What Would We Do Without the Non-Profit Organizations and Their Volunteers? I Hope We Never Have to Find Out!

There are many non-profit organizations across the country that are dedicated to the preservation of our wildlife, traditional values and promoting the philosophy that wildlife is a cherished natural resource. Truly a worthy cause, and we must not forget that they have REAL people, who volunteer REAL time, for this very REAL purpose.

These non-profit groups are in addition to government agencies and other companies that make it their business to work toward a brighter, greener future for everyone, namely outdoor activists, hikers, hunters, and sightseers! If you like that “warm and fuzzy” feeling, I can assure you that you will get a big dose of it as you choose one (or several)  groups to support. As a side note, while I encourage you to support these types of organizations, it is very important that you be informed and aware of the agenda of the group that you may consider giving support, I have found some with titles that sound great, but I don’t happen to agree with their goals or objectives.

It is so important to remember that although there are many people doing many things, there can never be enough of them doing what needs to be done. These organizations not only have to work very hard to make things happen, they also strive to obtain the funding needed to meet the minimum expenses for all the activities they can potentially bring to the community, often at no charge for the participants. There are often fundraisers featuring a banquet or a cook out, which allow you to have a little food and fun, letting you reap the rewards of your noble contribution to such a worthy cause!

I have a very good friend, Billy Davault, who is a member of the national organization Whitetails Unlimited. Billy is an active volunteer in the local Southwest Louisiana “Calcasieu” Chapter, so I know first hand just how hard these guys work and also see their steadfast dedication to the National WTU founded in 1982:

Whitetails Unlimited is a national non-profit conservation organization that has remained true to its mission and has made great strides in the field of conservation. We have gained the reputation of being the nation’s premier organization dedicating our resources to the betterment of the white-tailed deer and its environment.

Here are just a few of the many great things that WTU, and their volunteers do for us, our children, and our grandchildren:

HOPE Program (Habitat Options & Planned Enhancement)

Another one of many efforts of WTU to promote the acquisition, restoration, and management of wildlife habitat.

Whitetails Unlimited is an organization committed to managing the white-tailed deer and its habitat for present and future generations. When it comes to habitat, our Hope for Wildlife program ranks second to none. The program’s success is accomplished by voluntary cost-share partnerships between Whitetails Unlimited and landowners, wildlife organizations, and government agencies.

Kids on Target (Including Firearms & Archery)

Whitetails Unlimited would like to get kids away from all the electronics in their lives, and get them outdoors involved in the shooting sports.

You just call to request a free starter kit, including targets, medals, booklets, and information!

Educational Booklets (available online for printing for educational purposes)

For two decades, Whitetails Unlimited, Inc. has been one of the nation’s leaders in promoting public wildlife education and recreation in the great outdoors. Over the years we’ve developed an extensive series of educational booklets and brochures dealing with timely conservation issues such as: artificial wildlife feeding, regulated hunting, forest management, and habitat enhancement, just to name a few.

See their website for more information and projects.

I believe that WTU is a very worthy organization, and along with many others, they are making a difference in our world. Also, it happens that the annual Banquet of Whitetails Unlimited Calcasieu Chapter in Southwest Louisiana is coming up around the bend, on July 21, 2012, smack in the middle of my old stomping grounds of Lake Charles, Louisiana, so I’ll be there! Located in the Lake Charles Civic Center on the lake, it is sure to be another grandiose event, with lots of prizes, and loads of Cajun conversation filling the air! The Calcasieu Chapter works very closely with Southern Boyz Outdoors Productions to help a make activities possible for children and veterans, and also record some memories on film. Here is just one of the hunts for “Wounded Warriors”, this will make you laugh, and warm your heart.

httpv://youtu.be/l1gMMN4hrHw

I am looking forward to meeting all of these wonderful people at the banquet, and just as a friendly reminder, If you have not been to a party in southwest Louisiana then it is about time to get yo’self down and pass a good time! If that isn’t possible this year, I am certain you can find another equally worthy event to support! Below you’ll find the Southwest Louisiana WTU Calcasieu Chapter Banquet program and registration information, which include the list of many of the prizes that will be available.

If you want to, you can stop and think of this world without these organizations, these people and their purpose, but I personally don’t want to!

Whitetails Unlimited Events.

Other links for Non-Profit Conservation Organizations that you can research.

A program that helped me begin my Outdoor Adventures is Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, or B.O.W. They are nationwide, and have made an amazing difference in many lives!

Becky Lou Lacock

Born and raised in Louisiana, my Outdoor adventures began just a short time ago, with a weekend workshop, B.O.W. 'Becoming an Outdoors Woman' in the Spring of 2000. A nationwide program , in Louisiana it is facilitated by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Educational Dept. I was feeling a little adventurous, and chose “Intro to Shotgun” as one of my 4 workshops for the weekend.  I had never had the opportunity to shoot guns, and decided that this would be the perfect place to give it a shot! This course required a detailed Firearm Safety course held in a classroom the day before various guns handy for some “hands on” instruction. I was very anxious the day of shooting, but as it unfolded, with patient expert instructors by my side, (helping to muffle the voices inside of me shouting NO! NO! NO! You're a Girl! Its gonna hurt!)  I hit the second clay target, thus began my passion for Shooting! I absolutely LOVED it!!  I have always loved to fish, sharing many hours with the only outdoor influence in my life growing up, my mother Tommie Lou. She and I spent many hours in the Freshwater Marshes of SW Louisiana, searching for that elusive HOG (Large Mouth Bass) but also pulling in huge Redfish, Speckled trout & Flounder in and around the salt water lake "Big Lake". I always joke that we had to use our running lights to get out to the fishing spots, and we had to also needed them to come in, as we would spend all of the precious daylight fishing hard…. the days were always too short. That was the limit to any outdoor activity for me, but shortly after my "Shooting Incident" I met my husband Lou, and was introduced into hunting, starting with a west Texas whitetail hunt, at which point my life took a drastic turn from inside to "EXTREME OUTSIDE"!! Without a doubt, I am all girl,  I don't like bugs, critters, or Snakes, but because of my willingness to Take a Chance, I have learned that a little DIRT..or even or a TICK will not keep me from this new adventure!

 

With the first hunt of my life being shortly after the workshop, I understand first hand the skepticism that some women have to step outdoors, and I believe that most women just need to be aware of the resources readily available to them, along with a little pinch of encouragement. I have been fortunate to have both, for without it I would not be doing what I am today.

 

With great encouragement from Greg Martin of RealHuntersJournal, an online resource for outdoor information, I began writing, and going to the industry shows such as Shot Show, ATA, NWTF, and others to review the latest and greatest products in the industry. I met several wonderful people, and began to realize that the people behind the products, TV shows, and outfitters were just down home people, real people just like me! I think of it as a large family, and like most, they may not always agree on every method, design, or camo pattern, but all share a common dream, and ultimately work together to make that dream a reality for the rest of us. I have been blessed with a lot of energy and enthusiasm that just seems to spill out onto everyone around me, I love people and Lord only knows how I like to talk, and over the past few years I have been encouraged to take more of an active part to promote women in the outdoors. I was invited on several exciting hunts to experience many new adventures, and share them. With a style all my own, I have really enjoyed writing. Loaded with lots of adventures and information to share, I started my own website in 2009, www.BeckyLouOutdoors.com. The following year I was asked to participate in a Reality Television series with 5 other women, consisting of 11 episodes. Somehow with my determination, some skill, and a lot of luck, I won the first season competition!! The show was a success, and continues on each year for a new season with 6 new contestants and many new challenges.  . In 2010 I was honored to be named Pro Staff for Commando Call Products. I do a lot of freelance writing for many websites and most recently InterMedia Outdoors with an article in print for Dec/Jan 2011/2012 nationwide Game & Fish and also Sportsman. I have a trademark phrase, “Camo can be Classy”TM for women like me that are 110% all girl, but can enjoy the outdoors to whatever level we desire! I have grown to believe that if you Love Life it will Love you back! I hope to provide some information, encouragement and inspiration for women to get out in the Great Outdoors. It has made such a difference in my life, and I truly believe that I am Happier and Healthier because of it! Shooting may not be for everyone, but it is definitely worth a SHOT!