Marc Murchison, banquet chairman for the Webster County chapter of Ducks Unlimited, is working to make sure that the upcoming annual banquet on March 31 will be not only a family-friendly event, but also appeal to those who may not hunt.

“There’s a perception that we are hunters that raise money so they can hunt ducks,” he said.

While many members of the group are hunters, he said that their efforts toward habitat restoration and preservation means they have a great deal in common with everyone who enjoys the outdoors.

“Our goal is to preserve habitat for the generations to come,” he said. “We are definitely conservationists.”

He said that the outdoors is big enough for everyone to enjoy it. Lands the group has helped preserve and restore benefit everyone, whether they hunt on them, hike there, watch birds or take pictures.

“I see it as complimentary,” he said. “We all want to take care of it.”

An example of that is Lizard Lake, a restoration project that was completed recently. Lizard Lake is located near Gilmore City.

“People will be able to enjoy multiple uses there,” he said.

The group has worked on many projects in Iowa. Almost 30 projects have been done that Ducks Unlimited has helped fund in full or in partnerships with other conservation groups and agencies.

He is also hoping to attract more youth to the group. The Green Wings is a branch of the organization for those under 18. The membership costs less that a regular adult membership, they have their own magazine geared towards youth and, during the banquet, a number of activities are planned for the Green Wings.

Murchison is concerned that a lot of youth are losing their connection with the outdoors. The organization is always working on projects to try to bring them out of the house and into the field, he said.

He also hopes to see more women at the banquet. While there, they might meet Tasha Nielson, of Fort Dodge, who is the area chair of Webster County. She’s an example of how women are welcomed in the group, he said.

Of course, the traditional live and silent auctions, raffles and games are still a part of the banquet. Some of the highlights include many fine firearms and outdoor theme items.

There are also items exclusive to Ducks Unlimited that are only available at the banquet,s such a special Terry Redlin prints.

The variety is bigger and better this year.

“We want to make it fun for everybody,” Murchison said. “It will be a blast.”