Ding Darling was America’s premier conservation editorialist who is considered to be the Father of the Federal Duck Stamp. In this presentation, you can be the Judge!

Tim Eisele is a Freelance Outdoors writer and photographer, who is best known for his articles in The Wisconsin Outdoor News covering the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Board. He has also written for The Capital Times, the Wisconsin State Journal, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Tim has a Master’s Degree in Ag Journalism from UW-Madison, and has served as a judge for the 1994 Federal Duck Stamp competition..

In this seminar, Chris Nicolai, Waterfowl Scientist with Delta Waterfowl, shares his experience as a waterfowl decoy carver and waterfowl biologist, exploring the intersection between the art and techniques involved in decoy carving and waterfowl management. Chris has been carving decoys since he was 13. He has used his hand-carved decoys in his own waterfowl studies and provided them to others for waterfowl capture efforts and research. He will share his experience with the art of carving decoys and discuss how he has used them in hunting and research.

This seminar features Taylor Finger, a game bird specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Taylor discusses the history, goals, and implementation of the 2020 Wisconsin Waterfowl Habitat Conservation Strategy: a 15-year plan that directs strategic waterfowl habitat conservation in Wisconsin. The Strategy is a plan that aids in delivering the goals and objectives of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) and the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region Joint Venture’s Waterfowl Habitat Conservation Strategy. He explores how the Strategy works towards improving habitat for waterfowl in Wisconsin, thus sustaining or increasing waterfowl populations.

Taylor is the Game Bird Specialist with the WDNR and a UWSP Alumni!

This seminar features Pat Gregory, waterfowler and master decoy carver, and his seminar “The Artform of Functional Hunting Decoys”

Even functional hunting decoys have elements of artwork. Things like design, symmetry, and form are necessary for hand-carved decoys. Knowing correct waterfowl anatomy, seasonal plumage, and gender differences is essential to carving a well-balanced rig of decoys. In addition, a good understanding of the different species of ducks that fly the flyway where decoys will be used is important. Pat will share his experience as a decoy carver and discuss the history, cultural significance, and utility of this unique artform.

The WCW welcomed Auriel Fournier, Ph.D, Director of Forbes Biological Station, and Associate Research Scientist Illinois Natural History Survey with her presentation: “Secrets of Secretive Marsh Birds”

A remarkable number of secrets remain in wetland birds, Auriel Fournier especially the small group of birds collectively known as “secretive marshbirds.” Auriel will share what we have learned about the natural history and biology of rails, gallinules, and bitterns, from their breeding ecology and migration to how they respond to wetland management.

Sadie O’Dell, Wildlife Biologist at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Complex (US Fish and Wildlife Service) presents: “Managing Wetlands for Waterbirds on Horicon National Wildlife Refuge”

The Horicon National Wildlife Refuge is one of many national refuges in the US that was established, in part, by purchasing land with funds raised through Duck Stamp sales. In this seminar, O’Dell will discuss the latest strategies and challenges related to effectively managing habitats and monitoring populations and trends of waterbirds using integrated management approaches on this unique Wisconsin refuge. Sadie O’Dell has been restoring and managing wetlands for over 20 years for the USFWS and is the lead wildlife biologist at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

This seminar features special guest, Rebekah Knight, Wildlife Artist and second-place runner-up in the 2024 Federal Duck Stamp Contest.

Rebekah shares how winning the Junior Federal Duck Stamp contest in 2006 at 15 years old led her to a career as a wildlife artist. Exploring the outdoors as a child and exposure to hunting and fishing helped her develop a strong appreciation and understanding of the importance of habitat and wildlife conservation and the connection between hunting and conservation. With this appreciation, she enters the Federal Duck Stamp Competition each year. Rebekah shares the processes she uses to design and prepare a painting for entry into the Contest and shares her experience as a contestant.

Rebekah’s art has been featured on the Nevada State Duck Stamp, the National Duck Stamp Collectors Society Stamp, and she placed second in the Federal Duck Stamp contest twice! She received the Roger Tory Peterson Institute Award of Excellence in 2019, was a finalist for the 2021 and 2024 David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Wildlife Artist of the Year, and is an associate member of the Society of Animal Artists. Rebekah was featured in the Animal Planet Documentary “Million Dollar Duck,” which covers the Federal Duck Stamp. Locally, Rebekah’s art has been included in the Leigh Yawkee Woodson Art Museum’s Birds in Art Exhibit. Rebekah’s art features wildlife from Alaska to Africa and anywhere in between, depicted in their natural habitats with stunning realism and detail. See more of Rebekah’s amazing artwork at: https://rebekahknight.com/