Along the waters and wetlands of the Green River region, a small group of volunteers dedicate their time to creating a welcoming habitat for waterfowl, involve youth in outdoor activities, and promote hunting. The Green River Delta Waterfowl Chapter is a Columbia-based nonprofit organization founded in 2000.
Delta Waterfowl is one of the largest and longest-running waterfowl organizations in North America. Originally founded in 1938, the headquarters is in North Dakota. A portion of the proceeds raised by the Green River chapter goes to the Prairie Pothole Region where 70 percent of the continent’s ducks are hatched.
The money that is retained by the local chapter goes into the Waterfowl Heritage Fund, which is used to place wooden duck boxes in Green River Wildlife Management Area and public areas to provide nesting habitats.
“We don’t have birds here. Birds don’t nest here. You may see a couple at the lake and that is about it,” said chairman Andrew Conley. “So, we are trying to put as many nesting boxes out as we possibly can to promote the birds that we do get here to nest.”
Conley said the chapter is working with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, hoping to add some water control structures and other things to give waterfowl a reason to nest here. Although there is a season for hunting waterfowl, hunters must catch the birds as they are passing through on their migratory route.
All the Delta Waterfowl chapters came together in a Million Duck Campaign.
They successfully raised $284 million to fund 250,000 hen houses and produce 750,000 ducks through predator management efforts. The top three predators for waterfowl during nesting season are coyotes, skunks and raccoons.
The Green River Chapter hosts youth, veteran and first-time college hunters.
“All of them are 100 percent sponsored. If you are a participant in one of these hunts, your waders will be covered, your guns will be covered. The only thing we require you to have are your license and your permits,” said Conley. “We meet in the morning, take you out to a spot and do our best to get you in front of some birds.
“We’re really big advocates of taking youth into the outdoors. Whether that is hunting, fishing, birdwatching or whatever that might be.”
Anyone who is interested in participating in one of the hunts or in becoming a volunteer with the chapter may contact Conley at 270-850-0390 or email the chapter at greenriverdelta@outlook.com.
The main fundraiser for the chapter is their annual Delta Banquet. This will be the sixth year for event, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Columbia VFW building on Green Hills Road.
The event includes a meal, numerous raffles, silent auction, and a live auction.
“We have a youth table that we are super, super big into. So all of our youth, anybody under the age of 16 years old that comes to the banquet will get a free ticket. During the meal, we will call all the kids up front and we will draw these tickets out,” he said.
The prizes on the youth table will include .22 rifles, fishing poles, bb guns and much more for the youth to choose from. There is no additional charge for youth to participate in this raffle.
“We do that so the kids have a chance to get outside and explore,” said Conley.
A silent auction is held with something for everyone. A live auction with larger items will also be held.
“Last year was our biggest crowd, and we also raised the most money that we’ve ever raised. I think we had close to 65 people, and we raised just shy of $30,000,” he said.
Tickets are currently on sale for the banquet and can be purchased from any member. Ticket purchasers prior to Sept. 1 will be entered into a surprise drawing. Tickets are $50 per person, $70 for a couple, and $25 for youth under 16.
Item donations are being accepted and are appreciated. The banquet is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend.
By Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
