Ohio Waterfowl Association

The meeting opened promptly at 11:00 a.m. with an introduction of the current officers. At that time Secretary/Treasurer Dan Boone read a letter from Andy Hogle in regards to the resignation of the President position due to work and family issues. This was discussed among the Officers and members present as to the path OWA would take in either filling or carrying on with a two Vice President system. The constitution makes no reference that the organization must have a “President”. It was discussed and determined to carry on without a president until the following election due to the cohesiveness of the current officer team.

A motion to accept the current officer team was make by Bob Chaplin and seconded by Steve Jennings.

A motion to accept the Summer/Fall meeting minutes was made by Ed Thacker and seconded by Steve Jennings.

A Treasurers Report was read by Dan Boone, the organization had $8361.00 in deposits with expenses of $4228.41 and had a balance on hand of $5651.03 members were told that all receipts, deposits and bank statements were available to review as well as a detailed expense report present.

Membership Drive: by Dave Phillips

Currently have 289 members with 65 delinquents at the current time. Dave spoke to the members present in regard to the importance of member participation. It was also decided that we would not purchase any additional calls, and that the subject would be revisited during the summer meeting.

It was discussed that the organization have a presence at the ODNR “Open House” this was to be followed up by Aaron Lynch. As well as having a presence at the Waterfowl Symposium on April 19th at Ottawa.

EVENTS:

North Zone were presented by Northern Vice President Mike Petkovich.

April 19th, workday at Ottawa, Mike has been in contact with Sarah Mason to place 5 Wood duck boxes in the marsh. Following the workday we will coordinate with Tom Kubicz to be at the Waterfowl Symposium, which will be held at the “new” building.

Berlin Reservoir

Mike has been in contact with Alexander Tostra for a wood duck project as well.

Goose Banding Events:

Possibly two events on the table. The first being an event similar to the previous years in conjunction with Wayne County Ducks Unlimited Green Wing event in the Killbuck area. This project in the past has been spearheaded by Steve Jennings and he will be assuming the event responsibility again—Thank you STEVE!

The second goose-banded event has yet to be determined, however Rance Gambling has asked to put on an event in the Akron area. Mike will be in contact with Rance.

Members Dove Hunt:

Ky Krause has invited OWA to a Dove hunt on the opening weekend in the afternoon in the Manua area. Details to follow.

*It was also brought up by Tom Kubicz that the ODNR is now requiring a “ODNR Liability Form be filled out by all OWA members that will be assisting in ODNR projects. Forms are being requested by Mike Petkovich.

South Zone Events presented by Southern Vice President Aaron Lynch

March 19th Hen Tube placement with Bill Davis, this will be taking place at Big Island and Delaware.

April 5th, Hen-tube build day and Game Dinner at the Annual Honker Bonker Game Dinner in Kent, Ohio. Aaron and member John Beckwith will organize this event. Please contact them for details.

April 12th Fairfield County Youth Day. OWA will be assisting with the youth duck decoy head painting station. This is in conjunction with Dick Benson. OWA will be a sponsor for the event.

Bill Snader presented project he has been working on in conjunction with Todd Hollon. They are organizing a build day at Indian Creek for wood duck boxes.

District 5 project at Clark Lake, the ODNR has requested the assistance of OWA for the labor of moving a handicap blind with a boardwalk. This will be featured in the Wild Ohio magazine. DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED. Bill and Todd are also looking into developing a “youth mentoring” program. The suggestion was also made by Bill to develop a “Sponsorship Print” that is designed for the OWA. Bill has also volunteered to organize a OWA South Zone pheasant hunt in the fall, date to be determined. THANK YOU BILL & TODD!!!

NEW BUSINESS:

Tom Kubicz announced that Crane Creek will be possibly moving there date of the Crane Creek Festival to August 23/24th.

Tony Tilson and Steve Jennings will be working together to develop a “Marsh Clean-up” in the Killbuck area.

Steve also brought to the memberships attention the “Migration Sensation” that happens yearly in the Shreve this happens on March 21st. Members are encouraged to participate in this wonderful ODNR sponsored event. Please contact Steve Jennings, Randy Brillhardt or Ed Thacker.

Sponsorship-

We had a group of members develop a program for the much discussed “Sponsorship Program”. They have come up with several options that the officers will be reviewing and will implement during the summer meeting. This is looking like it will be a “Tier System” based on amount pledged. Please stay tuned as we work through this project. A special thanks to: Jay Comyns, Dave Phillips, DeWayne Knight, and Pete Stryjewski.

Dan Cahl was recognized for his outstanding donation of $300 that he gathered at his annual Pheasant hunt. Great job Dan!

Dick Benson was also recognized for his painting he donated which brought in a contribution of $500 during Andy Hogle’s Annual Goose Hunt. Thank you, Mr. Benson.

The Wheeling Sportsman group was discussed, Amy Petkovich has volunteered to be a liaison for OWA with this group.

A motion to adjourn was made by Ed Thacker and Seconded by Bob Chaplin.