northern minnesota du living lakes projects - Ducks Unlimited

Special points of interest:
• Federal Premium Ammunition
Raffle Rundown
• Hoekstra Dedication
• DU’s Biggest Wetland
Restoration Project in
Manitoba
• Youth Mentored Waterfowl
Hunt
• DU Sponsors Preview
Rare Duckboat Exhibit
Inside this issue:
Chairman’s Chat- 2
ter
Youth Hunt 3
Federal Premium
Ammunition Raffle
Information
Northern Minnesota
DU Living
Lakes Projects
Project Hall of
Fame
Minnesota Artist’s
Corner
Kliever Farms—
Elkhorn Manitoba
Hoekstra Dedication
4
6
8
9
10
11
Duckboat Exhibit 12
Summer/Fall 2011
NORTHERN MINNESOTA
DU LIVING LAKES PROJECTS
Wild rice beds on Laura
Lake in Cass County
showing good production
even during a high
water year. Laura Lake
is a Living Lakes project
that has resulted in a
return of more consistent
wild rice abundance
to the lake.
Official Newsletter of Minnesota Ducks Unlimited
Duck Lake in Crow Wing County is
a DU Livings Lake Initiative Project
completed last year in cooperation
with the DNR.
More on Northern Minnesota DU Living Lakes Projects on Page 6
Cattails Official Newsletter of Minnesota Ducks Unlimited

Page 2 Summer/Fall 2011
Dave Flink, State Chair
Your Minnesota DU
State Committee
State Chair
Dave Flink
Hutchinson, MN
320-587-4246
dflink@mnducksvolunteer.org
State Council Chair
Less Ness
Chisago City, MN
651-257-6413
lness@mnducks.org
State Chair Elect
Tim Roble
Frazee, MN
218-334-4701
dtroble@yahoo.com
State Treasurer
Dan Scheffler
Northfield, MN
507-291-0311
danielscheffler1@gmail.com
State Volunteer
Recruitment Coord.
Dale Lusti
Buffalo, MN
763-682-3468
d.alelusti@aol.com
State Convention Chairs
Bob and Karen Sorenson
Albert Lea, MN
507-373-4931
bnksorenson@hotmailcom
State Major Gift Chair
Russ Klint
Benson, MN
320-239-4322
olcoot@metrolakes.com
State Chairman’s Chatter
At a recent State Council sponsored training session, one of our senior volunteers took me aside to
inform me that his Father had just passed away. A few days later I saw the obituary and found out
that his father had been a WWII vet. He was born in 1924, a year after my own father, who was also
a WWII veteran.
Our volunteer’s loss got me to reflect on my own father and the legacy the Veterans of WWII created.
Often referred to as the Greatest Generation, their legacy is the freedom we enjoy today. All
of us owe a debt of gratitude to our Veterans old and new for their service and commitment to protecting
the freedoms and life style we enjoy today. These Americans have produced an epitaph of
unparalleled commitment and sacrifice—often giving their lives for their country.
Though extremely pale in comparison, we as DU volunteers have the opportunity to help create our
own legacy. Minnesota DU has been lead by some of the most active and engaged volunteers in the
nation. However our volunteer numbers have declined recently. It takes a committee to run a
successful fund raising event and as the saying goes, the more the merrier.
No matter who you are, you have the ability to extend an invitation to be a part of DU not only as a
member but as a committee member. Take some time, develop a personal “hit list” and ask these
folks to be part of DU. The great thing about our organization is everyone has the ability to contribute.
No contribution is too big or too small and we have a job for everyone.
The future of Ducks Unlimited is dependant on our existing volunteers to find new blood. Build your
personal legacy by helping DU achieve it mission, filling the skies with waterfowl, today, tomorrow
and forever. Thank you for all that you do for Minnesota Ducks Unlimited.
Volunteer Spotlight—Jerry Weltzin
Jerry’s DU background started in 1992 when he went on his
first ever duck hunting trip near Cottonwood, MN. Then he
attended his first ever DU dinner event and was hooked.
After a couple years attending the Zumbrota chapter dinner
events, he became the area chair for several years. Then he
was asked to step up to Zone Chair and he has been volunteering
in that capacity since. Jerry and his wife attend the
State Convention when time allows and are now Life Sponsors
in Perpetuity. “The sponsorships each year add up to a
life sponsor fairly fast when you go to a lot of events in one
year. Our grand daughter Sophia was the first Legacy Greenwing
in our chapter and now we have more. Some one makes the first move and others soon follow.”
Jerry says, “Why do I believe in DU? The ducks didn’t mess up the environment, man did. I feel if we
have the time, talent, and funds, we should help fix the environment where we can. Every living thing
on earth needs fresh air and water to survive and wetlands provide both, plus some habitat for wild
life and some recreation for those that choose to get out and hunt, fish and photograph there.”
Jerry continues to hunt and mentors to other young hunters. He invited a young man from his
church, who he sponsored for confirmation, along to their cabin at the lake. “He loved it. He has
become a part of our local committee and I hope he can stay with DU for his lifetime. The friends
I’ve made and the good times I’ve had are some very good memories.”
Cattails Official Newsletter of Minnesota Ducks Unlimited

Summer/Fall 2011
Introducing Youth to Waterfowl Hunting
Minnesota Ducks Unlimited have teamed with the Minnesota DNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
the past two years to provide a
mentored youth hunt on the Youth Waterfowl
Day in early September. The
event includes mentors hunting with a
youth, who brings along a parent or
guardian. In 2009, the event was held at
Hamden National Wildlife Refuge by
Detroit Lakes and last year, the program
was expanded to include events at Thief
Lake WMA, Morris Waterfowl Management
District, and the Minnesota Horse
and Hunt Club in Prior Lake.
The event starts with a mentor meeting
Friday afternoon and then the mentors
scout the hunting locations. The youths
arrive about 3 pm to get registered and meet their mentors who then take them out to the marsh to
view the hunting location. A dinner and informative talks take up the remainder of the evening.
The next morning mentors, their dogs, parents, and youths arrive at o’dark-thirty to have a quick bite
and head to the blind. The hunting opportunities are usually fantastic, because some of the locations
only get hunted the one day per year. Usually,
each youth gets a duck or two and the good
shots often get more.
Win Mitchell provides some waterfowling insight
to the youth and parents at the 2009 event.
The hunt lasts until 10:00 am and the hunters
return to the hunt headquarters for lunch,
picture taking, story telling, and cleaning ducks.
Everyone is on their way home by noon. This
year’s event is planned again and DU is recruiting
mentors for the Sept. 10, 2011 hunt.
Youth, parents, guardians, and mentors at the 2009 Youth Hunt at
Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge after the morning hunt.
Page 3
Young hunters
cleaning ducks at
last year’s event.
If you are
interested in
becoming a
mentor and
would like to
help introduce
kids to
waterfowling
this fall, please
contact us:
Win Mitchell
612-868-3674
Cattails Official Newsletter of Minnesota Ducks Unlimited
Or
Tim Roble
218-849-7876

Page 4 Summer/Fall 2011
Federal Premium Ammunition Program With MnDU
For a couple of decades Minnesota’s own Federal Ammunition has been supporting
Minnesota Ducks Unlimited with a special state program. However,
over the past couple of years they have taken
their support to another level with the statewide
FEDERAL PREMIUM AMMUNITION
FIELD HUNTERS RAFFLE.
Located in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal has been
manufacturing ammunition since 1922, and employs
over 1,000 Minnesotans in the manufacture
of rimfire, shotshell and centerfire ammunition
for hunters, law enforcement, target
shooters and the military. Black Cloud is
the cutting edge waterfowl load that has taken
steel shot to new levels of lethality, and every
round is built here in Minnesota.
By leveraging Federal’s partnership with other
waterfowl industry leaders such as Benelli,
Reeds Family Outdoors Outfitter, Duck Com-
The 2009 Federal Premium Ammunition Raffle Winner and Family. mander, and cooperating with a leading decoy
manufacturer in Dakota Decoys; they have
created a program that is certain to keep generating
big dollars for the ducks.
Federal
Ammunition has
been a huge
supporter of
MnDU
“This program is one of the most successful fundraisers in the country,” said
Ryan Bronson, Conservation Manager for Federal. “We are so proud of our
home state Ducks Unlimited chapter and their leadership nationally converting
memberships into habitat for waterfowl.”
Every local event that takes advantage of the program will raffle off a Duck
Commander call, a terrific incentive prize by any measure. Every event winner
is entered into the grand prize drawing for a trailer full of Dakota Decoys,
10 cases of Black Cloud ® ammunition, and a Benelli Vinci shotgun. The fully
decorated trailer will be given away at the State Convention.
Perhaps as important as the funds raised, the trailer serves as a mobile billboard
for Ducks Unlimited reminding envious duck hunters that the only way to win
such a great prize is to attend a DU event.
Cattails Official Newsletter of Minnesota Ducks Unlimited

Summer/Fall 2011
Federal Premium Ammunition Field Hunter 2011 Raffle
Instructions for 2011
Federal Premium Ammunition
Field Hunter’s Raffle
1. Grand Prize Winner receives a 6X10 foot trailer
stocked full of Dakota decoys and other field hunting gear
from Reed’s Family Outdoor Outfitters, plus 10 cases of
Federal Premium Ammunition Black Cloud Steel Shot, and
a Benelli Vinci Shotgun.
2. Winners at 250 local events receive a terrific incentive
prize, a Duck Commander TM “Ole Raspy" Duck Call, and
entry in the grand prize raffle.
3. Duck calls are distributed to the event committees
through MnDU office in advance of the event.
4. At events, calls will be raffled by selling 30 chances at $10
each.
5. Raffle entry package is included with each call shipped to
the committee. It is the responsibility of each winner to
register using the materials provided. Raffle is managed
through state office.
6. Winner will be drawn at the MnDU 2011 State Convention
in February 2012.
Putting the finishing touches on the trailer.
Back of the completed trailer.
Page 5
Federal Premium Ammunition
Raffle Poster.
Cattails Official Newsletter of Minnesota Ducks Unlimited

Page 6 Summer/Fall 2011
The newly restored outlet to Duck Lake.
Northern Minnesota DU Living Lakes Initiative Projects
Ducks Unlimited Living Lakes Initiative projects in northern Minnesota are primarily on wild rice
lakes. The work usually involves removing beaver dams, trapping beavers, cleaning vegetation
out of outlet channels, and removing chunks of cattail bog to allow the lakes to drain down in
the spring, which enhances wild rice growth. Thicker stands of wild rice provides habitat for
myriad of aquatic invertebrates consumed by ducks
such as amphipods or freshwater shrimp and provides
cover for ducks for brood and migration habitat.
DU manages, in cooperation with the Minnesota
DNR, over 100 wild rice lakes in central and
northern Minnesota. Three of these lakes were
visited this summer, in August, to see how the successful
the projects are in producing wild rice this
year.
Ring-necked ducks love wild rice lakes.
Duck Lake in Crow Wing county is a shallow 310-arce lake on a
State WMA that had been drained with a large ditch early in the
1920s. In the early 1960s, the DNR constructed a water control
structure to refill the lake and that it did. The water levels, however,
became too high and wild rice growth was almost nonexistent.
In 1983, the boards were removed from the control
structure and the sheet pile weir was modified to set the crest at a
lower level. The wild rice returned, but the outlet continued to
provide problems.
Last year, DU pulled out the weir and installed a more natural
outlet that is wider and lined with rocks. The outlet permits fish
passage and the rock protects the channel from erosion, but still
allows the lake to drain. Even with the wet summer, wild rice
growth was excellent and hunting conditions should be good.
August 7, 2011 photo of wild rice growth on Duck Lake.
Cattails Official Newsletter of Minnesota Ducks Unlimited

Summer/Fall 2011
Northern Minnesota DU Living Lakes Projects Continued
Laura Lake in Cass County was a historic wild rice lake, but in the 1980s and 1990s the
outlet had become restricted by a beaver dam. The resulting high water levels resulted in
chunks of floating bog moving around the lake and further plugging the outlet. The result
was limited wild rice, consisting of a fringe of rice along the north edge and south bay.
In 2007 and 2008, DU, DNR staff, and local contractors tackled, literally, clearing the outlet
using block and tackle, a 4 X 4 truck, and a tracked excavator to pull pieces of bog out
of the outlet. Using a snatch block, pulley, and 650 feet of cable, the bog was pulled to a road, where
the outlet creek flowed under, by driving the truck down the road. The excavator then used its shovel
to reach out, grab the bog chunks, and load them in a dump truck. The cost effective work resulted in
a cleared channel that allows the lake to drain down and wild rice to flourish.
On August 7th this year, the lake was toured by the editor, who found extensive beds of wild rice
across the entire lake, with thick beds in northern and central parts of the lake.
Big Rice Lake near Remer is another DU Living Lakes Initiative Project in Cass County. The outlet was
cleaned using a cookie cutter to remove bog to the Willow River in 2004 and an old beaver dam was
removed with a small traxcavator in 2009. Wild rice has returned to Big Rice with a
vengeance resulting in wild rice densities comparable to historic amounts. The result
has been much improved hunting opportunities. The Big Rice Lake project was dedicated
to the late Tommy Williams. He was a well-known Georgia philanthropist and
duck hunter with a real affinity for ring-necked ducks. The dedication cairn seen to
the right is at the east side public access. The generosity of Tommy and his friends
continue to benefit wild rice habitat favored by ringnecks to this day.
Even with the wet spring and summer, the wild rice crop, and other emergents, on
Big Rice look fantastic this year, with rice covering 75 percent of the lake.
Jon Schneider, DU’s Minnesota Conservation Programs Manager, says “ a big thank you goes to the hard
working volunteers for a making these projects possible”.
August 7, 2011 photo of wild rice growth (rice is light green) on Big Rice Lake.
Page 7
A large 1/2 mile across
wild rice bed on Laura
Lake (Aug. 7, 2011).
Laura Lake
Outlet Before
and After Fall
Cattails Official Newsletter of Minnesota Ducks Unlimited
2008
Cleanout
Work (Photos
courtesy of
DNR)

Page 8 Summer/Fall 2011
The project sign at the water
control structure.
A pair of ring-necked ducks takes
flight from a canal along one of the
dikes. Several ringbill pairs were
using the lake this past May.
PROJECT HALL OF FAME— ELM LAKE RESTORATION
Ducks Unlimited has been
doing projects in Minnesota
since 1986. There are literally
hundreds of DU projects
scattered around Minnesota.
In fact, many of the water
control structures on Waterfowl
Production Areas
(WPAs) and State Wildlife
Management Areas
(WMAs) were designed and
build as Ducks Unlimited
projects. This column is a
regular feature devoted to
describing some of these
older projects.
The Elm Lake Restoration
project was a large project,
restoring 2,553 acres of wetland
in Marshall County.
The project was completed
in December 1990 at a cost
of almost $2 million,
through DU’s new, at the
time, “U.S. Habitat Program”.
The Elm Lake Restoration
consisted of a large
multi-bay water control
structure located on Marshall
County Ditch 200,
clean out of the several
miles of ditch, and construction
of two box culvert
bridges. Working in the
peat common in the area
made this project a considerable
challenge.
The project was the largest
and most expensive project
in the delivered by DU in
the U.S. at the time. A portion
of the lake is on the
Agassiz National Wildlife
Refuge and the southern
portion is on the Elm Lake
State Wildlife Management
Area.
The project was visited in
mid May and was being
used by several species of
ducks, with ring-necked
ducks being the most numerous,
but gadwalls and bluewinged
teal were also common.
The multi-bay outlet control
structure located at the
west end of the project.
The photo is looking east,
down the main ditch. On
the left is Agassiz NWR and
on the right is Elm Lake
WMA. The WMA is open
to public hunting.
Cattails Official Newsletter of Minnesota Ducks Unlimited

Summer/Fall 2011
Minnesota Artists’ Corner—Jim Killen
A master artist, avid sportsman, and dedicated conservationist, Jim Killen has reaped
national and international awards, including being honored three times as
"International Artist of the Year" for Ducks Unlimited. Jim merges his passion for the
outdoors into every facet of his life.
He spends hours with his camera recording the beauty and serenity of the great
outdoors with his own sporting dogs by his side. "I feel a closeness to dogs... I have
hunted with some great dogs and painted them as well... I know the dedication that
exists between an owner and their dog."
The distinctive style and quality of Jim`s original paintings, along with his wealth of
knowledge and experience makes for an extraordinary combination. His art has generated
millions of dollars for numerous conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited
International, Pheasants Forever, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. He
was also named Southeastern Wildlife Expo "Artist of the Year" in 1987.
Born and raised in Minnesota, the pheasant fields and prairie potholes inspired him
to strive to preserve these gifts of nature for future generations. Jim`s studio overlooks
the 160 acres he developed into a wildlife management area focusing on waterfowl,
pheasant, wild turkey and deer. A favorite project for Jim is perpetuating the
forest and he has planted more than 30,000 trees on his property.
Jim Killen has received numerous honors and awards over the years including:
2007 - South Carolina Duck Stamp - A Four Year Series
2005 - Featured Artist Pheasants Forever "Pheasant Fest"
2004 - National Wild Turkey Federation Artist of the Year
2003 - International Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year
New Jersey State Duck Stamp
1999 - Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award - MN State U., Mankato, MN
1998 - Georgia Duck Stamp
Illinois Duck Stamp - A Five Year Series
1997 - "Target 2000" National Wild Turkey - A Four Year Series
U.S. Art Hall of Fame Inductee
Thomas Jefferson Award for Community Service from the American Institute in Washington, DC
1995 - Kentucky Duck Stamp
North Carolina Duck Stamp
1993 - International Ducks Unlimited International Artist of the Year
First of State Illinois Habitat Stamp - A Four Year Series
1991 South Carolina Duck Stamp
1988 - Idaho Duck Stamp
South Carolina Duck Stamp
Quail Unlimited Stamp
1987 - National Wild Turkey Stamp
Quail Unlimited Grand Slam Print
Southeastern Wildlife Expo Artist of the Year
1986 - First of State Vermont Duck Stamp
A Four Year Series - "The Four Seasons of Vermont"
Georgia Duck Stamp
1985 - Minnesota Pheasant Stamp
1984 - National Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year
North Carolina Duck Stamp
Photo and biography courtesy of Wild Wings, LLC - Lake City, Minnesota.
Page 9
“Dogs in Action/Great Day” is one of
Jim’s many paintings of hunting dogs.
Jim and, his wife, Karen have a tribute
project in their name at Lac Qui Parle
WMA, built by DU and DNR.
Cattails Official Newsletter of Minnesota Ducks Unlimited

Page 10
Kliever wetland and
ditch plug.
Teal pair on new water.
The Kliever
Family Farm is
DU Canada’s
largest wetland
restoration
project in
Manitoba.
DU Canada’s Jamie
Maxwell and rancher
Kirk Kliever.
Kliever Family Farm Project—Elkhorn, Manitoba
Lest we forget, DU also spends millions of dollars in Canada to produce ducks that migrate south
through Minnesota. This article highlights such a recent project in Manitoba, Canada.
The Kliever family’s 1,600-acre farm had been a grain operation since the 1970s, but a new way of
thinking to do what’s right for the land changed the way they farmed, leading to the biggest Ducks
Unlimited Canada (DUC) conservation project in Manitoba. The Klievers had all their land sown
down to grass and currently intensively graze all their land – custom grazing 500 head of cattle in the
summer on 44 paddocks. Their practice of moving the cattle every day and sometimes twice a day
rejuvenates the paddocks and the forage that much more. And when cattle don’t graze forage to the
ground, leaving grass, means the land is being properly managed and is healthier.
What eventually changed the family’s outlook on conservation and what may have shaped a plan for
the future can probably be credited to a Holistic Management course the Klievers took with Don
Campbell from Meadow Lake, SK. Holistic Management practices promote healthier and more sustainable
landscapes using animals as management tools and fertilizer producers.
“We thought of it as a win-win,” said Kirk Kliever who does most of the management and organization
for the family’s operation called Kenrae Farms. “Once our land was sown to grass, we wanted to
plug up the ditches to hold the water instead of it all running away so we can use it. Holistic Management
showed us that we can have healthier land by making the cows do all the work for us.”
“Cattle need water and grass, and so do ducks,” said Rick Andrews, head of wetland restoration for
DUC in Manitoba. “I have always said that and this project is the perfect example of how agriculture
and the environment can find a common ground and complement each other.” “DUC supports the
important cattle industry. We have programs to help cattle producers like the Klievers remain sustainable
in the long term. Sustainability and good stewardship is the key to keep rural families on the
farm and we are working hard to ensure there is a viable cattle industry in Manitoba,” Andrews said.
June 2008 preplug conditions showing dry basins.
Summer/Fall 2011
May 2009 postplug condition showing basins with water.
So working with DUC was a natural fit for the Klievers and they completely restored 118 wetland
basins with 93 earthen plugs, making it the biggest wetland restoration project in Manitoba. After a
bunch of dry years, Kliever said it’s good to have the water around. Restoring the wetlands hasn’t
changed anything the family does because they don’t crop the land or put up hay anymore. The Klievers
don’t worry about driving equipment around the newly restored wetlands.
Since the big wetland restoration project wrapped up, the Klievers started seeing benefits right away.
“The more diverse the plants and animals, the healthier everything is and we see it more and more.
Our restored wetlands add to that. Kliever said. “Now that we’ve done it, I look at everyone else’s
fields and wonder why they don’t do it themselves.” In additional to the large wetland restoration project
on the Kliever property, they also signed a Conservation Agreement with DUC, which means they
cannot break or drain the land forever, protecting the farm for future generations.
Article and photographs courtesy of Ducks Unlimited Canada.
Cattails Official Newsletter of Minnesota Ducks Unlimited

Summer/Fall 2011
RAYMOND, MN — Friends and family of Adam Hoekstra answered his untimely death in the best way
they knew how. They made a lasting gift in the Spicer native’s memory for all time.
After his death at age 24 in 2009, they launched a fund drive that raised $170,000 for Ducks Unlimited
restoration work. There were many who gave $20,000 or more in his memory.
The funds are being applied to Ducks Unlimited’s Living Lakes Initiative. Its goal is to conserve 400
shallow lakes and large marshes in Minnesota and Iowa in the next 10 years. They will serve as
“stepping stones’’ for migrating and nesting waterfowl, Tim Roble, Ducks Unlimited state chair elect,
told those who gathered at a dedication ceremony on May 7, 2011 for the restoration of Olson Lake.
The funds in memory of Adam Hoekstra will be a long-lasting gift, Roble noted, by providing much
needed waterfowl habitat for future generations.
Teal whizzed overhead and geese kept a cacophony of noise in the background as more than 100 people
joined at the lake near Raymond to dedicate the Olson Lake restoration project as well as a cairn
in Hoekstra’s memory.
“His enthusiasm and passion for nature is with each and every one of us,’’ said Karen Sorenson, Ducks
Unlimited volunteer and sponsor from Albert Lea.
Hoekstra, the son of Lloyd and Deb Hoekstra of Spicer, died July 10, 2009. He was realizing his dream
and serving as a regional director for Ducks Unlimited in southeastern Minnesota when he unexpectedly
died of a heart infection.
Shortly after his death, friends and family approached Ducks Unlimited about conducting the fund drive.
They asked only if they could dedicate a cairn in his memory at a restoration project, according to
Adam DeHaan, development director for Ducks Unlimited.
It would be hard to find a site more appropriate for the memorial. Chad Sportel, his nephew, said it
was also the last place he had the opportunity to hunt with him. The two had chased pheasants on the
uplands around the lake.
Hoekstra was as passionate about grasslands and prairie habitat as he was about waterfowl and shallow
waters. At the dedication, Sportel said Hoekstra would be happiest of all to know that this is a place
where dads and sons and other family members can hunt together.
Hoekstra was a 2004 graduate of New London-Spicer High School who loved to hunt. He became
especially passionate about the work of Ducks Unlimited while he was earning a bachelor’s degree and
double majors in communications and public relations at North Dakota State University in Fargo, N.D.
He organized a Ducks Unlimited chapter and devoted long hours to raising funds for other chapters in
the area while attending college, according to his mother, Deb.
He married Alyssa Wilson in October 2008 and the couple moved to
Farmington when Hoekstra was chosen from among more than 100
candidates for the regional director position in southeastern Minnesota.
While there is no undoing the hurt that Adam Hoekstra’s loss means to
them, his father, Lloyd, said that he and Adam’s mother and other family
members left the ceremony feeling very good about what was done.
“Adam would have been happy,’’ he said.
Adam Hoekstra Dedication
Article courtesy of West Central Tribune (for video go to www.wctrib.com)
Page 11
Deb an Lloyd Hoekstra
unveil the cairn at
the project dedication
in honor of their son,
Adam Hoekstra.
“Adam was and
continues to be
an inspiration
to all who had
the good
fortune of
sharing his life”
Adam Hoekstra—
Olson Lake Project
Donors.
Cattails Official Newsletter of Minnesota Ducks Unlimited

Page 12
If you are in the
Alexandria
area, make sure
to stop in this
fall to view the
vintage
duckboats,
decoys, and
photographs.
DU Supporters Preview Vintage Duck Boat Exhibit
Tom and Linda Akenson receive a Diamond
Life plaque from State Campaign Chairs,
Russ and Deanna Klint.
The Vikingland DU Sponsors
were the first to preview the
duck boat exhibit at the Minnesota
Lakes Maritime Museum in
Alexandria, Minnesota at their
annual fundraising event May 4,
2011. A special feature of the
exhibit is a Ducks Unlimited
display celebrating the waterfowl
hunting tradition of Minnesota
and the Living Lakes
conservation initiative that
works to bring health back to
compromised shallow lakes in
Iowa and Minnesota.
Featured speakers at the event
were museum volunteer Terry
Niedenfuer and DU regional
director, Terry Kostinec. Additionally,
six major donors
were recognized for completing
gifts. Area Chairman, Richard
Hardine, commented on
the evening saying, “The museum
has done a remarkable
job creating this exhibit. Ducks
Summer/Fall 2011
Unlimited is honored to be
included and thanks the museum
for graciously hosting this
event. If you are traveling
through Minnesota this summer,
please stop by.”
A new original oil painting by
acclaimed artist John House has
been created to commemorate
the exhibit. An historic collection
of decoys assembled by
the Minnesota Decoy Collectors
Foundation is also featured
along with decoys carved by
Minnesota carvers. A notable
collection of hunting photos
from the Oxley Collection ties
everything together.
The exhibit is scheduled to run
from May through mid-
October 2011. The address is
205 3 rd Ave West, Alexandria,
MN. Their web-site can be
found at:
www.mnlakesmaritime.org/.
DU major donors Brad
Gruss and Tom Soderman
admire an old duck boat.
Cattails Official Newsletter of Minnesota Ducks Unlimited

Summer/Fall 2011
Page 13
Cattails Official Newsletter of Minnesota Ducks Unlimited
Area
Chairs -
Please
Exhibit
The
Poster
And
Actively
Market
This
Raffle
At
Your
Events

MINNESOTA DUCKS
UNLIMITED
6101 Kaymar Drive
Edina, MN 55436
Phone: 952-820-8174
Email: mndu@mtn.org
ducks.org
For articles and inserts please
send to Cattails Editor:
Brian Ross
14380 Memorywood Drive
Baxter, MN 56425
Phone: 218-825-0996
E-mail:
bross@mnducksvolunteer.org
You are Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to
conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established
in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres,
thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent.
Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward
the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today,
tomorrow and forever.
Water, water everywhere—this is a photograph of the Moose Jaw River in southern Saskatchewan
from this spring. The flooding produced tremendous problems in the prairies of
Canada and the northern U.S., but the spring runoff also filled all the wetland basins, some
of which had been dry for years. The conditions will likely produce record duck production
from these areas to the benefit of Minnesota waterfowl hunters.
Photo Credit—USFWS www.flyways.us website.
Northern MN DU Calendar Raffle
The 2012 DU Calendar 104 Gun Raffle
is underway. $40 per Calendar!
• Tentative number of calendars...2200...better odds to win than 2011.
• 2 guns per week for the whole year...same great price but twice the guns!
YOUR CONTACT INFO WILL BE GIVEN TO THE LOCAL VOLUNTEER CHAPTER
IN YOUR AREA AND YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY THEM TO RECEIVE YOUR
CALENDAR. PLEASE BE SURE TO RESPOND QUICKLY AT THAT
TIME...CALENDARS CANNOT BE HELD FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.
Go to: www.duckscalendar.org to order yours.
2012 Minnesota
Ducks
Unlimited
Calendar
Cattails Official Newsletter of Minnesota Ducks Unlimited