Ducks Unlimited Banquet a success

The 19th Annual Blackfoot River Ducks Unlimited event was another resounding success

The Blackfoot River Chapter of Ducks Unlimited once again filled the Historic Lincoln Community Hall April 21.

The committee begins planning for the event in January to ensure attendees have a good time.

New to this year’s games and raffles was Ernie Lundberg’s inspiration for the Keg & Growler Game. Back again this year was the Fishing Derby Game and the “Reed’s Cast and Blast” which sold out three times, earning $3,000.

In all, more than 21 guns were raffled or auctioned.

Once again Bushwackers catered a delicious meal and “liquid refreshments.” A special thanks goes to Diane Ironi and Becca Allen for their original dessert presentation.

This year’s event again received outstanding support from our local businesses and individuals, as well as many donations from surrounding area businesses and artists. Their donations help our banquet generate funds to support Ducks Unlimited’s efforts to conserve and protect Montana’s vital wetlands and upland habitats. DU works with partners and landowners to ensure that North America’s waterfowl and over 900 other wildlife species have the habitat they need to survive and thrive.

We humans also benefit from these conservation projects as wetlands are essential help in filtering our water supply.

Every one of our committee members and volunteers are key to our success. Special thanks go to Emily Rundell, who always does a great job with the Silent Auction table; to “Duck Buddies” Debbie Schoenen and family for the Box & Basket Raffle (every item is donated); to Mark Aquino for ensuring the guns were handled properly; to Jim & Heidi Agner for handling the gun background checks; to Zane and Reese Burns for their always great auctioneering; to our finance and registration folks Nancy Schwalm, Dawn Schwalm, Tammy Jordan, Sue Anderson and Kathy Tams; to the Lincoln High School students for their help the evening of the event and helping clean the hall the next day.

If you would like more information about Ducks Unlimited please visit http://www.ducks.org. Please contact Ernie or Renee Lundberg 406-362-4102 or Linda Daugherty 406-362-4102 if you would like to assist on the Blackfoot River DU Committee.