The New York Yankees won another World Series las tnight...that makes 27 for the franchise's history. I haven't even lived 27 years. According to the locals here, Yankees can be found everywhere. They talk funny...apparently, but so do I and I am not a Yankee, thank goodness I think.
The Tyrrell County Ducks Unlimited Banquet is fast approaching. Tickets can be purchased at the door if you really can't make up your mind just yet. But here are some reasons to go ahead and buy a ticket (or two).
You love waterfowl.
You love the smell of the swamp, no matter how bad it smells.
You love to see waterfowl in those swamps, no matter how early, cold, and/or wet it maybe.
You would love to have your lineage enjoy the same sights and smells of the swamp.
Over 90% of Ducks Unlimited's funds pour directly into wetland conservation - and in some cases - restoration. The Atlantic Flyway, once a storied locale for migrating waterfowl, is now only the "cradle" of waterfowling. It's where it began, and where it could end first. Draining lands for development has eliminated millions of acres for staging, wintering, migrating, and resident waterfowl. If ducks don't have any places to land, they'll just go to anothr flyway - until it dries up, too.
Another good way to save waterfowling is through the procurement of a Duck Stamp. Not only do over 98% of Migratory Waterfowl Stamp funds go directly into land purchases, they also make great collectors items and works of art. I buy two every year, one to use and lose, and another to use and save. This year, the Longtailed Duck is the centerpiece of the Duck Stamp. All huntable waterfowl species have now been used on the cover of the Duck Stamp. A dog even served as the "model" for one Duck Stamp back in the 1950's. And yes, their have also been "fake" ducks to serve as the "model"...this year's stamp has a live Longatiled Duck sitting with a wooden decoy.
Since the Stamp Program began, over 1.5 million stamps have been purchased in North Carolina. Waterfowl Hunters musy but these stamps to legally hunt. Hunters should buy 2 a year if they want to hunt years from now...the Duck Stamp's prices have not adjusted to the skyrocketing land values...
"Birders" - or birdwatchers - also buy some stamps. The $15 dollar price tag is well worth it. Some money raised from Duck Stamp purchases have directly benefited North Carolina habitats.
Currituck NWR, Cedar Island NWR, Great Dismal Swamp NWR, Mackay Island NWR, Mattamuskeet NWR, Pea Island NWR, Pocosin Lakes NWR, Roanoke NWR, and Swanquarter NWR are all regional National Wildlife Refuges that were funded partly with Duck Stamp funds. These are great places for birders to enjoy, usually for FREE. Hunters can also take part in some regulated hunting opportunities at some of these locations.
Ducks Unlimited dollars are used to supplement these wonderful habitats with conservation plans and tools. Pumps, food crops, and other things are funded partly through Ducks Unlimited. The J. Morgan Fuch Waterfowl Impoundment is a Ducks Unlimited Project. It is also the best place for a waterfowler to spot pintails, mallards, teal, and swans if drawn for coveted permit.
Everyone should buy atleast one Duck Stamp in their lifetime...their addicting to collect. Duck Stamps are not only a great collector's investment, but also an investment in protecting our marshes, waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors...
Enjoy the Day...
No comments:
Post a Comment