Conservation

With duck season just around the corner, waterfowl population management is on the minds of many hunters across the country. There has been a steady decline in duck populations over recent years, and there has been a push to evaluate what we as hunters see in the field from one year to the next within a broader framework of historical trends and ongoing research. We sat down with Dr. John Coluccy, Director of Science and Conservation Planning at Ducks Unlimited, to discuss duck genetics, waterfowl population trends, current research efforts, and why hunters should care about these hot-button issues in the world of waterfowl.

Since its advent over five thousand years ago, duck hunting practices have changed considerably. In the beginning, early humans used simple methods like traps and nets to catch these wily waterfowl birds. As societies and technologies have evolved, so have the methods and tactics of duck hunting — taking it from a basic food-gathering task to one of the most popular recreational pursuits among outdoor adventurers. Today, guided duck hunts provide enthusiasts with an opportunity to participate in this practice accompanied by experts. From top-of-the-line gear to comfortable blinds and accommodations, guided trips may represent the pinnacle of progress since the humble beginnings of duck hunting. This article will take you through the developments that have brought us to duck hunting as we know it today.

The Okefenokee Swamp is one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.” This 438,000 acre blackwater swamp located in the state’s southeast region is the largest blackwater swamp in the country. Essential to the well-being of several interconnected waterways, endangered species that call the swamp home, and local Georgians alike, the Okefenokee Swamp plays an irreplaceable role within local ecosystems, economies, and Georgian culture. However, the Okefenokee is at risk. A pilot mine, proposed by out-of-state corporation Twin Pines Minerals, LLC, is currently pending approval by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, and could destabilize 6,000 year old hydrological and ecological processes of the Okefenokee. This mine threatens the swamp, its inhabitants, and the people who rely on the swamp and its downstream waterways for their livelihoods. In an effort to save this critical resource from going extinct, a rallying cry resounds from concerned citizens across the globe during the current open comment period before it closes on April 9th, 2024. We spoke with Christopher Watt — concerned South Georgian, environmental policy graduate student, and member of the Okefenokee UNESCO World Heritage Site advisory committee — to understand what’s at stake and why outdoorsmen across the Southeast should take action.

Catch and release is not just a technique; it's an ethical approach to fishing that prioritizes the well-being of fish and their habitats. By respecting size limits, handling fish with care, and using appropriate gear, anglers can ensure that released fish survive and thrive. In this guide, we'll delve into best practices for catch and release, sharing insights into the refinement and standardization of these practices.

“I just think outdoor recreation defines who I am.” Dr. Mike Brasher is a conservationist and avid hunter who has spent his life at the intersection of waterfowling and science. Growing up in North Central Mississippi, he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the wild world of waterfowl. Now, as Senior Waterfowl Scientist at Ducks Unlimited, Dr. Brasher helps untangle the complex web of waterfowl and wetlands data to inform environmental policy across North America.

Immeasurable progress has been made since the late 19th century — when groups of passionate outdoorsmen in the U.S. first popularized the idea of conserving and sustainably managing our fishing and hunting resources. Folks such as President Theodore Roosevelt, Gifford Pinchot, and John Muir, among others, recognized that prescribed standards for land management, recreation, and commercial resource usage are crucial for maintaining healthy and sustainable natural ecosystems. As outdoor enthusiasts, it's part of our responsibility to ensure that future generations can also enjoy the bountiful opportunities that nature has to offer. Here at AnyCreek, we believe wholeheartedly in this forward-thinking outlook and implicit responsibility to keep our country wild. As we continue to raise the bar as leaders in outdoor experiences, we strive for sustainability and a proactive approach to safeguarding our woods and waters. In 2023, we're proud to offer the "Conserve on 7" conservation match program to simultaneously support the preservation of our natural heritage and our amazing community of professional outdoor guides.

While our natural resources of fish, game, and habitat face increased pressures from all angles, science remains the backbone of sustainable recreation. As springtime approaches and wild turkeys once again become top of mind for many outdoor enthusiasts, we want to acknowledge the tireless work of scientists like Dr. Mike Chamberlain — who, thankfully for hunters and game managers nationwide, never stops thinking about turkey behavior.