2012 WISCONSIN WATERFOWL HUNTERS’ CONFERENCE
2012 WISCONSIN WATERFOWL HUNTERS’ CONFERENCE
Wisconsin waterfowl hunters are invited to attend the Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunters’ Conference which will be held on March 9 & 10, 2012. This year will mark the 10th anniversary of the Conference and the Steering Committee has been working hard to make the Conference even better. The Conference has been moved to a new location, the Plaza Hotel and Suites in Wausau. The Conference is designed, developed and managed by a committee of independent waterfowl hunters. It is supported by individuals, conservation organizations, private businesses and government agencies. Our focus since the inception of this Conference has been – Preserving and Enhancing Our Waterfowl Hunting Heritage and how can waterfowl hunting in Wisconsin be improved? Attendees can have a hand in determining the future needs for waterfowl management, research and hunting opportunities. Help determine that direction! The cost of the Conference is only $20.00 if you preregister and $25.00 at the door.
The meeting is open to anyone interested in waterfowl hunting; allows waterfowlers from around the state the opportunity to meet fellow hunters, management biologists and wardens; and to share questions, concerns, experiences and information that affect our waterfowl hunting heritage and future hunting opportunities.
Along with holding the Conference at a new location, we have improved the agenda. This year’s Conference program includes a variety of topics and presentations that waterfowl hunters will find both stimulating and educational including waterfowl issue updates from WI DNR’s Bureaus of Wildlife Management and Law Enforcement; Wisconsin legislative update; status of scaup; waterfowl taxidermy techniques, waterfowl habitat enhancement on the breeding and wintering grounds; and many other topics. The Crex Meadows Wildlife Area in northwestern Wisconsin will be the featured property. Breakout sessions will be held on Saturday that will feature Duck calls, duck identification from wings, graduate school for duck dogs and more. On Friday evening, we will hold the traditional WATERFOWL HUNTERS’ PARTY which attendees always enjoy.
For additional information on attending the 2012 Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunters’ Conference and obtaining a registration form, please visit our website at www.wiswaterfowlersconf.org or contact one of the following: Jon R. Bergquist (NW WI) @ jonrbergquist@hotmail.com 715-268-5584; Don Gamble (NW WI) @ jadag@centurytel.net 715-595-6045; Joe Porten (NE WI) @ joeporten@gmail.com 920-743-3053; Gary Gagnon (SE WI) @ gary.gagnon@hotmail.com 608-883-2141; Jim Ruwaldt (S WI) @ JRuwaldt@centurytel.net 608-347-4092; or Don Heidel (W WI) dblacksaddle@centurytel.net 608-526-4871. Pre-registration is encouraged. Registration includes the Conference, a ticket to the Waterfowl Hunters Party on Friday evening, a continental breakfast on Saturday morning and lunch Saturday noon.
A block of rooms have been placed on hold for those attending the Conference Friday and Saturday and need a room. The Planning Committee has obtained a special Conference rate ($72.00 plus tax per room, that’s not per person!) from the Plaza Hotel and Suites in Wausau for those wishing to spend the night there. The phone number for the Plaza Hotel and Suites is 800-754-9728 or 715-845-4341 and their Website is: www.plazawausau.com. Ask for the “Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunters’ Conference” rate. Contact the Plaza prior to February 28 to get this special room rate.
During the Conference, the recipient of this year’s $800.00 scholarship will be announced.