Local Ducks Unlimited group to celebrate anniversary at banquet

Southeast Missouri has a strong waterfowl hunting heritage. Ducks Unlimited of Cape Girardeau County helps to preserve that heritage through conserving wetland environments.

At Saturday's annual dinner, Ducks Unlimited of Cape Girardeau County will be celebrating the organization's 75th anniversary. The dinner is scheduled for 6 p.m. at VFW Post 3838 at 1049 N. Kingshighway. Activities scheduled will include dinner, games, a live auction, door prizes and more. Joe Bob Baker, Ducks Unlimited Missouri chairman, will also be speaking.

Organizer Scott Loomis said attendees can expect "a casual, fun night."

The cost to attend is $50 per person or $70 per couple. Youth may attend for $20 and sponsorships are $300.

According to Loomis, attendees will receive membership into the organization. Money raised for the dinner will be used to support the national Ducks Unlimited organization as well as local efforts to conserve wetlands environments and waterfowl. Ducks Unlimited is a grass roots, volunteer based, not-for-profit organization. It began in the area in 1976 when a group of local hunters and sportsmen wanted to ensure the preservation of wetlands so future generations could enjoy waterfowl and duck hunting.

"We're looking forward to a big year," said organizer Kandra Baker. "Without donations and the work Ducks Unlimited does, it would not be possible hunt. I want my son now and my grandkids to be able to hunt and Ducks Unlimited provides that opportunity."

Ducks Unlimited national organization began in 1937. The Dust Bowl drastically reduced wetland acres and waterfowl populations. Groups of sportsmen organized to preserve, restore and manage wetlands and wildlife. The organization has conserved more than 12 million acres and helped nearly 900 species of wildlife in the last 75 years. In Missouri, according to Loomis, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 107,500 acres of wetlands.

"Making sure ducks are in the future has been a common interest for us," Loomis said.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact Loomis at 579-7058, Baker at 579-6940 or online at www.ducks.org.

Pertinent address: 1049 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau.