Ducks Unlimited hosts 37th annual banquet

The Cloud County chapter of Ducks Unlimited held its 37th Annual banquet at the Kansas National Guard Armory at Blosser Airport on Saturday night.

257 guests attended the banquet to enjoy a prime rib dinner and take part in the silent auction, raffles, and prizes given away. The prizes included artwork, decoys, sculptures, firearms, hunts, and trips to foreign countries.
"We start planning for the banquet in July," said Josh Meyer, chairman of the Cloud County chapter. "Over 20 committee members are involved in putting everything together."
Ducks Unlimited (DU) total membership in the state of Kansas stands at 14,937, with 12,893 general members, 766 Greenwings, 286 Legacy Greenwings, 795 sponsor members, and 197 major sponsors.
In 2018, DU raised $1,225,329 grassroots dollars.
"The funds go to wetlands conservation," said Josh Williams, the Kansas Regional Director for DU. "Habitat rehabilitation is our central mission. Wetland habitat supports over 900 species."
As of 2019, 39,950 total acres have been conserved in Kansas.
The majority of DU members are men, but plenty of females are joining.
"I like being outside and seeing the sun rise in the morning," said Stephanie Lichtenauer, an avid hunter. "I'm a nature lover. I love the outdoors."
TO SEE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BANQUET, PLEASE VISIT THE BLADE'S FACEBOOK PAGE: Concordia Blade-Empire