Conservation Corner: January 3, 2000

Congressional Waterfowl Task Force Takes Flight
by James L. Cummins

With the duck season in full swing, the thoughts of most waterfowlers are around a pair of greenheads cupped in front of a blind. Yet, several weeks ago, a group of avid waterfowlers was forming in our nation's capitol - but not to repair blinds. Rather, these conservationists, of which I was proud to be one, were laying the groundwork for a group that will help ensure the future of waterfowl and waterfowling well into the new millennium.

The group is the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus Waterfowl and Wetlands Task Force, the second such task force started by the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (the first being a task force on bowhunting). This task force will act like a subcommittee of the larger Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus and will focus the energies of Caucus members who have a passion for waterfowling.

Two avid duck hunters, Congressman Chip Pickering (R-MS) and Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA), chair the group. The official kick-off of the Task Force was an organizational breakfast in which members of the Task Force discussed issues that are important to them and the future of waterfowl. Wildlife Mississippi was a host of the breakfast. The discussion ranged from legislation sponsored by Task Force members to extend and improve the Conservation and Wetlands Reserve programs and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program to ways to get kids interested in the outdoors.

Later that evening, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation joined with the sponsors of the Task Force - California Waterfowl Association, Delta Waterfowl Foundation, Ducks Unlimited and the organization I work for, Wildlife Mississippi, to host a Tribute to Waterfowl and Waterfowling Reception at the U.S. Capitol. At this reception, Members of Congress, including Congressman Pickering, Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and Congressman Ronnie Shows (D-MS), sampled various duck and goose delicacies while being treated to champion retriever demonstrations (in a reflecting pool in the U.S. House of Representatives) as well as duck and goose calling. Decoy carvers were also on hand to discuss the history of decoys.

"As the Congress adjourned for the year, the excitement about this new group was evident. We expect great things on behalf of waterfowl, waterfowlers and wetlands when the Congress returns to work in January", said Peter Trexler, Vice-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation Board and a former resident of Vicksburg. "This could be one of the most significant things to come out of Washington to benefit waterfowl since the creation of the duck stamp program in 1934," he concluded.

I and Wildlife Mississippi were proud to be a host to the largest Caucus in Congress and enjoy our Mississippi leadership.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi.