Delta introduces first-time hunters, college students, who are studying Fisheries and Wildlife management, to the sport of waterfowl hunting!
The Sunrise Side Chapter of Delta Waterfowl, Alpena, has been established to promote waterfowl production and hunting in the area. The chapter is determined to promote the responsible use and management of our resources but, above all else, keep waterfowl production and conservation at the forefront of what we do. Delta’s focus on waterfowl hunters as the base of wetland and waterfowl conservation has made us aware of a looming crisis: Most wildlife management students — the future leaders of waterfowl management — have had little or no exposure to hunting nor first-hand experience of the role of hunting in North American wildlife management. Not surprisingly, this has led to a generation of employed professionals who lack an understanding of the ecological, economic, recreational and moral virtues of hunting.
At Delta, we see this as a huge problem for the future of hunting and management of wetlands and waterfowl. Students who don’t understand hunting and hunters might support policy and management decisions that do not sustain waterfowl and their required habitat at the same levels desired by hunters. These wetlands and associated uplands are important for a myriad of other species. We are already seeing a major change in emphasis away from game management in many of our state, provincial and federal agencies.
As a direct result of these concerns, Delta launched our new University Hunting Program in August 2017. The last weekend in October, our chapter, The Sunrise Side Chapter of Delta Waterfowl, had the opportunity to host the first University Hunt in Michigan with Lake Superior State University.
This program introduces new, first-time hunters to the sport of waterfowl hunting. The students involved this weekend are all going to college for degrees in Fisheries and Wildlife management with the hope of finding careers managing or wild resources.
The weekend began at the Alpena Sportsmen’s Club, where we had discussions about safety, waterfowl hunting, and familiarized the participants with the firearms they would be using.
Continuing through the day, the participants had the opportunity to shoot a round of sporting clays. With many of the participants never firing a shotgun before, we had some misses, but all of them greatly improved and were hitting clays consistently by the end of our round.
Following the round, we returned to the clubhouse, where they had their first taste of waterfowl with expertly prepared duck poppers, goose sausage, and goose queso.
The group now had the evening to ask questions, build relationships with their mentors and look forward to the following morning.
In the morning we gathered at the boat launch with smiles on everyone’s faces as the excitement grew. It was tough, and we had to work to get into our blinds, but the smiles kept growing as the decoys went out and the daylight started to show in the eastern sky. At first light, you could feel the excitement. Again, the hunting was tough, but we managed to get a few.
Now, it was time to bring everything full circle and feast on the waterfowl we harvested, showing the participants and guiding them through the preparation process. As lunch cooked, the stories flowed, reminiscing on the morning’s events. Of course, there were memorable shots, including some misses, but everyone was enjoying themselves.
Wrapping up, the participants got to eat fresh ducks and everyone enjoyed the meal they worked hard to get. The participants were already talking and planning when they could get out and hunt together back at college.
A big thank you goes to all the volunteers who helped to make this event successful, and we offer congratulations to all the participants. For more information on The Sunrise Side Chapter of Delta Waterfowl check out their facebook page.
