*Want to be featured in a Duck Junkies video? Take a second to record yourself saying "I am a Duck Junkie" and send it to us. The deadline for submissions is May 15th!

*Have you read the newsletter? Contests, Featured Junkies and Pro Staff, Partnerships and improvements Announcements... View it now!

*We'd like to welcome our newest advertiser, Hadden Hailers, to the site. HaddenHailers is your home for the highest quality duck, goose and turkey calls for reasonable prices.

*Be sure to listen online Sunday, May 16th, when Duck Junkies will be auctioning off a Limited Edition Banded Dog Collar on the HHS radio show to benefit wounded/returning soldiers.

White House introduces Great Outdoors Initiative for 21st century

Being a father and son to a family with deep traditions in outdoors, conservation, and hunting, I wanted to share this information with all Junkies. It's refreshing to see that government knows the needs of focusing on conservation, but most importantly enjoying our natural resources with family. This is a good start, and more the reason to join your local DU organization, various waterfowl conservation agencies and be an active DUCKJUNKIE!!!


http://www.ducks.org/Conservation/PolicyNews/4902/PolicyNews216.html#refuges


http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-memorandum-americas-great-outdoors

Chris Manka
Northern CA ProStaff
DuckJunkies.com

Update on bird nesting/pairing & new gear in Eastex

I have been working on the farm the past couple of weekends & haven't had the time to get out and explore the open waters to find some birds. But the bird gods have spoken as I was traveling across the farm this past Saturday, I approached one of our ponds to be greeted by some local/resident Woodies out for a little daily wing stretch. It gives me goosebumps everytime I see a pair & the thoughts & hopes for a great upcoming season! I also spotted a few crossing the Interstate on the way to work this morning as I sit back in the captains chair & watch the speedometer read 73mph. Life of a working daddy with an addiction to the quack!!

One more thing, I did happen to snag me up a new duck call!! The Kamikaze it reads!! Great call!! Made by one of our fellow DuckJunkie Pro-Staffers Shannon Smith... Has the lower end "Down & Dirty" raspy quack for up close action as well as the reach out there power to tell them quackheads to come see you and your couple dozen freinds!! Comes in single or double reed... Great colors, nice size fit for your hand!! A must try!!

More to come! Until next time!!

- Posted using BlogPress from dhshquack iPhone

Pair Bonds

If you are curious about the pairing habits of ducks or just want to double check your facts, watch out this 2 minute video from our partner, Delta Waterfowl, on Pair Bonds.

Wood Duck Nesting Project

On April 3rd, 2010, my wife and I, along with fellow Atwater Ducks Unlimited committee member Dennis Baker, went out to the Gallo Ranch west of Modesto, California. On this ranch we are currently servicing approximately 150 wood duck boxes.

We serviced 22 boxes out of the 150 and all but 9 were being used which is a great sign. We had one box that held 31 eggs! Obviously being used by 2 different hens. We were able to catch and band 8 hens and captured one that was banded previously.

Being a Duck Junkie took on a new meaning for me that day. This was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. There is nothing like being part of somthing where you can make a difference in wildlife and their habitat.

Luke Castillo

Duck Junkies Pro Staff

Central California

April 2010 Featured Member

Mike Hauser, Indiana

I started hunting small game when I was 7 or 8, man I loved the crossman air rifle. Got hooked on deer at the age of 16 and waterfowl and turkey at 18. I love the grace and agility that the birds have while flying. Decoy spread set-up is my strongest skill. I am really excited about having the message board on DuckJunkies.com. I enjoy checking out the pics of other members and their quarry.