June 2016 - Connecticut Waterfowl Association

Ducks, Etc…
www.ctwaterfowlers.org
Ducks,
Etc…
Volume 13, Issue 1
Newsletter of the Connecticut Waterfowlers Association
June 2016
President’s Message: The Board of Directors
would like to thank everyone who helped out and
attended this year’s Annual Banquet held on April 10th.
CWA raised over $9,500 and all had a great time.
Remember all money raised at the dinner is money
going directly to wetland habitat enhancement,
creation, and waterfowl studies –here in Connecticut.
The Board would also like to remind everyone of our
Mentoring Program (details inside) spear-headed by the
previous Assistant Director of DEEP Wildlife Greg
Chasko. This Program is an all ages mentoring
program specific to waterfowling. CWA is actively
seeking candidates for both mentors and mentees.
CWA would like to welcome our two newest life
members John Capotosto and Andrew Scheff.
CWA now has 30 Life members-you receive a limited
edition Keith Mueller Life member print when you sign
up. Also, CVWA is developing a tax-deductible
donation program called Conservation CT to further
help Connecticut’s wildfowl---look for this program in
the near future. Remember, anyone can contribute by
renewing your membership or encouraging someone
else conservation minded to also join—all membership
revenue is put back into our wetlands. If anyone would
like to volunteer for the Dinner committee or for any
other CWA function, feel free to contact myself or any
other of our Board Members. Hope to see you at the
Mentor Training Day on August 20 at Guilford R&G.
Regards,
Chris Samor, President
C
CT DEEP is happy to announce that DEEP will be hosting
two Connecticut Hunting & Fishing Day events this year in
celebration of Connecticut’s 150 years of natural resource
conservation. The first event will be held at Franklin
Wildlife Management Area in Franklin on Saturday,
September 10, 2016 and the second at Sessions Woods
Wildlife Management Area in Burlington on Saturday,
September 24, 2016. Both events will run from 10:00 a.m.
until 4:00 p.m. We have had as many as 1,500 people,
attending in past years. The two events will offer activities
for all ages, including target shooting, 3-D archery, casting
pools, field dog demonstrations, and interesting programs
and workshops about hunting and fishing. Attendees have
the opportunity to speak face-to-face with DEEP staff from
the Divisions of Wildlife, Inland and Marine Fisheries, Law
Enforcement, Boating, and Forestry, as well as with
representatives from many conservation, hunting, and fishing
organizations. Please check the DEEP website
(www.ct.gov/deep/HuntFishDay) as September 10th and 24th
approaches to find out more details, including a list of
activities and participating groups, directions, parking and
more.
CWA Newsletter 1
SPONSORS FOR CWA
2016 SPRING EVENT
A special thanks to David Baron from Baron
Technologies for engraving, and to Mossberg for
donating this Mossberg Silver Reserve for this past
Aprils Dinner—this gun was won by CWA member Matt
Babb
O.F. Mossberg & Sons, North Haven CT
Baron Technology,barontechnology.com;Trumbull CT
Chet Reneson, Reneson Art Studio; Lyme CT
Peter Revicki, Portland CT
Framing By Gordon, LLC; South Glastonbury CT
Rich Chmiel, Rich Chmiel Decoys; East Lyme CT
Keith Mueller, Mueller Art Studio; Killingworth CT
John Pawelec, Jpaw Originals; Ashford CT
Hank Sprouse, Sprouse Carvings; Stratford CT
David Hochman, Avery Pro Staff, Orange CT
Chris Samor, Samor’s Taxidermy; Oxford CT
Joe Rizzo, riverwildlifestudio.com; MA
Wil Iturrino, Amston, CT
Carl Weston, Carl’s Custom Calls; Oxford, CT
Beardsley Zoo; beardsleyzoo.org; Bridgeport,CT
Geoff English, gundogsonline.com; Oxford, CT
Cabelas, cabelas.com; East Hartford CT
Connecticut Science Center, Hartford CT
Mitch Schultz, Gunsmithing LTD, Southport CT
Peter Johnson, PJ Decoys; Shelton, CT
Bill Embacher, BillE Decoys, East Hampton CT
John Bean, Bean Decoys; Westbrook, CT
Milan Bull, CT Audobon; Fairfield, CT
N W T F, Housatonic Chapter
Warren Speh, M&B Sports, North Stonington CT
Danny Lewis, Renegade Decoys; Swansboro NC
James Prosek, Prosek Art Studio; Easton CT
John Gawlick, Wildlife Experience, VA
St. Vincent DePaul Society; Shelton, CT
Please Support Our Sponsors. Thank You
www.ctwaterfowlers.org
Congratulations to CWA member Peter Johnson for winning
5 ribbons at this year’s Ward World Championships.
Including First Place in Species in the Open Division for his
pair of surf scoters Look for Pete’s carvings at future CWA
events---
CWA Newsletter 2
CWA Newsletter 3
CWA MEMBERS!
We need you for the Waterfowl Hunter Mentoring Program!
Your membership in CWA suggests that waterfowl hunting and conservation are very important to you! But
consider this: In Connecticut, a recent survey showed that only 12% of recent graduates of the Hunter Safety
Course go on to hunt waterfowl. Nationwide, participation in waterfowl hunting has declined substantially in
recent years. Fewer participants’ means less support for the resource we cherish! One of the major reasons
for this low participation is that waterfowl hunting takes a great deal of mentoring.
CWA’s new Mentor Program is attempting to meet this need by providing youth or novice adult hunters
with experienced Mentors to share their experience with these fledgling waterfowlers!
Please consider making an investment in the future of waterfowl conservation by becoming a Mentor.
CWA has developed this program to introduce hunters to the sport of waterfowling. Attached is a page that
provides details on the program and the application procedures. The following describes the basics of
CWA’s program. We hope you will participate in this important endeavor!
THE NEED:
 In Connecticut in the 1980s there were 14,000 waterfowl hunters. Now there are less than 5,000.
 In Connecticut only 70 % of Conservation Education/Firearms Safety graduates go on to participate
in hunting. Only 12% of those hunt waterfowl.
 The latest statistics on U.S. waterfowl hunter numbers show a drop of 27% from 2001 to 2006.
 The average age of waterfowl hunters in the U.S. and Canada is 57 years old!
If these trends continue, the conservation funds provided by sportsmen to protect waterfowl resources
will go away and the wonderful heritage associated with waterfowl hunting will be severely eroded.
Nationally, studies have shown that waterfowl hunting takes a great deal of mentoring. An overwhelming
91% of hunters indicated that they were mentored in becoming a waterfowl hunter by a parent, relative or
close friend. But, what if a novice hunter does not have a parent, relative of close friend to introduce them to
waterfowl hunting? CWA’s Program was developed to help meet this need.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
 CWA has developed a list of volunteer mentors from sportsmen/conservation groups.
 A list of recent graduates from the CE/FS Course who do not have a parent, relative or friend that can
take them waterfowl hunting, and others who have expressed in interest in participating in CWA’s
Waterfowl Hunter Mentoring Program, has been developed.
 CWA will group mentors and novice hunters by geographic area and provide mentors with a list of
novice hunters who live nearby.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR THE MENTORS?
Many waterfowlers, as they mature, derive more pleasure from introducing novices to the sport than
participating themselves. Also, mentors of youths from 12-16 years of age, while they cannot shoot, can
enjoy all the other aspects of hunting during the two Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days offered each season.
You can also get additional information and apply anytime on the CWA website at www.ctwaterfolwers.org.
CWA Newsletter 4
P
R
E
S
S
R
E
L
E
A
S
E
DEEP Announces Winner of 2016 Connecticut Duck Stamp Art Contest
Mark Thone’s painting will be the image for the 2017 CT Duck Stamp
Wildlife artist Mark Thone’s depiction of canvasbacks at the mouth of the Thames River is the winner of the Department of
Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) 2016-17 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation (Duck) Stamp Art Contest. Mark
hails from Shakopee, Minnesota, and is new to Connecticut’s Duck Stamp contest. His painting was chosen out of 18 entries
submitted by artists from across the country, including seven from Connecticut.
Thone’s artwork has placed in the top group in numerous state stamp competitions, and he was recently the winner for the
2016 Nevada Duck Stamp. When Mike saw a picture of the New London Ledge Lighthouse, he was inspired to paint a group of
canvasbacks flying by the lighthouse as his entry for the Connecticut Duck Stamp Contest.
A pair of common mergansers with their brood painted by Frank Dolphens of Omaha, Nebraska, was selected by judges
for second place. A tie for third place was between a painting of two gadwall by Broderick Crawford and a blue winged teal painted
by last year’s second place artist, Christine Clayton.
Paintings entered in the contest were judged in five categories: originality, artistic composition, anatomical correctness,
general rendering, and suitability for reproduction. The DEEP Wildlife Division encourages local artists to submit paintings for next
year’s contest for the 2018 Duck Stamp.
The top three paintings will be on display through the end of August 2016 at the DEEP Wildlife Division’s Sessions Woods
Conservation Education Center, 341 Milford Street, Burlington. Sessions Woods is open to the public on Mondays through Fridays
from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Background: The Connecticut Duck Stamp Program began in the early 1990s when concerned sportsmen worked with
DEEP to develop legislation that would generate revenue for wetland conservation. Modeled after the federal Duck Stamp Program,
Connecticut’s program requires the purchase of a state Duck Stamp, along with a hunting license, to legally hunt waterfowl. By
state law, funds generated from the sale of Duck Stamps can only be used for the development, management, preservation,
conservation, acquisition, purchase, and maintenance of waterfowl habitat and wetlands, as well as the purchase and acquisition of
recreational rights or interests relating to migratory birds.
“The Duck Stamp Program is a great example of how the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation works – users of
the resource pay into funds whose monies are solely dedicated to conservation,” said Rick Jacobson, DEEP Wildlife Division
Director. “The Connecticut Duck Stamp fund is a vital source of money for many of the wetland projects that are conducted in our
state. Federal aid dollars from the hunter-funded Pittman-Robertson Program can also be used for wetland conservation.”
The Duck Stamp Program has generated over $1,500,000 for the enhancement of wetland and associated upland
habitats, as well as garnered additional monies for Connecticut through matching grants from federal conservation initiatives. By
combining Duck Stamp funds with these additional monies, over $4 million dollars have been available to complete wildlife
conservation projects. Thus, Connecticut has received a 4:1 return on Duck Stamp monies.
CWA Newsletter 5
Over 3,445 acres of wetlands in the
state have been restored or enhanced using
Duck Stamp funds, mostly on state-owned
wildlife management areas. The funds also
have been used to purchase 75 acres of critical
wildlife habitat and conduct habitat projects at
over 50 sites statewide. These efforts have
benefitted many of the approximately 274
birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles of our state
that rely upon clean, healthy wetlands.
Hunters are not the only ones who
can purchase Connecticut Duck Stamps. Anyone who wishes to support wetland conservation and restoration in our state may
purchase a Duck Stamp. Stamps can be purchased for $13 each wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold: participating town
clerks, participating retail agents, DEEP License and Revenue (79 Elm Street in Hartford), and through the online Sportsmen’s
Licensing System (www.ct.gov/deep/sportsmenlicensing). Upon request, stamps can be sent through the mail. To learn more about
the Connecticut Duck Stamp and the Art Contest, go to www.ct.gov/deep/ctduckstamp.
Reproduction prints of the winning Duck Stamps signed by the artists that are suitable for framing and display are also
available. Please contact the Wildlife Division’s Migratory Bird Program at 860-418-5959 for more information on purchasing
reproductions.
Do your part for conservation. Buy a duck stamp and contribute to habitat protection and restoration .
US Fish and Wildlife Service CT Junior Duck Stamp Art
Contest 2016 Winners
Best of Show” Sophie Archer Spectacled Eider
Group IV (Grades 10-12): 1st: Vera Ting, Masked
Ducks, 2nd: Alexander Rose, 3rd: Erin Collinge, 3rd:
Mandaline Lu
Group III (Grades 7-9): 1st: Sophie Archer, Spectacled
Eider, 2nd: Lixing Counsilmen, 3rd: Isabel Taney
Group II (Grades 4-6): 1st: Samantha Gestel, Green
Wing Teal, 2nd: Jaileen Barber, 3rd: Rachel Rao, 3rd:
Avery Cabaniss
Group I (Grades K-3): 1st: Salvatore Bounaro,
Bufflehead, 2nd: Amanda Wood, 3rd: Gabe Waldo
CWA Newsletter 6
EAR Inc
Specialized Hearing Systems
And
NYX Sports Eye care systems
CALENDAR
OF
EVENTS
August 20, 2016
Mentoring Day at the Guilford
Authorized dealers
Cody and Wade Stober
77 Scott Hill Road
Lebanon, CT 06249
860-209-0379
Cody
Hearing protection molded to your ears,
prescription eyewear and other devices
available.
Rod and Gun Club
March 2017
Wood Duck Box Building DayFlaherty Field Trial Area –East
Windsor
March 15, 2017
Deadline for Junior Duck Stamp
Submissions
Do you have old hunting gear? Why not
donate it to CWA and receive a tax
write-off
Contact Chris Samor
csamor16@att.net
CWA Marketplace
Two-Man Layout Boat by Old
Guide with Trailer
2-man layout boat with custom trailer and floor
mats-comes with spray shield in back. Enjoy
shooting divers at close range as you wait in
hiding right on top of the water.
Boat, cover and trailer $1400 contact Chris for
more information 203-888-0352
BAND RETURNS
Did you get a band during the
seasons? If so send the information
to: csamor16@att.net We will print the
information here!
March 2017
Federal Junior Duck Stamp
Judging @ Cabela’s in East
Hartford 7pm
April 23, 2017
CWA Annual Fund Raiser
Aquaturf, Plantsville, CT
Renew your CWA Membership
Today!!!!!
SEE BACK COVER FOR DETAILS
“The Art in Making Decoys”
by Keith Mueller
The price for the “Collectors Limited
Edition” signed and numbered is
$174.95 and the
“Workbook Edition” is $99.95
The cost for shipping each book
including handling and insurance will be
$15.01 for US.
K. J. Holmes Publishing Inc.
C/o James Hunt
9 Stephans Path
Port Jefferson, NY 11777
For Credit Card payments, please call
Jimmy at: (631) 928 5920
CWA Newsletter 7
1917-95441 Mallard Drake,
Shot 12/19/15 in Woodbury,
CT by CJ Fairbairn banded
in L’ISLE-VERTE, Quebec
on 8/11/15.
2047-94544 Mallard Drake,
Shot 12/19/15 in Woodbury,
CT by CJ Fairbairn banded
in L’ISLE-VERTE, Quebec
on 8/20/15.
1757-29951 Mallard Drake
Shot 12/6/15 in Danbury, CT
by Chris Samor banded in
Vermont on 9/6/14.
2087-06320 Mallard Drake,
Shot 1/5/16 in East Lyme,
CT by Matt Kneisley banded
in Exeter, New Hampshire
on 9/20/14.
29 Bower Hill Road
Oxford, CT 06478
www.ctwaterfowlers.org
Connecticut Waterfowl
Association, Inc. is a
section 501-© (3) not for
profit tax exempt U.S.
Corporation.
Place Label Here
Officers
Pres.: Chris Samor
Vice Pres Clinton Herdman
Secretary: Jim Gavin
Treasurer: Paul Capotosto
Directors
Jack Harder
Milton Sands
Rick Boucher
Dave Proulx
John Pawelec
Laura Pawelec
CCS Representative
Greg Chasko
Honorary Directors
Milan Bull
Keith Mueller
Kenneth Cherry
FFL Dealer
Warren Speh
Framing/ Art Dealer
Framing by Gordon
Gordon Hinz
864 Main Street
S. Glastonbury, CT
860-657-2245
CWA Mission
Statement
To preserve, reclaim, and
enhance wetland and
wildlife habitat in the state
of Connecticut in a manner
that promotes the wise use
of our natural resources
and the progress of our
society.
Check your expiration Date!
Don’t forget to renew your membership see form below.
CWA MEMBERSHIP PLEDGE CARD
I would like to renew and/or become a member of the Connecticut Waterfowl
Association, Inc. and to support Connecticut Waterfowl’s unique work to restore
Connecticut’s waterfowl and wildlife populations. Enclosed is my tax-deductible
contribution in the amount of:

$ 15
Wigeon (13 and under)

$ 25
Regular Member

$ 50
Contributing Member

$100
Donor Member

$200
Hen House Sponsor

$500
Marsh Sponsor

$750
Life Member
Name
Address
City
State
Zip
Telephone
E-mail
 Please find enclosed my tax-deductible contribution made payable to the
CWA, 29 Bower Hill Road, Oxford, CT 06478
I am willing to volunteer for the following projects: (Check one or more)
Canada Goose Banding with the DEEP
 Decoy Fun Day Show  Wood Duck Box Program  CWA Mentor Program
 Board of Directors  Officer  Regs Meeting Information Booth
 CWA Sporting Clays Shoot  CWA Dog Field Trial Days
CWA Newsletter 8