THE HAIL CALLThe Official Volunteer Publication of Georgia Ducks Unlimited

Neely Raper, State Chairman, neelyraper@yahoo.comVolume Eight, Issue Five May 2013

Sharing Duck Camp Neely Raper, GADU State Chairman

This month I would like to continue to put the spotlight on those who give and serve: Georgia’s thousands of volunteers. More times than not, the pillars of great movements and causes are the volunteers working determinedly behind the scenes. Your commitment to our shared conservation goals has helped advance our mission and has improved the minds and lives of countless people — including those of your fellow volunteers. I tip my hat to you and encourage you to recognize our unsung heroes, and I hope it will inspire many more!

The GADU State Convention is a month away! As you may already be aware, the 2013 convention will be the weekend of June 7-9 at the Dillard House in Dillard, Ga. If you have not had the opportunity to visit Dillard in the past, then you have missed out on a true gem tucked away at the foothills of the Appalachians. Ducks Unlimited, the splendor of the mountains in early June, and many of your friends, both new and old--it’s going to be an incredible weekend you truly don’t want to miss! Please take the time to go ahead and register if you have not already done so.

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTHAnd the winner for April is....

NEW DIAMOND LIFE SPONSORDISTRICT CHAIRMAN DAVID CULP

THE GREATEST VOLUNTEERS ARE IN GEORGIA!

From the Duck Blind (continued) As always, thank you for all you do for Ducks Unlimited!

GADU BRAGGING RIGHTSThe Gainesville DU committee set a goal after last year’s banquet of being a Top 100 chapter. In order to achieve a goal like that, you obviously have to have a plan, and the Gainesville volunteers definitely did! The committee started the spring with an AR-15 raffle, which sold out in 7 hours. They decided to do a second AR-15 raffle after the popularity of the first, and it was drawn on April 16. Combined, the raffles netted the chapter $5000. Gainesville will also hold an Evening for Conservation on May 8 to finish out the spring. Way to go, Gainesville DU, for thinking outside the box and for helping raise the dollars crucial to cementing the future of waterfowl and wetlands habitat.

District Chairman David Culp receives his Diamond Life Sponsor plaque from State Chairman Neely Raper (left) and State Campaign Chairman Matt Dubnik (right) at the recent Rome Georgia D1 Banquet.

WHY WE VOLUNTEER FOR GEORGIA DUCKS UNLIMITED

UPCOMING GEORGIA EVENTSSEE www.ducks.org/georgia FOR MORE DETAILS

05/09/13 - Smyrna Banquet05/10/13 - Wilkes County Banquet05/16/13 - Statesboro Gun-A-Palooza05/17/13 - Rome Golf Tournament05/21/13 - Walton Co SNO05/22/13 - Alpharetta Banquet05/23/13 - Savannah DU Low Country Boil05/30/13 - Warner Robbins Gun-A-Palooza06/01/13 - Roberta DU Gun Gala06/01/13 - Rome Greenwing Event06/07-06/09/13 - GEORGIA DU STATE CONVENTION IN DILLARD 06/14/13 - Thomasville Father’s Day Gun Raffle06/20/13 - Cherokee Co Banquet

ATTEND AN EVENT NEAR YOU AND

SUPPORT TEAM DU!

GEORGIA QUICK FACTS

Total DU Membership: 15,203 • General Members: 14,879• Greenwings: 877• Legacy Greenwings: 68• Sponsor Members: 830 • Major Sponsors: 322

Grassroots dollars: $1,091,403 Total acres conserved: 22,949

Georgia Habitat Restoration Project CompletedDucks Unlimited, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and several community partners were awarded nearly $40,000 for a wetland restoration project at a DNR-managed complex north of Rome in Floyd County. Through this grant, DU and its partners enhanced a 7-acre wetland at Arrowhead Wildlife Management Area. This wetland will be managed for waterfowl and used by the Arrowhead Environmental Education Center for outdoor education. DU’s other partners on this project included J. Supply Company, Kerry Brown, Sunbelt Turf Farms and Neely Raper. These partners contributed a total of $41, 840 in construction materials to complete this project.

The wetland restoration grant was awarded through the Five Star Restoration Program, which begin in 1999 as a partnership between the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), National Association of Counties, the Wildlife Habitat Council and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Five Star is possible because of a unique collaboration with our public, private and corporate funders,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director of NFWF.

“Because of their generous contributions, these community-based habitat restoration projects not only provide immediate benefits to fish and wildlife, but also help to build a local environmental stewardship ethic.”

GADU STATE INITIATIVES FOR 2013-14

1) Net 10 new Bronze Sponsors above the prior year’s number and earn a free Remington 887 or equivalent.2) Net three new Life Sponsors for your chapter and earn a free Stoeger 3000 or equivalent for your next event.3) Net $3,000 (new SBA) or $5,000 (existing SBA) in your chapter and GADU will pay for a gun valued at $500.4) Be a Top 100 chapter and the state will buy you a Stoeger 3000 Top 100 gun or equivalent.

Georgia DU volunteers at the dedication of the Arrowhead Wildlife Management Area,which will be used for environmental education.

GEORGIA DU STATE OFFICERS

State Chairman - Neely Raper

State Chairman Elect - TBD

State Council Chairman – Tommy Griffin

State Membership and Recruitment Chairman - Jason Bailey

State Treasurer – Marc DeMott

State Sponsor Chairman – Frayne Bentley

State Greenwing Co-Chairman – Louie Maloy and DeWayne Blair

State Ladies Chairman - Tanya Sims

State Shoot Chairman – TBD

State Campaign Chairman - Matt Dubnik

State Marketing and Publicity Chairman - George Erwin

MAY TIPOF THE MONTH

GA DUCKS UNLIMITED WILL FILL THE HALLS, INCREASE OUR EVENT

EFFICIENCY TO 60 PERCENT OR MORE

AND SEEK MORE UNDERWRITING IN THE

2012-2013 BANQUET SEASON!

SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING REQUIRES SOME NEW IDEAS FOR YOUR EVENT

THE BASICS FOR A SUCCESSFUL EVENT1) Fill the hall by pre-selling all your tickets. 2) Watch your expenses to increase your efficiency to at least 60 percent. 3) Pursue underwriting for your meal, bar, raffles and auction to raise your net/net.4) Build up your chapter’s Bronze Sponsor attendance for profitable second-event opportunities.

TIP FOR MAY - Try something different!Thomasville Ducks Unlimited is trying something new as a tie-in to Father’s Day; a Father’s Day gun raffle drawing to be held on June 14. This raffle is a great supplemental event that can make some additional dollars for the ducks!

GEORGIA DU NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!We need help in the following communities, so if you know someone in these communities or can help yourself, please contact GADU State Recruiting Chairman Jason Bailey at huntingbailey@yahoo.com to volunteer or refer a prospective volunteer for the ducks.

Blue Ridge, Cordele, DeKalb County, Douglas, Dublin, Hawkinsville and Thomaston

STOPOVER COUNTRYThe recognition of “cross-seasonal effects,” or the carryover impacts that habitat conditions on wintering and staging areas have on waterfowl when they arrive on the breeding grounds, has transformed waterfowl management. Models have been developed to measure the energetic demands and habitat needs of waterfowl during these critical periods. These models initially helped managers establish habitat conservation goals necessary to support desired waterfowl populations in the major wintering areas.

As waterfowl migrate north, the birds shift from eating waste grain to a diet consisting mainly of native plant foods and invertebrates. Native “moist-soil” vegetation can produce hundreds of pounds of seeds per acre with those key nutrients not found in waste grain, which provide a significant energy source for the return home. This balanced diet allows migrating waterfowl to build fat reserves before they return to their breeding grounds in the Prairie Pothole Region, the Western Boreal Forest and the Arctic.

Perhaps the most important reason why we must broaden the base of support for wetlands and waterfowl conservation is water. As competition for limited water resources intensifies in the years ahead—especially in arid regions—waterfowl hunters and other conservationists must become more involved in water-allocation decisions and policies. We must all make our voices heard to ensure that wetlands and wildlife are not forgotten when tough decisions are made about how our finite water resources are used.

GADU members and volunteers can have a “cross-seasonal effect” as well, by becoming a Major Sponsor this year to save and preserve those areas that help sustain waterfowl populations.

MOBILE MIGRATION AND HABITAT REPORTS

Ducks Unlimited’s highly popular online Migration Map and mobile app will remain the go-to resources for waterfowl enthusiasts during the off-season by providing regular updates on breeding habitat conditions in the United States and Canada. DU’s new online habitat map, sponsored by Husqvarna, will feature field reports from DU biologists about the status of the spring migration and habitat conditions in key staging and breeding areas.

“With DU’s new interactive habitat map, which will also be available to those with DU’s popular Migration App, waterfowlers can stay on top of the latest weather and wetland conditions in the Prairie Pothole Region and other important breeding areas,” said Anthony Jones, DU’s Director of Internet Services.

Visit the DU Habitat Map online at www.ducks.org/springhabitat2013 or go to www.ducks.org/mobile-apps for more information on DU’s mobile apps.

MAJOR SPONSORS, MAJOR DUCKS Conservation for Generations

Make your commitment to SAVE THE BEST for Georgia ducks. Contact Matt Dubnik at mdubnik@fullmedia.com to invest in the future of Georgia’s ducks and save the prairie breeding areas. It is a conservation fact that more money in the ground means more birds in the skies!

GEORGIA DU STATE CONVENTION June 7-9, 2013, in Dillard, GA

Nestled on a plateau in the picturesque Little Tennessee River Valley of North Georgia, The Dillard House boasts a breathtaking view of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Known as the oldest mountains in North America, Blue Ridge gets its name from the enchanting blue-gray fog that wisps through the hills, sometimes obscuring the sun.

Beauty abounds at The Dillard House. Our newly renovated guestrooms, charming suites and cottages and secluded mountainside chalets are surrounded with nature’s splendor and fragrance throughout the year. No matter the season, nature provides a backdrop of brilliant color. In spring, you’ll enjoy strolling through our acres of gardens in full bloom with tulips, rhododendron and mountain laurel. Summer brings a brilliant floral display including impatiens, geraniums, dahlia, roses, hydrangea and salvia, and the wildflowers bloom throughout all the seasons.

Available activities on site and in the area include a children’s zoo, horseback riding, trout fishing, whitewater rafting, hiking, vineyards with wine tastings, golf and antique shopping.

2013 GEORGIA DU STATE CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORMComplete form & return to:

Marc DeMott, State Treasurer, Ameris Bank, 225 South Main Street, Moultrie GA 31768

Member Name ______________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________________

Phone: ____________________________________________________________________

Email: ____________________________________________________________________

DU Chapter: _______________________________________________________________

Guest: _____________________________________________________________________

Guest: _____________________________________________________________________

Guest: _____________________________________________________________________

DU Member Registrations: each @ $75 =$ ________Spouse: each @ $75 =$ ____________

Children (12 & under) each @ $35 =$ _________ (requires kids plate or $25 for adult plate)

Friday only @ $25 each =$ _________

Saturday Awards Banquet only @ $50 each =$ ________

TOTAL ENCLOSED $ ________________

Credit Card # Expiration ___________________________________________ / _________

Name on Card: Type of Card _______________________________________ / __________

Signature __________________________________________________________________

Call The Dillard House at 1-800-541-0671 for reservations or go to https://www.dillardhouse.com/reservations/index.phpThe Dillard House room rates range from $99.00 to $139.00 for the weekend. For those coming in on Thursday the rate is $79.00. Contact the Dillard House for the different room options available for the GADU State Convention weekend.

MONTHLY PAY OPTIONYOUR BRONZE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Were you aware that you can fulfill any sponsorship with a monthly pay option? This means any sponsorship level such as a $250 bronze sponsorship, a $500 silver sponsorship or a $1,000 gold sponsorship can be paid via MPO. In fact, you can even use MPO to fund your life sponsorship or other major donor gift to spread out the payments on a monthly basis. The way it works is simplicity itself in that it allows Ducks Unlimited to debit you around the 15th of each month. The debit can be charged to a credit card, which is also a great way to rack up rewards points, or it can be debited from a checking account.

IMAGINE SAVING AN ACRE AS A BRONZE SPONSOR FOR LESS THAN ONE DOLLAR PER DAY!

Bronze Sponsor = $20.84 per monthSilver Sponsor = $41.67 per monthGold Sponsor = $83.34 per monthLife Sponsor = $166.67 per month over five yearsThis will allow you to help those ducks that wing their way in front of your blind. In Georgia, our priority is the Prairie Pothole Region, since approximately 50 percent of our ducks breed on the Great Plains.

Here is a great idea for your next banquet or sponsor function, the Sponsor Thermometer A Sponsor can have his or her name applied to a line on the thermometer once for every $250 of sponsorship (Bronze = 1 line, Silver = 2 lines and Gold = 4 lines). You then give something away for every five lines. The ideal situation here is for 100 percent of the merchandise to be underwritten or donated, but the total absolute cost for the committee on merchandise should never exceed $200 for every 10 sponsors since this is NOT designed to be a trading-dollars-for-dollars program. When used correctly, this program will add valuable dollars to the bottom line of your event and add crucial acres of habitat on the ground.

For more information, contact GADU Sponsor Chairman Frayne Bentley at (404) 372-9864 or Frayne1959@att.net

AN EASY GEORGIA DU ACTION STRATEGY FOR 2013 - 2014

SEALED BID AUCTION FUNDRAISING -THIS IS THE ONE SEASON THAT NEVER CLOSES!

The Sealed Bid Auction Program is another fundraising tool available to Ducks Unlimited chapters. While DU hosts approximately 5,000 dinner and outdoor events every year, the SBA program provides volunteers with an opportunity to raise grassroots funds year round. With the ability to reach a broad audience, participation is sure to benefit your local chapter. Businesses that choose to participate can demonstrate to the public their commitment to environmental conservation and proudly show their DU support. For information about bringing SBA to your community, please contact your regional director or Ducks Unlimited national headquarters today.

If you attended the 2012 Georgia DU State Convention, you saw the new E.B.A.D.S. with accessories from Four Rivers Layout Boats. Four Rivers donated this boat to help support the mission of Georgia Ducks Unlimited and put more money in the ground so we can have more birds in the sky. If you are considering a new layout, river or marsh boat, you owe it to yourself to check out this boat!

Go to www.fourriverslayoutboats.com and see why they have been “cancelling flights” for 15 years straight!

FOUR RIVERS LAYOUT BOATSA GREAT FRIEND OF GEORGIA DU