowl hunter, this is not something you want to read about. By that time I knew what Ducks Unlimited was about and I knew that it was something I had to be a part of. I kept learning more and more about ducks, geese, and what they need in life to be successful in nesting. Learning more about waterfowl only made my love for the sport and my need for conservation stronger. Now this is a year-round passion.”

Joe is active on the Bismarck Ducks Unlimited chapter and helps whenever he can. His involvement in DU is not hampered by his involvement with sports, music, work, and time spent daydreaming about the next hunt.

2005 recipient was Carroll Wentland from Jamestown

Joe Fladeland of Bismarck2006 Winner

A Rootin’ Tootin’ 70th Anniversary PartyEverybody is welcome to attend a very special event that marks the 70th anniversary of Ducks Unlimited. Come and celebrate the milestones in conservation in North America. Nearly 12 million acres is great reason to get out of the house and join in on all the fun and special event merchandise. DU items seen only at this event, and many items from yesteryear will make any Ducks Unlimited fanatic want to be there! This is one birthday party you don’t want to miss.

Where: Lone Steer in SteeleWhen: January 26th, 2007Cost: $20 per personLimited to 150 attendees, so get your ticket EARLY! Special

prizes await all who attend this event. Once tickets are sold out, sorry, you miss the party.

A block of rooms are available at:Lone Steer Motel615 Mitchell Ave NSteele, ND 58482(701)475-2221

To buy your 70th anniversary tickets today, contact the hosts at:

Chad and Deb OlsonPO Box 463Steele, ND 58482(701)475-2775docobek@bektel.com

Watch nd.ducks.org to see all activities and if it has sold out!

If you have items you would like to donate to the 70th Anniversary party let John Argent know at (701)475-2852!

signifi cant impact on the ducks that come here to breed and raise their broods. It is here where it is the priority of Ducks Unlimited has placed the urgency to conserve as much as possible as quickly as possible. To state that Ducks Unlimited has not done enough for the ducks and hunters is quite a stretch. Everything Ducks Unlimited has been done over the past 70 years is for the ducks and those that enjoy the waterfowling hunting heritage. Ducks Unlimited and its partners can only do so much each year. The labor of volunteers and staff can only carry the conservation effort by the amount of work and money that is available to complete these conservation efforts on an annual basis. The next 30 years is the most important in our history. The next 30 years will be the difference in the quality and quantity of habitats the waterfowl need to sustain the waterfowl populations. Some species such

as scaup and pintails are in a tailspin and may not be able to recover due to continued and intense habitat loss. Are you willing to accept that? Does your heart sink when you drive by a wetland you hunted when you were young and it doesn’t exist any more? If you know wetlands are a vital link to what you enjoy in your life, do join Ducks Unlimited in a serious effort to plot the course for no more wetland and grassland habitat losses and turn the tide around so more of the necessary habitat can be restored in the next 30 years. You are Ducks Unlimited. Ducks Unlimited is you. By helping now, you will be able to lend a hand with thousands of others that care deeply about waterfowl and wetlands. Join a Ducks Unlimited team in your area or start a chapter of your own. The next 30 years depends on what you do now to help conserve wetlands and waterfowl.

The Next 30 Years Continued from cover...

1937-2007

Page 6 Ducks Unlimited - North Dakota Duck Factory

2006 Hunting Season Opening

Dates in NDSEPTEMBER 1 – Units E1, E2 bow only elk opens 1 – Mourning dove opens 1 – Early Canada goose opens 1 – Moose bow opens, all units 1 – Deer and pronghorn bow open 1 – Mountain lion hunting opens 9 – Sharptail, Hun, ruffed grouse, squirrel open15 – Bighorn sheep bow opens15 – Youth deer opens16 – Sandhill crane opens16-17 – Youth waterfowl weekend 22 – Bighorn sheep any legal weapon season opens23 – Duck and goose opener (residents only/tentative)30 – Swan opener / all waterfowl hunting open to nonresidents

OCTOBER 6 – Units M4, M8, M9, M10 Moose season opens 6 – Units E1, E2, fi rst elk season opens; E3, E4 second elk late season opens 6 – Pronghorn gun opens7-8 – Youth pheasant weekend14 – Pheasant opens14 – Fall turkey opens21 – Mink, muskrat, weasel trapping opens

NOVEMBER10 – Deer gun opens17 – Unit E2 second elk season opens 24 – Units M5, M6 moose season opens

DECEMBER1 –Muzzle-loader deer opens1 – Unit E1 second elk season opens

Some dates are tentative at this writing. Please check all

regulations or call the ND Game and Fish offi ce at 701-328-6300.

ND Game and Fish Web Site located at gf.nd.gov

Four recently graduated wildlife management students from across the United States and Canada are this month rumbling in All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

across the grasslands around Stanley looking for nesting ducks. Since 2000, Ducks Unlimited (DU) has been studying nesting success at six research sites in the area.

DU is looking at a sample of duck nests across the area to understand how habitat and landscape characteristics infl uence duck nesting success in different years under different environmental conditions.

“It is important for DU and its partners to understand the characteristics of places where ducks achieve high nesting success,” said Dr. Scott Stephens, DU director of conservation planning. “With this information in hand, DU and its conservation partners can then design conservation programs with private landowners that provide economic benefi ts for the landowners while maintaining healthy populations of ducks.”

To fi nd nests, researchers make passes across grass fi elds with a length of chain stretched between two ATVs. The chain rides on top of the grass, and when it passes over a duck sitting on a nest, the hen fl ushes and the nest can be located. Researchers record the species of duck, the number and development stage of the eggs in the nest, and habitat characteristics at each nest. The nest is then inconspicuously marked so the researchers can revisit the nest every 4 to 5 days to determine whether the nest remains active, has hatched, or has been destroyed.

“Many private landowners in the area have graciously provided access to their land for this research,” Stephens said. “Without their assistance, this work would not have been possible.”

To date, results of this research suggest that ducks achieve high nesting success in areas dominated by grassland. Because of this fi nding, DU and its conservation partners, like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, seek ways to maintain large tracts of grassland by insuring the economic vitality of grassland-based agriculture. Purchased grassland easements offer private landowners compensation for maintaining their current land use of grazing and haying.

“Easements are tools for farmers and ranchers to ensure their land is maintained as a working ranch, while also providing benefi ts to many wildlife species,” Stephens said.

If landowners are interested in learning more about grassland easements, they may contact Cory Lawson with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Lostwood Refuge at 848-2722.

With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands – nature’s most productive ecosystem – and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.

Ducks Unlimited researchers working near Stanley to keep ducks and cattle on the grasslands

Did You Know?That you can fi nd Ducks Unlimited on the World Wide Web at www.ducks.org.

Tune into The World of Ducks Unlimited Radio Network and watch Ducks Unlimited Television on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN).

You can fi nd more ND Ducks Unlimited information at nd.ducks.org And this publication is available for download there too!

Page 5www.ducks.org

By Nick Trumbauer, Volunteer in MinotI turned off the blacktop onto a

prairie road and immediately pushed on the brakes. Down in

the slough to my right sat two ducks, a drake and a hen. There were only seconds before the birds took off, and even though I had never seen one live before, they looked as familiar as family. I turned to my wife; “Pintails,” I said. “Yeah,” she replied with hushed excitement. Pausing for a moment to contemplate the severity of the moment, I felt overwhelmingly satisfi ed; like all the work we had done to get here had been rewarded and I knew it would be again.

We have had many of these moments since our arrival in North Dakota on January 2nd; times when our new home offers up another fi rst, a fl ash of existence when a name on the page in an identifi cation book becomes something with texture to the eyes. Daily I see things that were once only concepts, ideas lacking in substance which only my decision to live here could give.

The choice that my wife and I made to leave our relatives and friends in Pennsylvania and move here is often met with amazement and confusion. Especially when I explain that we had no friends or family here and no source of income lined up. What is astonishing to me is that people are more surprised by the location we chose than the risk we took to get here. Always they have this question, “Why North Dakota?”

When I fi rst moved here I had a three word answer to that question: ducks, geese, and pheasants. Most were satisfi ed with that answer, but I think some still questioned my sanity. After spending the last six months here, I have come to realize that my answer, though in my mind good enough, is not complete. There are so many very special things hidden in this open country to discover and learn that I have come to realize it will take me a lifetime to thoroughly answer such questions; a lifetime that will be well spent.

When I listen to local news shows and I hear state and local politicians complaining about the lack of growth in this state, I wonder why they can’t see all the growth going on around them. From wheat to teal and roosters to white-tails, there is much growth. Why is there not signifi cant value in that? I know that they are referring to population as well as economic growth and I have lived in areas experiencing “strong” growth, but all I could ever see was loss. Another farm paved over, another hilltop stripped bare to build an extravagant house, or another creek polluted by waste water. If we must have growth, then let us grow in openness, in biodiversity, and in cleanliness.

I didn’t leave the east coast because of a lack of quality hunting, although there was indeed that. I left because of the acceptance I saw in those who spent time in the outdoors. It seemed there was no one willing to do the hard work and make the tough decisions that would save a dying heritage. It pleases me to say that my experience in North Dakota is just the opposite. I hear great discussions in grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants – just about any place two friends might run into each other there has been dialogue on hunting.

While the biological importance of the prairie pothole region is, I believe, widely understood and respected, there is still much work to be done if we are to save it. That is why I am glad to see that there are so many good people getting involved. If we are to salvage, or better yet, increase the magnitude of the experiences available around our region, we are in for a continuous process that will not have an end and we should never fi nd ourselves satisfi ed.

Sometimes when I drive past a construction site and I see the blacktop spreading, I begin to feel that I and others like me are standing in front of something so unstoppable there is not a word for it yet.

Perhaps we should just get out of the way. Then I see a pothole surrounded by cattails which are sheltering a hen teal and her ducklings and I realize that it is not in me to move out of the way for I have no where to go.

My answer to those who question why I moved here now only involves two words: opportunity and chance. There is still an opportunity here for this young, and largely inexperienced, duck hunter and his dog to become good at something worth doing. There is also a chance that we might be able to still be doing it for years to come. Though the loss of CRP and dryness of the last couple years gives us cause for concern, they are impermanent and will change again. What we need to focus on is our dedication to maintaining what we can and convincing others to join us. Progress will be made in the minds of the general public. Let us be diligent while we still have opportunity and a chance.

I have discovered that you cannot take pictures of the prairie to send to those who have never been here. Its uniqueness and beauty lies in its expansiveness which cannot be translated into a photo. It strengthens me to know that there are still some things we cannot bottle and distribute. The only way to see the northern grasslands, is to do it live, standing on it. I am grateful to be able to do that.

Standing on the Prairie

Did You Know?70% of the ducks harvested come from the prairies.

There are nearly 7,000 DU members in ND.

Nearly 223,000 acres have been conserved by DU in ND since 1984.

Loss of CRP acres spells trouble for producers and wildlife, especially during drought years

Hundreds of thousands of acres of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land will disappear from the North Dakota

landscape over the next 8 years. Such a dramatic change across the state is likely to have dire consequences for cattle producers and wildlife alike, especially in drought years like this one when ranchers are looking to CRP land to feed their cattle.

“CRP provides a critical forage reserve for ranchers during drought emergencies like this year,” said Scott McLeod, DU North Dakota biologist and farm bill specialist.

But this reserve may not be around much longer. Contracts on 2.77 million acres of North Dakota’s

CRP will expire between 2007 and 2010. McLeod says Farm Services Agency’s (FSA) plan for contract reenrollments and extensions will result in only 29 percent of North Dakota producers being offered re-enrollments with updated rental rates. The bulk of North Dakota producers are being offered short-term contract extensions of 2-5 years.

CRP is expected to be reauthorized in the next Farm Bill, but more changes to the program are needed in order to maintain the current acreage in North Dakota. Due to gradual changes in the scoring process, North Dakota producers no longer rank very high nationally during general signups, making the full-scale replacement of expired acres very unlikely.

While DU is concerned about the loss of CRP

because it is credited with adding an additional 2.2 million ducks to the fall fl ight each year, the organization is equally concerned about the livelihood of North Dakota’s cattle producers. “Cows and ducks require the same resources; grass and water,” McLeod said. “Without a healthy livestock industry, there is no economic reason to keep the millions of acres of native prairie that’s the real backbone of duck production.

“I hope our elected offi cials will not only be focused on maintaining CRP, but also on directing more acres back to North Dakota and the rest of the Prairie Pothole Region,” says McLeod. “Otherwise, sportsmen and producers will both be looking around, wondering what happened.”

By Herb Dittus

As our premier issue arrives in mailboxes across our great state of North Dakota, I am proud to be a part of an organization that is the leader in conservation.

This success of North Dakota Ducks Unlimited is due to

the dedication of thousands of volunteers all over the

continent and more importantly, the

people right here in our home

s t a t e .

Last year, DU spent 87 percent of its revenue directly on conservation. Only two percent goes to administration costs. And a large number of these improvement projects are done right her in our state, the most duck producing state in the lower 48 states.

As a long time supporter and advocate, I am asking more people who love ducks to step to the challenge and volunteer at a DU event or on a DU conservation project.

Your energy and efforts directly affect the future of our precious wetlands and waterfowl populations.

We need your experience. We need your commitment. We need your energy and ideas. Pledge to become a Ducks Unlimited volunteer today. The future of our waterfowl and other threatened and endangered wetlands species depends on you.

By joining together in North Dakota, we can conserve habitat for the benefi t of North America’s waterfowl.

Please feel free to contact me directly at 701.873.5743 or e-mail me at hdittusb@westriv.com to join our team of volunteers today.

State Chairman’s Message

Page 4 Ducks Unlimited - North Dakota Duck Factory

State chairman, Herb Dittus and his Chessie “Riley” - Beulah, ND.

Box 163 • Regent, ND 58650 701-563-4411 • 1-800-920-4910

www.cannonballcompany.com

North Dakota’s #1 Pheasant

Hunting Co. Pat Candrian, Manager

Duck Regulations Move Toward Hunter’s Choice

Page 3www.ducks.org

Herb Dittus, State ChairmanP.O. Box 93Beulah ND 58523 701.873.5743hdittusb@westriv.com

Charles Franzen, State Chairman ElectDickinson

Mike Fladeland, State TreasurerBismarck

David Heringer, State Volunteer CoordinatorBismarck

Ardyce Argent, State Greenwing ChairpersonSteele

Jesse Bradley, State Public Relations ChairpersonBismarck

Paul Myerchin, State Major Donor ChairpersonBismarck

Randy Martin, District ChairmanJamestown

Al Geisen, District ChairmanBismarck

Rory Hoffmann, District ChairmanMedina

Jeff Essler, Regional Director 5556 Falconer Dr. Bismarck, ND 58504 701.224.8270 jessler@ducks.org

Joe Breidenbach, Director of Fundraising and Volunteer Relations10745 Bluejay Trail Brainerd, MN 56401 218.825.7105 jbreidenbach@ducks.org

Great Plains Regional Offi ce 2525 River Road Bismarck, ND 58504701.355.3500

National Headquarters, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. One Waterfowl WayMemphis, Tennessee 38120 1-800-45DUCKS or 901-758-3825

Board Members

Lake Ilo:Mallard 437Gadwall 2Widgeon 4Green-winged Teal 40 Blue-winged Teal 487Shoveler 1Pintail 16 Wood Duck 43Total (8/26/06) 1,030

Crosby WMDMallard 144Gadwall 220Widgeon 141Green-winged Teal 14Blue-winged Teal 1,876Shoveler 4Pintail 52Redhead 25Canvasback 7Lesser Scaup 13Ruddy Duck 1Total (8/26/06) 2,497

By Craig Bihrle

North Dakota duck hunting regulations will look a bit different this year, following

federal approval of a three-year study called Hunter’s Choice.

Basically, Hunter’s Choice is designed to eliminate short seasons for species with low populations – primarily pintails and canvasbacks – so there isn’t a closed season on those species while the regular duck season is still open. In a nationwide survey last year, about half the duck hunters preferred the Hunter’s Choice concept over shortened or closed seasons, or other options for managing duck harvest.

All Central Flyway states are participating in the Hunter’s Choice study. North Dakota and South Dakota are two of the fi ve Central Flyway states that will not have any closed seasons. The other fi ve Central Flyway states will have the same format as in previous years, when both the canvasback and pintail seasons were open only 39 days during a 75-day duck season.

Allowing a full season for canvasbacks and pintails, so hunters can “choose” to take one of these birds later in the season when in previous years hunting was closed, requires some new provisions that maintain protection for these species. The changes adopted for this season include:• The duck daily bag limit is the same

as the mallard limit, which is fi ve per day and 10 in possession. For instance, if all you shoot is drake mallards, you can take fi ve per day.

If your fi rst duck is a gadwall, only four drake mallards are allowed the rest of the day. For the last 10 years, North Dakota’s duck limit was six daily and 12 in possession, which could include fi ve mallards daily and 10 mallards in possession.

• The daily limit of fi ve ducks can include only one hen mallard, or one pintail, or one canvasback. Previously, hunters could have two hen mallards per day, plus one canvasback plus one pintail when those seasons were open. This year, if you shoot a pintail as your fi rst duck of the day, it would be illegal to shoot a hen mallard or a canvasback the rest of the day.

The hen mallard in this formula is what Mike Johnson, North Dakota Game and Fish Department migratory game bird management supervisor, terms a “buffer duck.” Hen mallards are much more plentiful than pintails in North Dakota, and most hunters will likely forego a chance to take a pintail to keep open their options for bagging fi ve mallards. If one of those mallards is a hen, it eliminates the option for taking a canvasback or pintail.

While hunters could take two hen mallards a day in the past, Johnson says the two-hen bag limit was likely to be eliminated anyway.

Previously, when canvasback and pintail seasons were closed while the regular duck season was open, hunters had the potential for taking an illegal duck on their fi rst shot of the day.

Hunter’s Choice, Johnson says,

provides a certain comfort level, as the fi rst duck taken during a hunt will be a legal bird. If the fi rst duck is not one of the restricted species/sex, that same comfort level applies to the next duck. It’s the “hunter’s choice,” Johnson added, to take one of the restricted birds, or hold off for other opportunities.

Pintails and CanvasbacksDuck harvest management is still an

evolving science. Generally, waterfowl biologists have for decades reduced limits or closed seasons when duck numbers were on a downward slide, and increased limits when duck populations were peaking. The challenge, always, is to provide maximum opportunities for plentiful ducks like mallards, while at the same time protecting species whose populations are low, like pintails and canvasbacks, without creating regulations that are too complicated.

The continental pintail population has fallen dramatically over the past several decades, even during the last 10 years when most other duck species have fl ourished. The canvasback population has been relatively stable, Johnson noted, it’s just that they’ve never been all that numerous.

To protect canvasbacks, waterfowl managers have periodically closed the season completely, kept the limit at one a day, and for the past several years, shortened the season.

Twenty years ago the pintail daily limit was three. It went to two, then one, followed by a shortened season put in place a few years ago.

Hunter’s Choice is an effort to determine the effectiveness of more standardized regulations, rather than different regulations occurring every year. “I don’t really regard this as a major change,” Johnson said. “It’s also an effort to fi nd out what hunters think about these regulations. The three-year evaluation will tell us if it works for ducks, and if it works for hunters.”

Working in cooperation with the Central Flyway Council, Ducks Unlimited (DU) has two duck banding crews in North Dakota again this year, working during August and September. Both crews are doing well.

One crew is located at Lake Ilo NWR in Dunn County, ND. This is the 10th year that we have banded at Lake Ilo. This site has somewhat become the operational banding site for the Central Flyway.

The second crew is located near Crosby, ND, in Divide County. This is the third year DU has banded in the Crosby Wetland Management District.

Results from the banding through August 26th at the two locations follow:

Warranty offer equals 6-month Limited Factory Warranty plus 18-month Yamaha Extended Service (beneif t offered to Florida residents is a 24 month Yamaha Limited Warranty). 2500lb. Warn Winch offer avai lable through participating Yamaha dealers only, Aug. 1, 2006 through Dec. 31, 2006, and good on any new 2007 (or new prior year, excluding Bruin 250 ) Grizzly 700 4x4, Grizzly 660 4x4, Grizzly 400 4x4, Big Bear 400 4x4, Grizzly 350 IRS 4x4, Grizzly 350 4x4, and Grizzly 350 2WD. Dealer participation may affect this offer. Installation not included. ATVs with engines 90cc or greater are recommended for use only by riders age 16 years and older. Yamaha recommends that all ATV riders take an approv ed training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate . For your safety: Always avoid paved surfaces. Never ride on public roads. Always wear a helmet, ey e protection and protective clothing. Never carry passengers. Never engage in stunt riding. Riding and alcohol/ drugs don’t mix. Avoid excessive speed . And be particularly careful on difficult terrain.

Queen City Motors 745 W. Villard St.

Dickinson, ND 58601 701-255-2803

Revolutions Power Sports, Inc. 4225 36th Ave South

Grand Forks, ND 58201 701-746-4997

Vallely Sport & Marine 2125 Hwy 2 & 52 West

Minot, ND 58701 701-852-1625

Blakes Marine & Sports 434 Hwy 2 West

Devils Lake, ND 58301 701-662-6655

T’s Team Yamaha 509 11th St. West

Bottineau, ND 58318 701-228-3882

Vallely Sport & Marine 2800 E. Bismarck Expressway

Bismarck, ND 58501 701-258-9223