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Show Ducks Unl fed raises funds The Uintah Basin Chapter of Ducks Unlimited (DU) held their annual banquet ban-quet on May 1 at the Vernal Elks Lodge. Approximately $11,000 was raised to purchase and manage wetlands in Canada. Gary Slagel, Chapter Chairman for 1982, indicated about 150 people attend- . ed the banquet; a 50 percent increase over 1981. The evening festivities began with a social hour. During this time patrons could inspect auction items and raffle prizes. Prime rib dinner was prepared and served by the Elks Lodge. Woodey B. Searle again donated his services as auctioneer. Items auctioned included artwork, commemorative shotguns, collector's decoys and many other objects. The evening was concluded with awarding raffle prizes, which included guns, outdoor equipment, overnite lodging lodg-ing at Snowbird, and a host of other merchandise and services. National and local sponsors donated prizes which were used in the auction and raffle. Neldon Kunz, Chapter Treasurer, indicated the $11,000 raised from the auction and raffle was substantially more than collected in previous years. The money raised by the Chapter will be used by Ducks Unlimited in Canada for wetland restoration. Over 70 percent per-cent of North America's waterfowl are hatched there. Although duck hunters purchase a waterfowl stamp for $7.50, the money must be spent in the United States. DU is the only organization acquiring ac-quiring essential wetlands in Canada where the majority of ducks are hatched. Since 1937, the organization has raised rais-ed more than 164 million dollars for acquiring ac-quiring and managing over three million acres of habitat. These wetland developments are home to many species of wildlife, including fish, birds and mammals. Presently DU membership stands at over 400,000, many of whom have been enrolled by the over 3,000 DU chapters nationwide. Uintah Basin Chapter Committee members for 1982 are: Bob Burdick, Jim Glenn, Ken Harper, Joe Krokker, Neldon Kunz, Steve Madsen, Clay Perschon, Gary Slagel and Don Smith. The Uintah Basin Chapter of Ducks Unlimited attributes the success of the dinner to support from local businessmen and members of the Chapter. |
