Raising bucks for U.S. ducks
By KATIE WILLIAMS Messenger staff writerFrom a neighborhood roast to a festival at Webster County Fairgrounds, the annual Ducks Unlimited hog roast has come along way since 1982.
More than 500 people attended the roast on Sunday.
Mike Locke, a Webster County committee member, said he started the hog roast in his backyard for family and friends in 1982.
"I thought, while I was at it I'd raise some money for 'bucks for ducks,' and it became a Ducks Unlimited event," said Locke.
The roast moved to the Webster County Fairgrounds after only three years because so many people were attending, he said.
Curly Brand, Webster County district chairman, said now the event has blossomed and has been known to raise up to $40,000 to go towards preserving Iowa wetlands.
Last year the Iowa Ducks Unlimited raised a total of $1.3 million and spent $1.5 million to protect Iowa wetlands.
Dave Haggard, Iowa state chairman, said Ducks Unlimited is one of the oldest and largest conservational organization in Iowa and the Webster County chapter was one of the first established and largest Ducks Unlimited community.
"We're losing more and more prairie lands every year," he said. "We're not against the farmers. As we say, 'Farm the best, conserve the rest.' We just want to make sure the skies are full of waterfowl today, tomorrow and in the future."
And to ensure that happens, they need to get the next generation involved in the effort, said Brand.
Children were encouraged to become a "green-wing" member of Ducks Unlimited much like the two youngest members, Anna Heatherington, 10, of Fort Dodge, and Trace Locke, 11, of Fort Dodge. Together, the pair ran the ring toss.
"This, the hog roast, is my favorite event," said Trace Locke, a three-year member. He said he attends all the meetings and likes to go hunting with his father, who got him involved.
Children were also encouraged to attend a Peasants Forever Youth Field Day.
Rick Hockel, Ringneck chairman, said the once-a-year event is for children between ages 11 and 18 and focuses on safety while hunting.
"We're getting kids out and about and away from video games," Hockel said. "It's a full day of activities."
The Oct. 11 event is held at the Stanek Farms, 1972 270th St., and features 12 different stages including trap-shooting, turkey hunting and a first-aid class.
There was also a BB gun shoot and basketball toss available to keep kids entertained while their parents looked at items for the live auction, silent auction and raffle drawings.
The silent auction featured several very special items for Ducks Unlimited members. The family of former mayor and Ducks Unlimited member, Will Patterson, donated 13 items that he had collected over the years to help raise money during the event.
"He found just one more way he could make money for Ducks Unlimited," said Brand. "He was a good man. Anytime you needed something you just ask Will and he'd do it."
Contact Katie Williams at (515) 573-2141 or katie@messengernews.net
