Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated upland habitats for waterfowl, other wildlife, and people. The organization is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, and serves North America.

History

Ducks Unlimited was founded in 1937 during the Dust Bowl, a time when North America's drought-plagued waterfowl populations had reached critically low levels. A group of sportsmen came together to form the organization in response to the declining waterfowl populations across the continent. The founders recognized the need for a conservation effort that spanned across both the United States and Canada, particularly focusing on waterfowl breeding grounds in the Prairie Pothole Region of Canada.

Mission

The primary mission of Ducks Unlimited is habitat conservation. This involves conserving, restoring, and managing wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. These efforts not only benefit waterfowl but also other wildlife and people, as wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and providing essential services like water filtration and flood control.

Vision

The organization's vision is to ensure that there are enough wetlands to sustain waterfowl populations now and in the future. To achieve this, Ducks Unlimited works through diverse public and private partnerships to address the ongoing destruction of wetlands across North America.

Operations

Ducks Unlimited has a strong grassroots presence, with a large network of volunteers and chapters across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Volunteers host numerous fundraising events annually, including banquets and outdoor tournaments, which are a significant source of revenue for the organization. These funds are often unrestricted, allowing Ducks Unlimited to allocate them to high-priority conservation projects and leverage additional funding from other sources.

Conservation Impact

Through its dedication to wetland conservation, Ducks Unlimited has successfully conserved over 15 million acres of habitat in North America. The organization collaborates with governments, corporations, and other NGOs to restore and manage wetlands, preventing their degradation. Additionally, Ducks Unlimited advocates for policies that protect wetlands and the environment.

Funding and Support

The majority of Ducks Unlimited's financial supporters are hunters, who also constitute about 90% of its membership. The organization generates revenue from a variety of sources, including member contributions, major gifts, conservation easements, and advertisements for waterfowling equipment. Ducks Unlimited ensures that at least 80% of its revenue goes directly towards habitat conservation efforts.

Regions of Focus

Key areas for conservation efforts include the Prairie Pothole Region, the Western Boreal Forest of Canada, the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, the Central Valley and Coastal California, and the Gulf Coastal Prairie. These regions are critical for both breeding and migratory waterfowl.