Winter 2009 • 1www.ducks.org/states/62/

One of the highlights of each State Convention is the announcement and presentation of the Frankie

Heidelbauer Award. This Award originated in special recognition of the work and contributions of one of the founding members of South Dakota Ducks Unlimited, Frankie Heidelbauer. The Award is intended to give special recognition to an individual who, as a South Dakota Ducks Unlimited volunteer, has distinguished himself or herself with unselfi sh devotion to the DU Cause for many years. It is the highest honor given to a DU volunteer in South Dakota. A committee comprised of Heidelbauer family members, along with past award winners select the new recipient each year.

This year the award committee had decided to recognize two people for their signifi cant contributions to South Dakota Ducks Unlimited. These two people have been inseparable in their devotion and service to the Ducks. The 2008 Frankie Heidelbauer Award recipients are Bruce and Marilyn Krentz!

Bruce grew up around Doland, South Dakota and worked for the telephone company most of his career. In his younger years he played second base for the Huron semi-pro baseball team. It was reported that he could have left South Dakota to pursue an opportunity in the major leagues, but ultimately decided to stay in South Dakota. One of Bruce?s many other talents is that he is an auctioneer and he and Marilyn operate a Real Estate and Auction

business in Wagner, South Dakota. Bruce also maintains an extensive antique duck and goose call collection.

Marilyn grew up in St Lawrence, South Dakota. She was working in the hotel in Miller when they met. In addition to being the consummate homemaker, she has worked as the bookkeeper right alongside Bruce in their business. Bruce and Marilyn have been married for 47 years and have 3 children and 7 grandchildren and will be great grandparents in the near future.

Bruce and Marilyn were brought into Ducks Unlimited by Tal Lockwood back in the early 1970s. Bruce served as Area Chairman at Wagner several

times through the years in addition to stints as Zone and District chairman. In 1999 and 2000 he served the State of South Dakota as State Chairman. Marilyn occupied the position of State Green Wing chair in 1998, 1999 and 2000. Even after stepping down from the senior state volunteer positions, they both have continued to be active State Convention committee members, as well as their continued support each year at their local event and their attendance at numerous events throughout the state. The DU volunteer tradition will continue in the family as their son-in-law, Slim Schneider, is the area chairman in Armour, SD. ß

Marilyn & Bruce Krentz, deserving recipients of the 2008 Heidelbauer Award, pose with their award plaque which includes an actual photo of Bruce while waterfowl hunting. What’s

Cooking?

Pg. 9-10

2009StateConvention

Pg. 6-7

Sportsman’s Paradise

Pg. 8

Woodduck BoxProject

Pg. 11

Bruce and Marilyn Krentz honored

National Headquarters,Ducks Unlimited, Inc.One Waterfowl Way • Memphis, Tennessee 38120

NON PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBismarck, NDPermit 280

FowlTalk

2 • Spring 2009 Fowl Talk - South Dakota Ducks Unlimited

have 3 children and 7 grandchildren and will be great grandparents in the near future.

Bruce and Marilyn were brought into Ducks Unlimited by Tal Lockwood back in the early 1970s. Bruce served as Area Chairman at Wagner several times through the years in addition to stints as Zone and District chairman. In 1999 and 2000 he served the State of South Dakota as State Chairman. Marilyn occupied the position of State Green Wing chair in 1998, 1999 and 2000. Even after stepping down from the senior state volunteer positions, they both have continued to be active State Convention committee members, as well as their continued support each year at their local event and their attendance at numerous events throughout the state. The DU volunteer tradition will continue in the family as their son-in-law, Slim Schneider, is the area chairman in Armour, SD.

Krentz - From Page 1

GREAT THINGS COME IN BIG PACKAGES.

BIG RED™

INTRODUCING

BIG RED.

bigred.honda.com MULTI-PURPOSE UTILITY VEHICLES CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE. FOR YOUR SAFETY, BE RESPONSIBLE. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND APPROPRIATE CLOTHING. ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT, AND KEEP THE SIDE NETS AND DOORS CLOSED. AVOID EXCESSIVE SPEEDS, AND BE CAREFUL ON DIFFICULT TERRAIN. ALL MUV DRIVERS SHOULD WATCH THE SAFETY VIDEO “MULTIPURPOSE UTILITY VEHICLES: A GUIDE TO SAFE OPERATION” AND READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. NEVER DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, ON PUBLIC ROADS, OR WITH MORE THAN ONE PASSENGER. BIG RED IS ONLY FOR DRIVERS 16 YEARS AND OLDER. DRIVER AND PASSENGER MUST BE TALL ENOUGH FOR SEAT BELT TO FIT PROPERLY AND TO BRACE THEMSELVES WITH BOTH FEET FIRMLY ON THE FLOOR. PASSENGER MUST BE ABLE TO GRASP THE HAND HOLD WITH THE SEAT BELT ON AND BOTH FEET ON THE FLOOR. RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT WHEN DRIVING. Big Red™ is a trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2008 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (7/08) 08-0395

CURT'S CYCLE CENTER CURT'S CYCLE CENTER I-90 Exit 265Chamberlain, South Dakota 57325

Phone: (605) 734-6042Phone: (605) 734-6042

Toll Free: 1-800-225-3025Toll Free: 1-800-225-3025www.curtscyclecenter.comwww.curtscyclecenter.com

by Rick WarhurtsIn 2008 Ducks Unlimited conserved

7,897 acres and spent $1.7 million in South Dakota. The permanent protection of wetlands and grasslands that are vital for successful waterfowl production is the principal focus of the habitat conservation programs in the Dakotas. In 2008 perpetual Grassland and Wetland Easements were pur-chased from fi ve landowners to protect 3,857 acres (577 wetland acres and 3,280 grassland acres) in McPherson and Buffalo Counties. As of late 2008, perpetual easements have been pur-chased from 1,358 entities that have protected 443,847 acres of grassland and wetlands in South Dakota since 1997. Rescue the Duck Factory has an objective to protect 300,000 acres of waterfowl habitat in the Dakotas over 18 months. Approximately, $40 million is necessary to achieve this lofty goal. There is urgency for this protection as many thousands of acres of grassland nesting cover are being lost annually in the Dakotas presently, especially in the Missouri Coteau in South Dakota. Over 500 South Da-kota landowners are interested in pro-

tecting their grasslands and wetlands and are waiting for the opportunity to do this. Funding is the limiting factor for achieving this perpetual protection. Rescue the Duck Factory is the highest priority for Ducks Unlimited in the Dakotas.

Another Ducks Unlimited habitat conservation program in the Dakotas with elevated focus currently is the expansion of the Winter Cereals pro-gram. Recently, DU and Bayer Crop-Science became partners in this effort under the Winter Cereals: Sustainabil-ity in Action program. Bayer Crop-Science has committed to providing $10 million to DU over the next fi ve years to implement the Winter Cereals program. DU will be expanding the geographical scope of the program in North and South Dakota and also providing greater technical assistance to producers as they include winter ce-reals, primarily winter wheat, in their cropping rotations. Ducks Unlimited Canada’s research has shown that the density of hatched duck nests in winter wheat fi elds is 24 times greater than in spring wheat. In 2008 the DU Winter Cereals program directly

impacted 6,017 acres in Marshall, Day and Brown Counties.

The restoration of wetlands is the habitat work that DU is well-known for accomplishing and we continued to perform this habitat conservation activity in 2008 in South Dakota. We partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U. S. Fish and Wild-life Service and many landowners to restore 28 wetlands totaling 59 acres located in Conservation Reserve Pro-gram fi elds in six eastern South Dakota counties in 2008. This has been an extremely successful habitat program and important for the successful pro-duction of ducks in South Dakota.

DU also cooperated with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks and landowners to restore small wetlands situated on private land. In 2008 13 wetlands covering 72 acres in three counties were restored. In addition, DU restored three wetlands covering 56 acres located on the Harter Waterfowl Production Area in Hyde County.

Ducks Unlimited’s Habitat Conservation 2008 Accomplishments in South Dakota

2009 NATIONAL CONVENTION IN DENVERDucks Unlimited’s 2009 National Convention is scheduled for May 20-24th

at the Hyatt Regency Downtown and the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver, Colorado. The national convention has become an annual tradition for many DU members, waterfowl enthusiasts and conservationists and provides a tremendous opportunity to learn more about Ducks Unlimited, meet with old friends and make new ones; all while “sharing the passion” for an organization that we all agree is the premier conservation organization in the history of this great country. The agenda includes conservation presentations from DU’s top waterfowl and wetlands biologists, DU business sessions, and leadership conference workshops; in addition to parties, auctions and musical entertainment. The highlight of the weekend is the convention banquet on Saturday evening, followed by the auction featuring unique hunting and fi shing trips, as well as original artwork, decoys, sculptures and other DU memorabilia. As in state conventions, “Hospitality Central” (the blind) provides a perfect opportunity for members of the DU family to socialize and trade state pins, which has become a long-standing tradition among event attendees.

Optional tours are available of the greater Denver area and the Rocky Mountains on both Wednesday and Thursday preceding the convention. Another highlight of this year’s convention will be a seminar on decoy carving and painting by noted decoy carver, Charles Jobes from the Chesapeake Bay area. His decoys will be on display and will be available for purchase during the convention. Registration information is available on the internet at http://www.ducks.org/Events/NationalConvention/2575/DUNationalConvention.html.

You Might be a Ducks Unlimited Member........if you have spent most of the day in a duck blind and never fi red a shot but still thought it was a great day to be alive...

...if you actually like the odor of a wet dog because it smells like hunting...

Winter 2009 • 3www.ducks.org/states/62/

• High Speed Internet • Guest Laundry • Pets Allowed • Group Rates • HBO • In-Room Microwave & Freezer • Special Rate for Economy Rooms • Business Center

Welcome Welcome Hunters! Hunters!

320 W. Sioux, Pierre, SD 605-224-1617

Fax 605-224-1618 Reservations:

1-800-800-8000 Super8.com

All Types of Hunters Welcome. Call today to reserve next year’s dates.

Joe Breidenbach Ducks Unlimited, Inc Director of Fund-raising and Volunteer Relations - MI, MN and WI

My career has taken me many places over the past few decades. Every time the family picked up and moved we looked forward to the new experiences and opportunities that would be found in our new community. Seven years ago we moved north to work for the ducks in the Great Plains, including South Dakota. Being a “duck guy” I was really looking forward to the time that would be spent running the roads throughout the duck factory.

Another change in responsibilities has pointed me away from the Dakotas but this time I won’t be leaving. While my time will now be spent working with DU volunteers and staff from Minnesota east, I will always keep an eye on what’s going on in South Dakota. I will continue to look forward to the time spent upon return, regardless of the season.

South Dakota is one of those special places for a guy who loves to

see things as God created them. It is also a great place to see how the people have integrated into the landscape and for the most part have taken something raw and turned it into something of value to the rest of the world while protecting the integrity of the natural aspect of the land. Yes there are abuses in the minds of some, but still a good chunk of the people keep an eye on how they take care of the land that is theirs to use while on this earth.

After living in a new place for a few years and experiencing the things that once were new and exciting we often settle in and fi nd that our new place, while exciting at fi rst, really is like a lot of other places we have lived. The new wears off, the unusual becomes the usual and we fi nd ourselves looking at a lot of the uniqueness of the area as commonplace. We are reminded of this by guests who come to visit and then get excited about those same things, as we did before, but now take for granted.

Not so with South Dakota. I still look forward to any chance I will get

to return to the South Dakota places and people that I have grown fond of. Every visit to South Dakota has brought something new. Whether it is a new bird to add to my life list, a new friend who was kind enough to let me hunt his land or fi nding yet another wild place that I hadn’t known about before, I look forward to what my time in South Dakota will bring. What a cool place to be for a guy who loves the outdoors.

I wonder sometimes, if living in South Dakota would be like living anywhere else where people grow to take the great natural resources for granted? I can’t imagine that living with all of those ducks and geese and other wildlife wouldn’t become commonplace. Few other places in the world host the wildfowl migrations like those that pass through the Dakotas. South Dakota is one of few states that can boast being a viable component of the duck factory. One can’t escape the presence of waterfowl, whether it be on a beaver pond in the Black Hills, in the shallow wetlands of the short grass prairies of cattle country, a dugout just about anywhere

West River, on the wetland rich Prairie Coteau in the north east, or along the big river that bisects the state.

Knowing the people that I have met and the attitudes in general that I fi nd at the DU events I have attended, I am not worried about South Dakota. I can see your pride in where you live in your eyes and hear it in your talk. But most importantly I can see it in your actions. I think I am the one that is guilty of taking something for granted as I have grown to accept the care and concern for the natural resources that you have that has turned into a strong commitment, as being just the way things are in South Dakota. In fact, if people throughout the country are as focused on taking care of what they have as many of the DU volunteers in South Dakota do, the fate of the ducks would be in good hands.

Keep up the good work and be an example of all that live in a great part of the world and do good things to make sure it stays that way. You are the real reason South Dakota is the great place it is.

Regional realignment shifts responsibilities

Ken Durdahl Senior Vice President

Greetings to the South Dakota volunteers and staff from your volunteer Senior Vice President. I have represented you for the last seven years and during that time I have met many of you and I certainly appreciate you letting me represent South Dakota Ducks Unlimited at the National level.

Once again the states have been realigned and the new Senior Vice President for your region will now be Bruce Posey from Montana. He and Greg Dinkel, his staff equivalent, will have nine states to cover for the ducks. Rick Berg will stay on as the Regional Vice President for the area. As volunteers, you will be called upon to go the extra mile and do your best to help fi ll the halls. When I started back in 1981, I was a committee person like all of you. I tried to do the best I could because I wanted to give back to the resource. As the years went by I was advanced, like many of you, from committee chair to Zone Chair to District Chair and in 2000 I was privileged to represent Minnesota as their State Chairman. Then I became the RVP and today the

SVP. I tell you this, because if I can go through the ranks all of you can too. Ducks Unlimited is always looking for new leaders that can help lead our organization to greater heights. Like many of you I came from a small town of 1800 that has a couple of events per year.

We are always looking for our next volunteer leaders, are you that volunteer? As you already know the more you put it the more satisfying it becomes. We never receive a payment other than the satisfaction of watching a fl ock of geese fl ying overhead or a mallard with its wings set coming to your decoys. Maybe the satisfaction comes knowing you are helping create cleaner water or helping the other 900+ species that use the wildlife areas.

While you are giving of your valuable time and resources you need to know you are working for your children, grandchildren and many generations to come. All of you volunteers make a difference.

I THANK YOU, I APPLAUD YOU, and may your skies be full of waterfowl, today, tomorrow and forever.

Thanks for letting me represent you.

• POWERBALL• VIDEO LOTTERY• SHOTGUN SHELLS• TOUCHLESS CAR WASH• BAIT• POP• BEER

605-765-2761

Gas’N GoodiesHighway 212Gettysburg, SD

GAS ‘N GOODIESGAS ‘N GOODIES

VISIT THE NEW “BEER CAVE”

24 HOUR PUMP24 HOUR PUMP

Stop in Today!Stop in Today!

4 • Spring 2009 Fowl Talk - South Dakota Ducks Unlimited

By Don ThorpeHave you ever wondered, “Who is the typical

Ducks Unlimited volunteer”? That is a tough question. Many people may think it is someone who wears camo 365 days a year, drives a 4 wheel drive pickup with a lift kit, with a lab in the back end, and hunts ducks from opening day till the last day of the season. DU was in fact formed 72 years ago by a small group of dedicated waterfowl hunters concerned about the future of waterfowl in North America. And the waterfowl hunter is still the foundation of the DU volunteer organization, but today it is comprised by a wide variety of individuals working diligently to help DU fulfi ll its mission. Some volunteers may have never hunted ducks, but may have had a friend or family member who hunted. They may come to DU out of a concern that the loss of wetlands will increase fl ooding and reduce water quality. They may not hunt ducks but realize our projects benefi t other game animals. Many volunteers come to DU because a buddy asked them to “just check it out”. Some who may join as a non-hunter take up the sport once they learn to appreciate our waterfowl heritage. And yes, some of us do wear camo, drive a 4x4 pickup with a lab in the back and try to hunt every day the boss or wife let us get out to the fi eld.

Ducks Unlimited volunteers come from all backgrounds. Here in South Dakota we have volunteers who are teachers, carpenters, doctors, salesman, electricians, chefs, auctioneers, accountants, bankers, military personnel, farmers,

lawyers, welders, policeman, and the list could go on indefi nitely. They live in small towns, large towns and rural areas. We have committees that are men or ladies only, but we are seeing more committees being comprised of couples and children as our events become more family orientated.

Once on the committee these volunteers will soon be put to work helping conservation’s greatest fundraising team. Some people will excel at getting donations and underwriting. Some will be able to use their organizational skills to help plan and set up for the banquet. They may run sealed bid auction easels around town. All committee members can help sell tickets to ensure that they have a full hall for their banquet!

One thing all DU volunteers have in common is the passion to protect our waterfowl heritage for future generations. Thru their hard work serving on the local DU committees across our country, DU is able to fund conservation habitat projects from the nesting areas to the wintering grounds. No other waterfowl conservation organization provides habitat that supports waterfowl through out their entire life cycle.

Ducks Unlimited vision statement is “Wetlands suffi cient to fi ll the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever”. If you share this vision, I would like to ask you to step forward and join the ranks of DU volunteers and guarantee the future of our waterfowl heritage. Call Don Thorpe 605-630-8696 or go to http://www.ducks.org/support/volunteer.html

State Chairman Don Aarstad1305 Sunset Street NWWatertown, SD, 57201dona@iw.net605-882-2050 (H)605-881-0253 (C)

State Chairman-ElectVacant

State Council ChairmanDon KallenbergerP.O. Box 547Eureka, SD 57437kaldon@valleytel.net605-284-5121 (W)605-284-2102 (H)

State TreasurerMichelle Rhead300 W 3rd StTea, SD 57064Michelle.Rhead@hsfl .com605-336-3021 (C)

State Convention ChairmanBrian Pellish320 N. Lake DriveWatertown, SD 57201duckman@iw.net605-882-8219 (W)605-351-9837 (C)

State WebmasterPam Berg108 14th St NEWatertown, SD 5720121berg@wat.midco.net605-886-7403 (H)605-881-5614 (C)

State Volunteer Recruitment ChmVacant

State Greenwing ChairmanMike Pederson224 West 5th StCanton, SD 57013mike.pederson@state.sd.us605-882-5111 (W)605-886-7419 (H)

State Sponsor ChairmanMaynard Isaacson3405 South Pennant PlaceSioux Falls, SD 57110isaacson@sio.midco.net605-338-3718 (H)605-759-8837 (C)

State Major Gifts ChairmanGary L. Peterson508 Alder LaneSioux Falls, SD 57105gpinsfsd@aol.com605-330-0553 (H)605-336-4411 (C)

Senior Regional VPBruce PoseyP.O. Box 1416Billings, MT 59103bposey@streeterbros.com888-443-0214 x1 (W)406-245-7624 (H)

Regional VPRick Berg108 14th St NEWatertown, SD 5720121berg@wat.midco.net605-886-7403 (H)605-881-1859 (C)

2009/2010 SD STATE OFFICERS

2009 FEDERAL

Joshua Spies Fine Art w w w . j o s h u a s p i e s . c o m

For more information call: 1-507-829-2304

DUCK STAMP PRINT

What is the Typical DU Volunteer?

You Might be a Ducks Unlimited

Member.....

...if the forecast says cloudy skies, NW winds from 20-30mph with a chance of snow fl urries and you are thinking the weather is going to be perfect...

...if you wake up before the alarm set at 4:30am to go hunting but you can’t seem to get out of bed at 7:00am to go to work...

...If you consider jerky an essential food group...

...if you have even concerned about your camoufl age outfi t properly matching...

Regional DirectorDon Thorpe25346 400th AveMt. Vernon, SD 57363dthorpe@ducks.org605-630-8696 (C)

Regional DirectorBrad Jensen2120 Birch Ave. NEWatertown, SD 57201bjensen@ducks.org605-881-3379 (C)

Director of Fundraising and Volunteer RecruitmentGreg Dinkel1516 9th AveKearney, NE 68845gdinkel@ducks.org308-237-2950 (W)308-440-6413 (C)

Director of DevelopmentDave Afton2525 River Rd.Bismarck, ND 58503dafton@ducks.org701-355-3525 (W)701-471-2629 (C)

2009-2010DU SUPPORT STAFF

Winter 2009 • 5www.ducks.org/states/62/

Don Aarstad - SDDU State Chairman

I was told that I should do an introduction as part of my fi rst article in Fowl Talk as State

Chairman so here it goes....I am a lifelong resident of South Dakota and outside of attending college at SDSU and graduate school at USD I have lived in Watertown all my life. I have two children, Kevin who is a freshman at SDSU studying Electrical Engineering and Kelli, who is a sophomore at Watertown High School with plans to follow the rest of the family to SDSU for the pharmacy program. I have worked for the past 19 years at Grainger Industrial Supply as an Account Manager traveling primarily northeastern SD. In my free time I love to hunt (and yes, primarily waterfowl but I do partake in most other seasons as well), fi sh and play golf and most of the time they are done with my children. I have been a member of DU for over 30 years and have served as an Area Chairman for several events including annual banquets, sponsor events, golf tournaments, ice fi shing tournaments and have been a co-chairman (with the real chairman - Brian Pellish) for the State Convention. I have

also served as a Zone and District Chairman for several years and have been known to emcee a banquet or two here and there over the years.

Enough about me because what we do is for the ducks! For those of you attended the State Convention, I talked about the economic situation that we are currently facing and likely will be throughout 2009 and potentially longer - not exactly the best of times to be leading a charitable cause. With that said, however, the need is still there and the opportunity is still before us. The investment we make now in the habitat needed by not only ducks but literally hundreds of other species will pay not only us back year after year but also assure that our children and future generations will be able to enjoy the fruit of the seeds we plant today. Trust me, I know the 401K’s, IRA’s and most any other type of investment right now are moving south faster than a blue-wing teal ahead of the fi rst cold front of the year, but be rest assured that your dollars to DU have been and will continue to come back to South Dakota in a big way. In 2008 alone $1.7 million dollars was spent in our state on nearly 8,000 acres. In

any given year we typically get back 7 to 8 times the amount of money we raise through DU events in South Dakota. How is that for a return on investment!

DU has some impressive goals for the future. The Rescue the Duck Factory campaign is the highest priority for DU in the Dakotas targeting 300,000 acres of waterfowl habitat at a cost of $40 million dollars. This investment is primarily in the form of perpetual easements to preserve what remains of our native prairie. These grasslands mixed with temporary and permanent wetlands are truly the best of the best when it comes to nesting habitat for waterfowl and many other critters. The time is now to act as each year that passes more and more of this precious land is converted to what ends up being marginal cropland. The landowners are willing and are lined up to participate - all that is needed is the cash to do it.

As 2009 progresses please consider increasing your investment in the future through DU. Attend your local events, multiple ones if you can, play the raffl es, bid on the auction items and think about becoming a

sponsor or a member of the Feather Society. If money is tight and you can’t personally open up your wallet any further, bring a friend or two to events you attend. Even if we can’t individually spend as much as we would like, with more folks at the events we can collectively help raise the money needed to make the world better for not only ducks but for all of God’s creatures.....including us.

As I fi nished my talk at the State Convention I read a quote by William James, a philosopher from the 18th century that really says what we as members of Ducks Unlimited are doing for the future. He said “The greatest use of life is to spend it doing something that will outlast it”. If we can each do our part, no matter how big or how small, in terms of dollars spent or time invested as a volunteer we can make the vision of DU possible - to fi ll the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

If there is anything I can do for you as a volunteer or member of Ducks Unlimited please do not hesitate to contact me. My e-mail is dona@iw.net or call me at home at 605-882-2050.

DATE LOCATION TYPE CONTACT PHONE EMAIL 4/4/2009 Dietrich-Schubloom (Miller) Dinner Randy Oligmueller (605) 853-2223 randyo@hur.midco.net4/4/2009 Lennox Dinner Cory Jorgenson (605) 647-5416 cjorgensen@koykermfg.com4/4/2009 Pierre Dinner Tim Bjork (605) 224-4346 bjork10@pie.midco.net5/14/2009 Watertown Ladies Dinner Pam Berg (605) 886-7403 21berg@wat.midco.net4/17/2009 Split Rock (Brandon) Dinner Jeff Wehrkamp (605) 582-2284 jeff@smilesrpriceless.com4/18/2009 Eureka Lady Lucky Ducks Ladies Dinner Wendy Brockel (605) 284-2651 wendy@valleytel.net4/23/2009 Sioux Falls Sportsman night Out Eric Van Donge (605)360-3071 evandong@smihq.com4/30/2009 Aberdeen Dinner Dave meyer (605) 226-8101 itsallgreektome@abe.midco.net5/2/2009 Ellsworth AFB Sportsman night Out Joe Kern (605)391-2069 Joe.Kern@ellsworth.af.mil5/8/2009 Sioux Falls Sponsors Sponsor Dinner Dave Mavity (605)521-6180 dave@oxbowsolutions.net5/9/2009 Platte Dinner Doug Dyk (605) 337-3746 wendy@valleytel.net5/9/2009 Mitchell Gun Event and Fun Shoot Natan Sparks (605)9957916 nsparks@fi rstdakota.com5/6/2009 Pierre Coot shoot (Fun Shoot) Tim Bjork (605) 224-4346 bjork10@pie.midco.net5/23/2009 Rapid City Sporting Clay Tounament Dennie Mann Jr. (605)343-8659 downtoearth15@rap.midco.net5/4/2009 Watertown Lunkers on Lake Kampaska Brian Pellish (605) 886-2317 duckman@iw.net

Make An Investment In The Future

� Upcoming Events �

6 • Spring 2009 Fowl Talk - South Dakota Ducks Unlimited

The South Dakota Ducks Unlimited State Convention has long been considered one of the fi nest conventions in the country. But the convention committee out did them selves this year. Brian Pellish, Don Aarstad and the entire committee did a fantastic job. Someone mentioned that the whole weekend seemed to fl ow effortlessly without a single problem. The secret to making it go so smoothly was the countless hours this group spent planning this event, starting in the late summer and continuing up to and thru the convention weekend. While most people were getting their snacks lined up for their Superbowl parties. This committee was packing up supplies, cleaning and discussing how they were going to make improvements for next years convention. We have heard many local committee’s discuss how they are going to emulate some of the fundraising and organizational methods employed by the SDDU convention.

Convention committee members were Brian Pellish, Don Aarstad, Don Kallenberger, Pam Berg, Dennis Tilly, Michelle Rhead, Curt Ness, Bruce and Marilyn Krentz, Danae Vavra, Diane Drake, Jeff Heidelbauer and many others who jumped in to assist where necessary at the convention.

Thanks GUYS! you put on a heck of a show.Be sure to make plans to attend next years convention which

will once again be in Watertown on Jan 29-31, 2010.If anyone would like to help the convention committee

please contact Don or Brian.

South Dakota Regional DirectorsBrad Jensen & Don Thorpe

StateConvention

2009

� �

South Dakota Ducks Unlimited

Above and Right: Included in Saturday afternoon breakout sessions was a wine testing event hosted by Paul Nester of Cask & Cork Distributing and a dog training seminar by John Luttrell of Luttrell Kennels.

Above: Convention attendees enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of “margaritaville” for the Saturday social hour.

Below: The Margarita bar was a popular attraction during the “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere” banquet.

Winter 2009 • 7www.ducks.org/states/62/

We just wrapped up one of the best state conventions ever with great entertainment, fun, and informational sessions on current issues at the local state and national level regarding wetland conservation. Mark your calendars for the 2010 Ducks Unlimited State Convention; it will be held in Watertown at the Watertown Event Center / Ramkota Best Western from Friday January 29th through the 31st 2010. Your State Council voted to extend the convention dates in Watertown through 2012 so the convention committee is hard at work already planning for the next convention. The best news is that the next three conventions will not fall on the Super Bowl weekend so you football lovers don’t have to race home to catch the game. Here are the scheduled dates for the next three year:

2010 Friday January 29th - 31st2011 Friday January 28th - 30th 2012 Friday January 27th - 29th We have the entire hotel reserved for the convention; if you

are interested in a room you need to contact the Ramkota at 605-882-8011 before the end of December 2009. Last year we used all of the rooms and some off site so if you are interested get your reservations made early. If you or your committee are interested in helping with the raffl es, auction, registration or any other activities you can contact me at bpellish@iw.net (605-886-2317) or your regional directors and we will get you involved.

Watch the next issue of Fowl Talk for further information on next year convention and registration information.

Convention Co-chairmenBrian Pellish & Don Aarstad

Left: State Award winners that were in attendance at the convention pose for a picture after Saturday’s Luncheon. Below: State convention volunteers and DU support staff attend a council meeting to kick off the convention Friday afternoon.

Above: Attendees enjoying the music of “Too Dunk to Fish on Saturday night.

Left: Incoming new State Chairman, Don Aarstad addressing the group during Saturday evening’s banquet.

Left: Al Vanderlaan, winner of the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, is congratulated by State Chairman Don Kallenberger and a representative of Sharp Chevrolet.

Shop The Region’s Best Selection Of Fishing & Boating

Supplies!

120 W. Sioux Ave. Pierre, SD

605-224-8871 800-382-2553

7AM - 10PM Daily

HUNTING & FISHING LICENSES SOLD HERE!

LARGE PARKING LOT...

BOATS & CAMPERS WELCOME! We also have the best selection of hunting, archery,

reloading & camping supplies! Full line grocery store with deli,

bakery and liquor.

LIVE BAIT!d State Convention Updates

Above: “Howie Mandell” Tilley hosting Deal or No Deal with contestant Jeff Heidelbauer.

Left: Attendees cheering on their favorite duck in the Duck Races at Friday’s Casino Night.

8 • Spring 2009 Fowl Talk - South Dakota Ducks Unlimited

It has been said you’re not a true sportsman until you understand the success of a hunt is not measured

by fi lling your limit but rather having opportunity to witness the wonders of the great outdoors. But gosh darn it, sometimes it is fun to come home with your limit.

Back in the fall of 2001 I experienced a week of Dakota limits that reminded me why South Dakota is a sportsman’s paradise. I had made plans to take off from work for a week of huntin. I had the entire week planned, every pothole was covered with ducks and the weather forecast was cloudy and windy. Nothing could interfere with my perfectly laid plans! Except for that pesky thing called a paycheck. The only way to get that paycheck is to get your job done and in this case, problems arose at work that required me to postpone my hunting plans for one week. I was miserable all week as my job took me past my favorite “hotspots” and they were packed with ducks and geese. Everyday was colder and I sure everything would soon freeze up and every duck and goose would be headed south.

When I was fi nally able to take some

days off and head to the fi eld my fi rst goal was to go after some Canada geese that I had been spotted in a fi eld the previous week near Webster. In the predawn I carefully set decoys and set up my ground blind. An hour later the fi rst group arrived and I took one large goose. Ten minutes later the next fl ock came into view. At fi rst they seemed to ignore my calls but soon turned and came in to the decoys with wings cupped. I pulled up on the closet and pulled the trigger and he fell. I continued the swing to next goose and he joined his buddy on the ground. First day a fi eld and a limit of geese before coffee time.

The next day, I headed to a public hunting area I had frequented in the past. It usually held a good number of ducks and rarely were there other hunters in the area. There was a wind advisory that day with gusts up to 50 miles per hour. It was tough getting across the 3/4 mile of open water to an island in the middle of this lake that only a few years earlier had been dry but was now 500 acres with depths up to 12 feet deep. I set a couple dozen mixed decoys and hunkered down and waited for legal shooting time.

On this day of gusting winds I did some of my best shooting and the worst shooting in my life. Three fl ocks decoyed in the fi rst half hour of light, I fi red three shells and I had three green heads on the game strap. But then over the next two hours I went thru a box and a half of shells and only had one more greenhead to show for my efforts. Finally a fl ock decoyed in and as I was ready to drop my last greenhead I spotted a Gadwall. As this was the only non mallard I had seen for the day, I swung over and dropped him. So now I only needed that last greenhead to fi ll my limit, which at that time was 6 ducks. The wind gusts had increased in velocity and soon I had gone thru another box of shells, with an empty loop still on the game strap. The wind continued to blow harder and I decide to pack it in while it was still reasonably safe to get off the water. As I wrapped up the last decoy, I spied in the distance, one lone duck coming with the wind. He had a 50 mph tail wind and looked like an arrow as he fl ew past. In one motion I picked up my shotgun swung thru the bird and squeezed the trigger and dropped my last greenhead. Last one was pure luck but it fi lled my limited for the day. As a bonus on the way back into Watertown I spotted a pair of whopping cranes and spent an hour watching these magnifi cent birds.

On Friday I went to Hosmer with some friends to try our luck hunting pheasants. A couple of the hunters brought their german short hair pointers to hunt over. Both dogs were

well trained and it took less time to fi ll our limits than it took to drive to Hosmer.

On Saturday I planned on heading back to my “hotspot” to try my luck with the ducks again. But when I checked the weather at 5:00 am, the stars were shining and it was perfectly calm. I decide to head back to bed. After three days of hard hunting evidently I need my rest as I slept till nearly noon. That afternoon the temperatures climbed to 60 degrees with sunshine and no wind. It was a perfect fall day, way to nice to spend indoors or raking leaves (sorry honey), so I thru the decoys out of the duck boat and loaded it with rod and reels. Within 30 minutes I was on a lake south of Watertown and in another 30 minutes I had 4 perfect eating size walleyes.

In the previous 4 days I had limited out on geese, ducks, pheasants and walleyes. And best of all I had one more day till Monday and returning to work, to earn that paycheck. The wife thought I should stay home and go to church with her, but I explained to her how a cold front was moving in overnight. Sure enough the morning brought freezing rain and wind. I headed to my duck “ hotspot “ and while I saw thousands of ducks they were feeding over the horizon and ignored my decoys.

I think the big guy up above was telling me that I should have gone to church to give thanks for the weeks harvest. Four days four different limits, Sweet!

SOUTH DAKOTA: A Sportsman’s Paradiseby Don Thorp, Regional Director

Winter 2009 • 9www.ducks.org/states/62/

CUSTOM MADE CABINS Can Be Delivered Anywhere In 8 To 10 Weeks!

For more details call:

701-743-4122

www.fishindianhills.com Please call your Park Model dealer, Kelly Sorge

www.kropfind.com

For more details visit these websites:

Premier Lake Comfort!

Five-Spice Roasted Duck Breasts Recipe submitted by Dorey HansonYield 4 servings Times: Prep 30 min Cook Time: 15 min

Ingredients2 pounds boneless duck breast (see Ingredient note) 1 tsp fi ve-spice powder 1/2 tsp kosher salt Zest & juice of 2 oranges 2 tsp honey 1 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce 1/4 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 1 tsp water

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place duck skin-side down on a cutting board. Trim off all excess skin that hangs over

the sides. Turn over and make three parallel, diagonal cuts in the skin of each breast, cutting through the fat but not into the meat. Sprinkle both sides with fi ve-spice powder and salt.

Place the duck skin-side down in an ovenproof skillet over medium-low heat. Cook until the fat is melted and the skin is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer the duck to a plate; pour off all the fat from the pan. Return the duck to the pan skin-side up and transfer to the oven.

Roast the duck for 10 to 15 minutes for medium, depending on the size of the breast, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 150 degrees F. Transfer to a cutting board; let rest for 5 minutes.

Pour off any fat remaining in the pan (take care, the handle will still be hot); place the pan over medium-high heat and add orange juice and honey. Bring to a simmer, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Add orange zest and soy sauce and continue to cook until the sauce is slightly reduced, about 1 minute. Stir cornstarch mixture then whisk into the sauce; cook, stirring, until slightly thickened, 1 minute. Remove the duck skin and thinly slice the breast meat. Drizzle with the orange sauce.

Ingredient note: Boneless duck breast halves range widely in weight, from about 1/2 to 1 pound, depending on the breed of duck. They can be found in most supermarkets in the poultry or specialty-meat sections or online at mapleleaffarms.com or dartagnan.com.

Roasting Tips: 1. Very cold meat won’t roast evenly. Place it on the counter while preheating the oven. 2. Durable cotton kitchen string is sold at kitchenware stores, most gourmet markets and large supermarkets. Do not use sewing thread or yarn, which may contain inedible dyes or unsavory chemicals. 3. A heavy-duty, high-sided roasting pan is essential for conducting heat evenly. Never substitute a cookie sheet. A broiler pan will work in a pinch, but the roast will inevitably be somewhat chewier. 4. Give it a rest. A roast’s internal temperature will rise about 10 degrees while resting. The natural juices will also reincorporate into the meat’s fi bers and the skin or crust will dry out slightly for a more toothsome yet more succulent dinner.

Venison Sticks Recipe submitted by RD Brad Jensen(Here is one of my personal favorites.)

Cut venison steak like French fries, only about twice as thick. Dip into melted butter or margarine. Lay in a single layer in a shallow, greased pan. Dust with garlic salt, paprika, Accent and parsley fl akes. Turning occasionally, bake in a preheated 400-degree oven for 15 minutes or until the sticks are a golden brown. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve hot. Dip in soy sauce while eating.

Asian-spiced Duck Breasts with Ginger-Chili GlazeRecipe submitted by Dorey Hanson Servings: 4-6 Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients4 duck breasts, trimmed of excess fat Salt and freshly ground black pepperAsian Spice Rub (recipe follows) Ginger-Garlic-Chili Glaze (recipe follows)1 bunch green onions grilled Flour tortilla, grilled or warmed through

Directions: Heat grill to medium-high. Score the skin-side of the duck with knife in a lattice pattern, being sure not to cut through to the fl esh. Season each breast with salt and pepper on both sides.

Rub the skin side of each breast with a few tablespoons of the rub and place on the grill, rub side down, and grill until slightly charred and the skin begins to get crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes. Turn the breasts over, brush with some of the glaze and continue grill to medium-rare doneness, another 3-4 minutes then slice 1/4 inch thick on the diagonal. Place the grilled green onions on a platter and top with the sliced duck breast. Serve with warm tortillas.

Asian Spice Rub - Combine the following ingredients in a small bowl:2 tbsp Spanish paprika 1 tbsp dry mustard2 tsp kosher salt 2 tsp ground black pepper2 tsp ground star anise 2 tsp ground ginger1 tsp ground allspice 1/4 tsp ground red pepper

Ginger-Garlic-Chili Glaze2 tbsp peanut oil 2-inch piece ginger, fi nely chopped2 tbsp hot Asian chili paste 1/2 cup honey1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce Heat oil in small saucepan over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic and cook until

soft. Add the chili paste and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the honey and soy and cook until just combined and the honey has melted. Let cool before using.

Poor Man’s Lobster Recipe submitted by RD Brad Jensen (Tired of eating the same walleye recipe or two day in and

day out? Try this one and come hungry!)Ingredients1 tsp salt 1 tbsp Old Bay Seafood Seasoning2 cups water 1/4 cup cider vinegar1 pound walleye fi llets, cubed Melted butterDirections: Bring fi rst 4 ingredients to a boil in a saucepan. Add fi sh. Cover and cook

10 minutes. Drain and serve with melted butter.

WHAT’S COOKING? Recipes for the Sportsman/woman

You Might be a Ducks Unlimited Member.....

...if you have ever bought something at a DU Banquet and told your spouse that you won it just to prevent from getting in trouble...

...if you can tell the difference between a Redhead and a Canvasback at 300 yards but never can tell when your wife gets a new hair cut...

...If you have ever seen a pretty girl walking a Labrador and thought to yourself “Boy, I’d sure like to breed that....dog”...

...if you share your bed with one or more of your hunting dogs...

10 • Spring 2009 Fowl Talk - South Dakota Ducks Unlimited

PERFECT FEEDING SOLUTION It’s not ‘just a bowl” any more… it’s a KennelIt’s not ‘just a bowl” any more… it’s a Kennel--Gear Bowl. Gear Bowl. Built from Stainless Steel and machined out of Aircraft grade aluminum these secure latching bowls and pails have been built for you.

Securely latches

Fits multiple locations

Convenient cleanup

Easily move from kennel to crate to trailer hitch

ATTACH LATCH FILL

Improve pet health

No more tipped over food

No more spilled water

No more bowls or pails left behind in the field

Made in USA

Authorized Dealers...

www.dogsunlimited.com / 800 338 3647 www.flushandpoint.com / 866 388 8863

Proud Sponsor of Bill Dillon

2008 Coupe D’Europe

Chili Fresca Recipe submitted by RD Brad Jensen(This recipe came from Ducks Unlimited’s “Duck and Goose Cookery” by Eileen Clarke.)Ingredients1/4 cup oil 1 pound goose breast meat2 cups diced onion 8 cloves garlic, minced1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin1 teaspoon dried leaf oregano 1 teaspoon dried leaf marjoram1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon red pepper fl akes1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2-14.5 ounce cans peeled tomatoes2 cups beef bouillon 2-15 ounce cans pinto beans2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro 1/3 cup minced green onion(just the greens)Directions:In a deep saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Brown the sliced

meat in the oil, and remove from pan. Add the rest of the oil, then the onions, garlic, salt, cumin, oregano, marjoram, chili powder, red pepper fl akes and cayenne and lower the heat to medium. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft, about 3-4 minutes.

Return the meat to the onion mixture in the pot; add the tomatoes, bouillon, and beans. Lower the heat to simmer, stir the pot well. Then cover and let simmer 45 minutes, until the meat is quite tender.

In a small bowl, combine the minced cilantro, and green onion. Set aside, at room temperature, until ready to serve the chili.

My wife Barty, who is not a great fan of eating waterfowl, loves this chili recipe so give it a try.

You Might be a Ducks Unlimited Member.....

...if your favorite “jewelry” isn’t found in a store but rather on the leg of a duck or goose...

...if you watch with a sense of pride and accomplishment as your son or daughter bags their fi rst duck and you know the tradition has been passed on to the next generation...

...if you have ever used the phrase “lets do it for the ducks”....

SDDU License Plate DecalsWondering where all the cool people get the Ducks Unlimited Decals for the

organizational license plates on their car? The wondering is over. One set of South Dakota Ducks Unlimited license plate decals is $15.00. Request the decals by sending a check to Michelle Rhead, 300 W 3rd Street, Tea, SD 57064. Be sure to include your name and mailing address for sending the set of decals. Questions can be directed to Michelle Rhead at 605-366-3021.

When picking up license for your vehicle you request organizational plates at your County Treasurer’s offi ce and then display the special South Dakota Ducks Unlimited decals in the spot reserved for the organization. This is a great way to show your support of Ducks Unlimited.

Winter 2009 • 11www.ducks.org/states/62/

Hey Greenwings,Spring will be here before you know it and so will the Woodducks. Now is the

time for you and your dad, family and friends to build a Woodduck box or two. Below are plans on how to go about making them. For more information on where to place them and how to protect from predators (raccoons, squirrels and snakes), please check out www.ducks.org . Have a great summer and remember lets have a “No kid Left Inside” summer vacation. Get away from your computer and get outside and play. Better yet, take a walk around a wetland with your family and friends and see what being a Ducks Unlimited Greenwing is all about.

westbayinfo@gondtc.com www.westbayresort.com

• Private Lake Access • Secluded Lake Cabins

• RV Sites 6660 Hwy 19, Minnewaukan, ND

701-739-9934

Now A Dealer For ICE CASTLE FISHING HOUSES

West Bay Resort, LLC Cabins by the lake

5 1/2 miles northeast of Minnewaukan or 15 1/2 miles west of Devils Lake “You don’t have to go very far to get away from it all!”

What you should know about building a nest boxWood ducks, Goldeneyes, Mergansers and Buffl eheads are all

cavity nesting ducks. They build in abandoned woodpecker holes or natural tree cavities caused by disease, fi re or lightning. These ducks will also use a constructed nesting box.

Cedar is Ideal: Cedar lumber is recommended because it is naturally resistant to weather and insects. You can also use any materials you have available such as pine or plywood. The box pictured uses 10.5 linear feet of 1”x10” (3/4” thick by 9 1/4” wide) lumber that is rough on one side (for the inside of the box) with an oval opening (4 1/2”x3 1/2”) and horizontal slots cut on the inside of the front panel to provide toeholds for the ducklings to climb out. Aside from that it is a simple box construction using the measurements below.

Finishing Touches: Ducks Unlimited does not recommend applying a fi nish to cedar boxes. A fi nish might help to extend the life of a plywood box.

If you decide to apply a fi nish to you nest box, use a nontoxic wood preserver or a light shade of an earth tone paint. The ducks will fi nd your box by seeing the contrast in color caused by the entry hole. Do not apply fi nish inside the box.

Cavity nesting ducks do not carry nesting materials. It’s important to help them out by placing four to six inches of wood shavings in the bottom of the box. You can fi nd wood shavings at your local pet or farm supply store. Do not use sawdust. It can suffocate ducklings.

Every year, in the fall after the nesting season has completed or in the winter, clean out the old nesting materials from the box and replace it with a fresh layer of wood shavings. This annual cleaning needs to be a part of your long-term maintenance commitment once you place your nest box.

For detailed assembly instructions go to www.ducks.org and enter duck nest box in the search box at the top of the page.

12 • Spring 2009 Fowl Talk - South Dakota Ducks Unlimited