2025 Was Another
Great Year
By Brad Heidel
Executive Director |
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2025 was another great year for your Wisconsin Waterfowl Association. Along with some organizational leadership changes, we saw strong growth across our three mission pillars. We’ll share more details as we compile our 2025 Annual Report.
Also, next week, on January 7, you will have the opportunity to voice your opinion in person to legislators at the State Capitol. I hope to meet many of you there, dressed in your favorite camo. Join us in Madison for a day of conversations with lawmakers about wildlife management and our right to hunt, fish, and trap in Wisconsin
As we head into 2026, stand with the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association – take the survey, show up in Madison, and make your voice heard. Together, we are the voice of Wisconsin’s waterfowl hunters, shaping the future of waterfowling and protecting our wetlands for generations to come. |
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| Habitat Acres Hit a Record for WWA |
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| As we close out the year, WWA begins to summarize our impact to Wisconsin, its waterfowl hunters and its habitat. This year marked another increase in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s habitat growth; both in personnel and acreage impact. Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s habitat program impacted over 8,380 acres in 2025. Yes, that is correct and yes, this is an increase year over year. This achievement was made possible, in part, by growing the habitat team to four ecologists.
As 2025 closes we look ahead to great opportunities in 2026. I fully expect our habitat team will continue to have a direct benefit on habitat acres in Wisconsin in a big way. |
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| Waterfowl Hunters EXPO Update |
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| Convention Center
The Sunnyview Expo Center offers a combined exhibition space over 80,000 sq. ft. The campus spans over 100 acres, providing ideal space for outdoor activities, including dog and shooting events. |
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| Join the ultimate gathering for waterfowl enthusiasts! Featuring top-tier exhibitors, hands-on demos, and interactive events, the Waterfowl Hunters EXPO is your go-to destination for the latest gear, expert advice, and a community passionate about hunting. Experience the best in waterfowling, all in one place. |
Show Highlights
- Waterfowl Hunting Exhibitors
- Duck Dog Zone
- Youth Zone
- Women’s Zone
- Decoy Carving Contest
- Duck & Goose Calling
- State Stamp Contest
- Shooting Venue
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2025 WHEXPO Recap
- + 10,000 attendees
- 63% growth over 2025
- 153 vendors occupying 220 booths
- Seminars, demos, presentations
- Youth Zone hosted +700 kids
- New Women’s Zone +3000
- 208 volunteers
- 400 shooters
- Over 500 dogs – and no fights!
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| If you are interested in participating |
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1940 Tragedy Teaches Waterfowl Hunters The Importance of the ‘What If’ Safety Plan
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| Column and Photographs By DNR Conservation Warden Cody Adams |
| Waterfowl hunters, of which I am one, pride themselves on grit. We roll out before dawn, break ice when needed, and push through the cold, wind, and darkness that most people would not choose to be in. But as tough as we like to think we are, the simple truth remains: bad things happen in bad weather. |
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| 1940 Lessons Guide Us Today
Bad things always happen in the worst conditions. The tragedy of 1940 teaches us that it is very important to have a plan. All hunters are urged to ‘plan your hunt and hunt your plan’.
- Before going out, make sure somebody knows exactly where you will be hunting.
- If you are wearing chest waders and you fall in deep water…
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| Provided by: Megan Salazar |
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Duck Tataki with Turmeric Ponzu Sauce
Duck Tataki
2 duck breasts with or without skin
1 tbsp duck fat, beef tallow or pork fat
1 tbsp soy sauce
Orange peel
1 tbsp minced shallot
1/2 tbsp fresh grated ginger
Pinch of Salt and Pepper
Garnish
Persimmon, diced
Toasted chickepeas
Microgreens |
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| Serve with turmeric ponzu sauce and garnish with toasted chickpeas, Diced persimmon and microgreens. |
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Harold E. Wieckert
A Neenah Decoy Carver
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| The Fox River Valley, which includes Neenah/Menasha, was a waterfowling hotbed in the 1900s. The Marshes and lakes were full of wild rice, wild celery, and Wapato; all waterfowl desired delicacies. Neenah and Menasha were also “Mill” Towns as they still are today. This carver, Harold E. Wieckert, lived his whole life in Neenah, WI, where his family settled after immigrating from Germany.
Harold primarily carved solid and hollow-bodied bluebill and canvasback decoys. Many were constructed of pine bodies and heads. He carved a high-head decoy that was popular on Lake Winnebago.
The Fox River Valley, which includes Neenah/Menasha, was a waterfowling hotbed in the 1900s. The Marshes and lakes were full of wild rice, wild celery, and Wapato; all waterfowl desired delicacies. Neenah and Menasha were also “Mill” Towns as they still are today. This carver lived his whole life in Neenah, WI, where his family settled after immigrating from Germany. |
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