December 2025
Monthly Newsletter
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A Lot
To Be Thankful For
Brad Heidel: Executive Director Wisconsin Waterfowl Association
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| This morning, I was out hunting with my wife. It was one of those mornings as a duck hunter, you know, could be spectacular – or if nothing else, it was a duck hunter’s morning. The wind had been blowing all night from the NW at 25 MPH, putting the wind chill at 9 degrees. The snow was blowing down your neck from behind – perfect! |
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| That morning was the day before Thanksgiving, and though we went home empty-handed, I realized we still had a lot to be thankful for. Organizationally, we have had some significant mission delivery for ducks and duck hunters. Our Wetlands Ecologists, staff of only 4, had a direct impact on over 7,000 acres here in our state, with the bulk of that being on public lands. |
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| WWA’s Waterfowl Hunters Expo hosted over 10,000 attendees this past August, bringing all of us together to celebrate all that is waterfowl hunting. Our R3/Education team held several learn-to-hunt events this past year, bringing dozens of new hunters into the world of waterfowling. All this, while being the voice of the 58,000 Wisconsin waterfowl hunters. Two significant bills continue to move forward at the state capitol. Both of which have significant impacts on the sport we cherish. The first bill is for the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Fund. This directly impacts our public lands open to public hunting. The Knowles-Nelson is set to expire in the spring of 2026; we hope to see this bill passed, ensuring continued access for hunters and others who enjoy our wild places well into the future.
We are also working behind the scenes with the hope of bringing a Sandhill crane hunt to our state. This is a common-sense solution that we will continue to fight for! None of this can be accomplished without all of our organization’s volunteers, both at the board level and those working in their local communities.
The WWA team and I will continue to work to increase duck production through wetland restoration, to protect our waterfowling heritage through the recruitment and education of new hunters, and to continue advocating for all that is important to duck hunters.
Here at year’s end, I ask that you think of the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association. We count on you for your support to continue the work that directly benefits you as a Wisconsin waterfowl hunter. Thinking of a year-end tax-deductible donation – please consider WWA. Looking for that perfect gift – the gift that keeps on giving, a WWA Raffle Calendar is great for all. 365 days of prizes! |
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Wisconsin Waterfowl Association is proud to announce the hiring of Brock Rosenkranz as
the new Regional Director for the state.
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| A lifelong resident of the Driftless Area and passionate conservationist, Brock brings a deep personal connection to his work.”
As the new Regional Director, Brock will be instrumental in supporting WWA’s chapters across the state, helping to strengthen existing efforts while also working to establish new chapters in unrepresented regions. |
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| His role will be critical in expanding WWA’s reach, ensuring that conservation efforts are felt in every corner of Wisconsin. Brock’s dedication to creating more opportunities for community engagement and involvement in waterfowl conservation aligns with WWA’s mission to protect and restore critical waterfowl habitats.
Brock’s addition to the WWA comes at a time when Wisconsin’s waterfowl populations face numerous challenges, from habitat loss to climate change. With his extensive knowledge of the Driftless Area and his hands-on experience in environmental science, Brock is uniquely positioned to lead efforts that will address these issues and further WWA’s commitment to sustainable waterfowl populations and thriving wetland ecosystems.
“The Wisconsin Waterfowl Association looks forward to the leadership and energy Brock will bring to the organization, helping to build a more engaged and united community of waterfowl enthusiasts across the state,” said Brad Heidel, Executive Director. |
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Peter Helland Project Update
By Blake Bartels, Wetland and Upland Technician |
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| The Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, in partnership with the Wisconsin DNR, restored approximately 125 acres of wetland this past winter within the Peter Helland State Wildlife Area. The project included a 1,000-foot ditch fill, four ditch plugs, installation of a water control structure, and construction of half a dozen shallow eyebrow berms and associated scrapes. |
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| The wetlands are responding well to the work so far, but with limited precipitation in the second half of this year, we have yet to see the full effects. The scrapes are holding some water, and although the eyebrow berms are currently dry, the noticeable improvement in vegetation surrounding them indicates that soil hydrology is changing. |
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More Members and Donations = More Grants = More Habitat Work
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Wisconsin Senate Committee Holds Hearing on Legislation to Allow a Responsible Sandhill Crane Hunt
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| Pictured above, WWA Executive Director Brad Heidel and Vice President Todd Schaller testify at the State Capitol in favor of legislation to bring a responsible sandhill crane hunt to Wisconsin.
By George Ermert, WWA Board Member and Policy Committee Chair |
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| On Wednesday, November 19, the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage held a public hearing on Senate Bill 112, which would – among other things – allow a responsible sandhill crane hunting season in Wisconsin.
WWA Vice President Todd Schaller and Executive Director Brad Heidel were among the numerous conservation organizations that came to testify in favor of the legislation to authorize a responsible sandhill crane season in Wisconsin. |
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| Over the last several years, WWA has been working to compile the background research and data needed to educate lawmakers, hunters, and the public on this issue. We have met with relevant stakeholders (on both sides of the issue) to educate and engage them. And we have been actively talking to decision makers about the issue.
WWA is hoping for a favorable Senate Committee vote on Senate Bill 112 before the end of the year, and for the Wisconsin Assembly Sporting Heritage Committee to hold a hearing soon on Assembly Bill 117, a companion bill that would also establish a sandhill crane hunt. |
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Sharing the Camaraderie
and Joy of Hunting
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| By DNR Conservation Warden Paul Metzger
Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit |
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| Now that we are we are in the annual holiday season, I have a winning gift idea for that hard-to-buy someone on your present list.
It is the gift of your time to share your expertise, enthusiasm and passion for hunting with a friend, family member, colleague or even a community leader. There is safe fun to be had in Wisconsin’s great outdoors. |
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| Kayla Sasse, one of five DNR outdoor skills trainers, is a safety specialist who coordinates the recreational safety and education programs taught to youth and adults statewide. Courses are taught by hundreds of volunteer safety instructors and focus on four areas: ATV-UTV, snowmobile, boating and hunting. |
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A Decoy Carver, Fisherman, Trapper, and Market Hunter from Milton, WI.
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| By Bruce Urben, WWA President |
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| Online research into past Wisconsin Decoy carvers can be frustrating, and often the only information is through filed obituaries, if you are lucky. Then, sometimes there are those times when you can talk directly with a family member and get what Paul Harvey used to say… “Here is the rest of the story” |
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| After meeting with Ruth Alfaro, the carver’s daughter, I also found another Original Wisconsin Decoy Carver. Here is the story of Gerald “Buster” Kidder from Milton, Wisconsin.
The Kidder family immigrated west to Wisconsin from the East Coast in the early 1800s by barge through the Great Lakes and settled near Milton, WI |
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Waterfowl Sage Sausage Gravy and Cranberry Biscuits
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| There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table after a long day in the marsh, and this recipe brings that feeling of comfort to life. Our Waterfowl Sage Sausage Gravy paired with homemade Cranberry Biscuits is a true Northwoods classic — rich, savory, and built around the flavors all Wisconsin hunters know and love. Using duck or goose you harvested yourself, this dish transforms your hard-earned wild game into something both hearty and memorable. Fresh herbs, creamy gravy, and warm biscuits dotted with local cranberries make this the perfect meal for post-hunt mornings, late-season weekends at deer camp, or cozy winter breakfasts with family. |
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| 1 lb ground duck/goose meat
3 T butter
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp sage
¼ cup all purpose flour
2-3 cups milk or half and half (anything but skim!)
½ T fresh thyme
Cook ground meat in a skillet until browned. Stir in butter until melted. Stir in salt, pepper, and sage. Sprinkle flour all over the meat and mix it in and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add milk and stir until bubbled and thickened. Season to taste, finish with fresh thyme. Serve over biscuits or toast along with eggs of your preference…. |
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Frosty’s Five $10,000 Winter Gun Raffle
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THREE Great Raffles – Don’t Miss Out!!
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WWA’s Class A – need not be present to win – Frosty’s Five Winter Habitat Gun Raffle
- Tickets just $50 each, only 400 sold
- Drawing 7:30 pm December 4, 2025 at Rustic Manor 1848, 3115 State Rd 83, Hartland, WI
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