Ducks Unlimited

[Deleted member 32]

I was a member for 25 years. I have been to over a dozen "banquets". They were always a fun time. Won many "auctions", walk around "raffles" and "bucket raffles". Won many "games" for "prizes". They were always enjoyable. Small chapter so catered dinner, which was always delicious. Purchased many licensed products as well.
However, always spent $200 ish dollars to have that "good time". Not complaining at all.
My complaint is, I have never observed any noticeable change in hunting conditions where I hunt. No more habitat. No more ducks. No less either! So contributed over $6,000 in my time to gain what?
Has anyone else found something different?
I am no longer a member. The magazine rarely arrived and when it did it was more advertising than actual applicable information.
Let us all know.

 

[trapdoor1889]

I too was a member of DU, Delta, Turkey Fed.,etc etc. I will hit 75 yo tomorrow. I will on occasion will buy an annual membership to one or more. I have found it of more value to me and family to spend the money on habitat improvement on our own farm. I dont find fault with these organizations other than it seems always to be all about money and more of it. But I think large scale habitat work and lobbying governments is very costly.

 

[Deleted member 32]

Happy Birthday trapdoor1889.

I agree with your assessment. About the money in the end, as much is.

 

[Robin1]

I was a member for 25 years. I have been to over a dozen "banquets". They were always a fun time. Won many "auctions", walk around "raffles" and "bucket raffles". Won many "games" for "prizes". They were always enjoyable. Small chapter so catered dinner, which was always delicious. Purchased many licensed products as well.
However, always spent $200 ish dollars to have that "good time". Not complaining at all.
My complaint is, I have never observed any noticeable change in hunting conditions where I hunt. No more habitat. No more ducks. No less either! So contributed over $6,000 in my time to gain what?
Has anyone else found something different?
I am no longer a member. The magazine rarely arrived and when it did it was more advertising than actual applicable information.
Let us all know.

I get where you're coming from. I've attended a few banquets too, fun for sure but like you, I never noticed real changes in local hunting conditions. Feels more like supporting the community

 

[Robin1]

I too was a member of DU, Delta, Turkey Fed.,etc etc. I will hit 75 yo tomorrow. I will on occasion will buy an annual membership to one or more. I have found it of more value to me and family to spend the money on habitat improvement on our own farm. I dont find fault with these organizations other than it seems always to be all about money and more of it. But I think large scale habitat work and lobbying governments is very costly.

Hope you had a great birthday! I agree, sometimes putting money directly into habitat improvements on your own land feels more rewarding. I understand the cost of lobbying, but personal impact feels more tangible

 

[Pedro]

I had a similar experience with a different conservation group, fun banquets, raffles, and plenty of camaraderie, but I didn't really see the habitat improvements where I hunted. It left me questioning the actual impact too

 

[Tabby]

I used to belong to many of the conservation groups, donated, attended banquets, etc. Never saw much of any improvements anywhere where I hunted. I was not impressed by the supposed improvements hundreds or thousands of miles away, places where I would not visit, or ever have a good chance of drawing a tag to hunt. Here in Wisconsin I read about how RMEF got us elk back in the state, but only saw the WI DNR actually doing anything about introducing elk, and while it's an ongoing thing, my chances of getting an elk tag are about the same as living to 1000 years old to finally maybe get a chance at a tag. I support the DNR, gave up on RMEF as well as all the others. Keep your money local and support politics that helps with wildlife rather than lobbying efforts that actually are fruitless endeavors. Instead put your money where it will do the most good, and that is not in some lobbyist or politicians pockets.