2010 Winter Meeting Minutes of The Ohio Waterfowl Association

The 2010 Winter Meeting of the Ohio Waterfowl Association was convened at the H.R. Collins Laboratory and Classroom at Alum Creek State Park in Delaware, OH.  The meeting was called to order at 11:03 by Northern VP Dan Boone.  Roll was taken, Officers noted as absent were Amy Petkovich, Member Chair, excused due to being concurrently occupied in her capacity as Ohio DU State Secretary at the State DU convention in Sandusky; and Shawn Philbrick, OWA Secretary occupied with a family medical emergency.

Two guests from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources were also present,  Donna M. Daniel , Assistant Wildlife Management Supervisor, ODNR, Division of Wildlife - District One, and Adam Martin, ODNR State Park Officer for the Alum Creek State Park Region.  Mrs. Daniel is involved with overseeing Wildlife initiatives in central Ohio and Officer Martin runs the Alum Creek and Delaware State Parks Waterfowl Blind Programs.

Summer Minutes were offered for review; a Motion to accept the minutes was made by Randy Eyre and seconded by Andy Hogle

President’s Report: Dan Boone read the President’s report from Rance Gamblin, which included summaries on Fall activities and projects at Magee Marsh, and the Grant Funding extended to Wright State University Graduate Student Phillip Lavretsky for the purpose of a black duck / mallard hybridization study.  The student’s proposal was available for examination, along with the OWA response and allocation of $750.00 research grant conferred by the OWA upon recommendation by the Executive Committee.   Along with this grant, mallard and black duck + hybrid wings were also collected through the season by OWA Members and submitted to support the study.  A final report paper will be submitted to the OWA.

The President’s Report also included Rance’s resignation from the Presidency due to extraordinary family circumstances he is currently facing that are taking a great amount of his time and taking him out of state on a frequent basis.  Rance remains in good standing with the OWA and will continue to support the Organization.

Treasurers Report: Kyan Kraus distributed a detailed Treasurers report to the Membership and noted a current bank balance of $10,883.19.  Ky noted that Bootcamp netted the OWA $8,826 in 2009.  A detailed report is available for members to view upon request.

Membership Report:  Amy Petkovich submitted a Membership report to Dan Boone prior to the meeting.  Current roll is 521, with 306 being current.  Amy is in the process of sending out correspondence to those whose memberships have lapsed.  The next public membership drive will be at the Ohio Decoy Collectors and Carvers Association show at the Holiday Inn West, Westlake, Ohio March 19-21, 2010.  Amy will be at the show both days, Saturday and Sunday, and would be more than happy to have anyone who would like to help in either joining me, or tag teaming either day.  Whether you have two hours to offer or the whole day, your time and effort would be greatly appreciated.  Amy can be reached via e-mail at:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Old Business Bill Snader covered South Zone projects and participation from the past year as follows:

Buckeye Lake Spring Clean-up Organized by Greg Gbur

Fairifield County Youth Day decoy head painting station

Handicapped Blind Build at Spring Valley Marsh – permanent blind was built on site in the marsh with handicapped access, for disabled and youth hunter use.   

Warren County Youth Day with the NWTF      

Darke county Fair display by Jeff Erwin     

Nest Tubes Build for Spring Valley Marsh

SW Ohio Delta Puppy raffle (proceeds of which were split with OWA receiving $460) 

Dan Boone covered North Zone and other projects and participation from the past year as follows:

Waterfowler’s Bootcamp

Lake Erie Waterfowlers Festival at Crane Creek

Magee Blind Build - organized and headed up by Randy Eyre, 4 blinds were constructed at the LEW for donation to Magee Marsh

Ottawa Blinds Build – 2 Blinds were constructed by Dan Boone’s Father and stained at Bootcamp for donation to Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.

Kids Build-a-Call station at Crane Creek organized by DeWayne Knight

Magee Marsh Youth Waterfowl Hunt call donation –Calls were purchased by OWA in conjunction with John Barsa from Buck Gardner for youth hunters at Magee Marsh 

Wright State University Student Waterfowl Research Grant (covered above)

Rance Gamblin donated $100 on behalf of the OWA to sponsor a 3-show calling contest held at outdoor shows in Erie, PA, Hamburg, NY and Cleveland, OH.  Finals will be in Cleveland and the OWA will be listed as a sponsor of the winning trophies.

Board of Directors Proposal: No proposal was put to vote and those who were previous advocates for various BOD configurations were not present and able to provide input for discussion.  Item was tabled.  It was pointed out in limited discussion by Randy Eyre that the 5 District Model might dove-tail nicely with a BOD.  Cletus Haubiel put forth his reservations of trying to stretch the Executive Ranks even farther being that it was currently not fully staffed as is.  Ky Kraus expressed his support for the OWA developing a model and the Officers agreed.  Reserved for future discussion.

New Business

Under New Business for 2010, discussion was brought forth from:

Randy Eyre

1]Magee/Metzger’s Hen Houses -  Randy has a Proposal in to the State for OWA to install 25 hen tubes that were already secured to be placed according to needs identified by the State as follows:   10 would be placed in Metzgers Marsh and 15 going to Magee Marsh.  They would be placed within the next month, checked in June, and removed in late August due to ice flow over the winter.  VOLUNTEERS CURRENTLY NEEDED FOR THIS PROJECT if interested, you may contact Randy Eyre at 419-356-5676

2] Randy noted that Sara Mason at Ottawa NWR has requested blind brushing assistance prior to the 2011 season.  With 16 blinds to brush, last year it took Sara and an intern over a week to do.  Randy to look at organizing a Blind Brushing Event with a contests and prizes for best brush job, a cookout etc. for Ottawa this Fall.  Randy is also working with Ottawa on a proposal to add alternate blind locations to zones where wind is a factor.  OWA would be in support of these initiatives and event.

3] Future Walleye Tournament:  Randy was also looking to put together an OWA Walleye Tournament on Lake Erie, but due to conflicts and timing this has been deferred, may be a possible future event.

Dan Boone

1] Ashtabula Hen House Build – Dan advised he is awaiting information from Dan McMillien, District 3 Wetland Restoration Program Private Lands Biologist, on a possible project in the area.

2] Portage Lakes Hen Tubes – Portage Lakes has contacted Dan and inquired if they could get some hen tubes placed through OWA.  Looking for a project lead on this, please contact Dan if interested.

3] Outdoor Skills Day in Copley, OH – Dan was contacted regarding participation on July 18th, possible OWA involvement, however, that is the proposed Bootcamp Date.

4]Killbuck Marsh Projects – Killbuck Marsh is in need of possible hen tubes and some manpower for brush control on the dikes, among other projects.    It was discussed that a good projects lead for the area might be found in Shawn Philbrick or Steve Jennings, please inquire with Dan if interested.

Bill Snader

1] Upcoming Fairfield County Youth Event on April 10th 2010 – OWA needs decoy heads (several hundred) in order to continue the annual Dick Benson Memorial painting station sponsored by OWA.  Existing supplier (Herters) has stopped making decoy heads.  Bill has logged many many hours of phone conversations with manufacturers and distributors around the country such as Cabelas in order to get bulk heads, currently selling for as much a $6/ea, to no avail.  Found a supplier in Ohio, Waterfowl Works, owned by OWA member Tony Homer that was able to provide them for $1/ea.  Members agreed that was as good as the OWA might get.  A motion to purchase 500 was made by Andy Hogle and seconded by Brad Craley.  VOLUNTEERS CURRENTLY NEEDED FOR THIS EVENT, please contact Bill Snader if interested in helping.

2] ODOT Wetlands Maintenance – Bill advised he has developed contacts and he and Dan Boone will be meeting a State ODOT Representative in the near future to see what the OWA may able to be allowed to do in ODOT-owned wetlands  for habitat projects

3]OWA Website Forum – Bill has been exploring the set-up of an OWA website Forum with Mike Beatty and  Bryan Schreiber is in concurrence that it would make a good communications tool to organize projects and provide a place for Members spread throughout the state to have discussion on OWA related items.  A prototype site has already been built and is the testing phase.  Rules and protocol for the site are currently under development and sign-up procedure will be announced in the next OWA Newsletter.

4] OWA Mentoring Program – Member Todd Hollon has previously put forth an idea for the development of an OWA mentoring program in which the OWA could reach out to take adults waterfowl hunting who don’t currently have the opportunity to do so and thus provide more people the opportunity and spread interest in the sport.  Bill to follow up and see what other programs that host people and involve firearms do in regards to waivers, etc.  Being that inspiring children to take up waterfowling is also in our Mission Statement, discussion was put forth by the Members expressing concerns about liability if this were to be extended to kids.  Dan Boone to check into the liability issues with minors.  Randy Eyre noted that a Company Liability Policy could be quite expensive for OWA.  In the mean time Bryan Schreiber encouraged members to take kids hunting as often as they can as individuals and organize their own hunts such as those that Andy Hogle has put on.  All agreed it was exceedingly important to get the next generation interested in waterfowling.

5] Regional/District Leads – Bill brought forth the topic of pursuing 5 District Project Leads that would head up projects and coordination with Officials in their areas of the state.  The boundaries are based on the 5 Division of Wildlife Districts (Central, NW, SW, SE & NE).  This is a model the OWA has been working toward since inception.  Bryan Schreiber to list it as a priority in the next newsletter.  OWA IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING PROPOSALS FROM THOSE WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN BEING THE LEAD FOR COORDINATION IN THEIR DISTRICT – please contact Dan Boone or Bill Snader to inquire about being an OWA District Lead

6] Ohio Outdoor News, Wood Duck Challenge – OWA was contacted once again to sponsor the Ohio Outdoor News Youth Wood Duck Challenge.  Kids build a wood duck box in return get a youth OWA Membership and sticker.  It was agreed by the Members that this relationship should continue.  Bill to check with Amy Petkovich to make sure last year’s participants received their items.

7] Guernsey Co. 4-H Youth Day – Bill was contacted by Guernsey Co. 4-H and asked if the OWA might help offset some of the costs for an event they had coming up and also participate if we are able.  A 4-H representative was not able to make the meeting as originally planned and there was insufficient information to decide whether to participate.  Bill to follow up. 

8] Nuisance Goose Rifle Allowance – Discussion was opened on the proposal by the DNR to amend the State Code to allow for farmers to utilize rifles, in addition to shotguns currently allowed, for nuisance goose control permits.  The rifle allowance was to bring the goose control permit in line with the same parameters as nuisance deer control permits in order to protect agricultural in the spring and summer months, and would not be permitted during any waterfowl seasons.  Bill Snader advised that D-5 had only 5-10 permits on the books and Donna Daniel advised D-1 has somewhere on the order of 10 permits out.  Donna elaborated that these Permits are a last resort and they put strict limitations on them, sometimes allowing shooters to only take 2 a day with their permit and capping the annual take at 25.  It was brought up by Bryan Schreiber that waterfowlers in Ohio seem to be very much against this on the face of it for a couple of reasons, one being safety as there have been several goose hunters killed in the field the last couple of years and we didn’t want the precedent of a rifle being utilized to be set.  Donna reiterated that the permits and rifles would not be valid during waterfowl hunting seasons.  Bryan asked for additional info to collect and put forth for OWA Members and Donna offered contact info for Dave Sherman who oversees the statewide nuisance goose permit program.  Bryan to get info and numbers of permits issued + geese taken in order to get an informational summary of the issue out to the Membership and post it via the website in time for the ODNR Open Houses March 6th.

Waterfowlers Bootcamp 2010 – Discussion was opened on Bootcamp 2010.  The success of the 2009 event was recapped along with the financial and time commitment required from the organization and the Bootcamp committee members.  Only one of the 2009 Committee Members (Bob Chaplin) has elected to return to take any lead role in the planning and organizing efforts for 2010.  Bob was not present at the Meeting for discussion but submitted a list of committee positions needed to Dan Boone for discussion at the meeting.  2009 Bootcamp Committee Members Brad Craley and Jay Comyns were present and they gave their perspective on the time and human elements necessary to successfully put on the event.  A very lengthy discussion ensued covering the pros and cons, and benefits and risks of going forward. 

A motion was made by Ky Kraus and subsequently amended for a vote to go forth with the following proposal setting date and numbers certain for a go-no go decision.

Motion: Passed with 11 yea’s and one abstention, as follows:

If the following two conditions cannot be met, Waterfowlers Bootcamp will be deferred in 2010:

A] The following positions must be filled for a commitment on an ongoing basis starting immediately and lasting until the Event Date of July 17 (and 18), 2010.  Volunteers must also be available in person to attend periodic status meetings, usually monthly, in North Central Ohio:

1 - Facility Handling Contact & Coordinate with Cardinal Center
1 - Tents Tables and Chairs Lead Organizer
3 - Vendor Leads
2 - Seminar and Guest Leads
3 - Food and Concessions Leads (including 1 main dinner event organizer)
2- Promotions and Prizes Leads
1- Calling Contest Organizer
2- Outdoor Contests Organizers (depending on how many we want have)
1- Volunteer Coordinator – Pete Stryjewski

B] These positions must be filled by March 31st, 2010.  Members expressed a strong desire to see this effort succeed.  Jay Comyns and Brad Craley offered their guidance and support based on their past experience and noted that due to last year’s effort, we are already ahead in the planning for 2010.  Applicants must be able to work well with others and the OWA Officer Corp.   If you are interested in filling one of the above positions please contact Pete Stryjewski at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Bryan Schreiber to work with Brad Craley to send out a postcard solicitation to the Membership body. 

General Discussion and other New Business Brought forth by Members:

Cletus Habiel  1] inquired as to the root cause of why OWA Presidents haven’t served their full terms.  Some elaboration on Rance Gamblin’s family situation, which he wishes to remain private, was given for the benefit of Members in attendance, and Andy Hogle gave his reasoning which was also related to family medical problems and a choice having to be made between family and the Org.  (It should be noted and commended that all past-Presidents have remained active and committed members of the OWA).  Ky Kraus expressed his thoughts that the organizational structure/set-up may be modified through constitutional amendment, i.e. staggered terms, in order to take some of the pressure off the President and lend continuity. 

2] Cletus also inquired if we had standard Blind Plans for the Blind Builds we do each year, to which Dan Boone advised that due to Randy Eyre’s good work last year for Magee Marsh, we do have a pretty good set of plans in the OWA’s paper records.  Bryan Schreiber to look into putting those online as a .PDF

Tom Kubicz brought forth several items:

1] Tom requested to start on acquiring calls for the Magee Youth Hunt now if the OWA would sponsor that again, Dan Boone affirmed we would contact John Barsa with Buck Gardner to acquire the calls.

2] Tom also asked if OWA has an NRA Affiliation.  Current answer is “No”, however Dan Boone will check in to what is entailed with that.

3] Tom invited the OWA to participate in Migratory Bird Day on May 8th at Magee, the only commitment needed would be to have members present.  Please contact Dan Boone if you would like to participate.

4] Tom advised the Lake Erie Waterfowl Festival at Crane Creek will be August 21 & 22 this year.  OWA will attend as usual.

Donna Daniel, Assistant Wildlife Management Supervisor, ODNR, Division of Wildlife - District One.  Donna brought pictures of a blind the Division has purchased for the marsh at Deer Creek Wildlife Area, along with a half completed boardwalk into the marsh.  The set-up is to allow disabled hunters and youth access, but was unable to be completed last year.  The OWA will assist with the completion of the project probably sometime in late summer.  Bryan Schreiber to keep in touch with D-1 Management and Andy Hogle may serve as project lead as it is very similar to the one Andy headed up at the Hebron Fish Hatchery.

Thanks were given to the Members and to Donna Daniel and Adam Martin from the DNR for attending the meeting.  Motion to adjourn was made by Ky Kraus and seconded by Jay Comyns.  Meeting was adjourned at 2:15 PM

Post Meeting addendum:  Member Dan Cahl held his annual Ohio Pheasant Hunt the following day on February 21st, and donated $87 raised from a raffle to the OWA.  Northern V.P. Dan Boone participated and was there to accept on behalf of the OWA.  Much thanks to Dan Cahl for his continued support. 

Minutes faithfully submitted by Bryan Schreiber, OWA Media Relations