Media Invited to the 17th Annual Minnesota Waterfowl Symposium February 1
OutdoorHub 01.31.14
What: Minnesota Waterfowl Symposium
When: Saturday, February 1, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Mall of America Ramada, 2300 East American Boulevard, in Bloomington
Who: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in partnership with the Minnesota Waterfowl Association and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, hosts the event.
Why: Hunters, outdoor enthusiasts and natural resource managers are expected to attend and celebrate Minnesota’s waterfowl and wetland resources. The Minnesota Waterfowl Symposium is geared toward giving Minnesota’s waterfowl hunters and enthusiasts the opportunity to interact with waterfowl biologists and managers representing various conservation agencies and organizations.
This 17th symposium will focus on blue-winged teal, an important species to Minnesota hunters as well as wild rice, which is an important food for migrating waterfowl. Steve Cordts, a waterfowl biologist with the Minnesota DNR, and Ron Gatti, Wisconsin DNR, will present information about the biology, ecology and harvest management of blue-winged teal. Peter David, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, and Ann Geisen, a shallow lakes specialist with the Minnesota DNR, will discuss the ecology and restoration of wild rice and what management is currently occurring in Minnesota.
Organizers have also scheduled a variety of other interesting presentations throughout the day to appeal to a wide audience. Renowned wildlife photographer Michael Furtman will be on hand to give a presentation about photographing waterfowl and capturing your hunting experiences in photos. U.S. Geological Survey Wildlife Researcher Josh Stafford will discuss using weather radar to track duck migrations and antique decoy collector Robert Sauer will give a presentation about collecting decoys for profit and pleasure. The day concludes with a question and answer session with Minnesota DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr.
