MIKE BRAUN Don't forget ducks or DU

For several years now I've been beating my faithful readers with the information that, while the news about ducks and waterfowl has generally been good, resting on laurels was not a good idea.
Information from the past duck breeding season bears me out.
For a number of years duck populations were down, and hunting was affected because of drought and a number of other factors.
Then, in the mid-90s, duck numbers began increasing and all was well with the world.
Until this year.
It was dry: Unless you've been hibernating, you've noticed rather dry conditions were the norm.
These conditions have led to a situation that biologists from Ducks Unlimited say warrants some attention.
In fact, according to estimates from the U.S. Fish & amp; Wildlife Service, despite an 18 percent increase in pond numbers on the breeding grounds, the total number of breeding ducks declined by 14 percent, falling from 42 million birds in 2000 to 36.1 million in 2001. Of the 10 duck species watched, only pintails has an overall increase in numbers.
Unusual results: "This is an unusual result," says DU's chief biologist, Dr. Bruce Batt. "Normally, we see pond and total duck numbers moving in the same direction. This year's survey is not devastating news, but it is certainly worth keeping an eye on."
Dry conditions in the Canadian provinces where ducks breed was a critical factor in the decrease, Batt said. He also estimated that hunters and birdwatchers alike will see fewer birds during migration this year than last year.
Breaking it down further, he said the west migration will be noticeably less in number while the fall flight in the east will be about the same as 2000.
So now, more than ever, is NOT the time to let your support lag for waterfowl in general, and Ducks Unlimited specifically.
There's no better way to show that support than by attending a local DU chapter banquet.
Fortunately, there is one a scant two weeks from now.
The Mahoning Valley Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will hold its 18th annual banquet on Sept. 21 at the St. Mary's Assumption Social Center on South Belle Vista in Youngstown. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. and auction at 8:30.
Have some fun: Always an excellent affair here, the annual banquet gives those attending a chance to have some fun while helping to support a great organization and a worthwhile cause -- waterfowl.
The banquet will feature a silent raffle, auction -- including a chocolate Labrador retriever puppy -- dinner, refreshments, fellowship and fun.
As an added attraction, this is the second year that the club will be collecting for the M. Daniel Gilboy Life Sponsorship fund.
This fund is in honor of Danny, a dedicated club supporter and waterfowler who passed away unexpectedly early on in 2000. The club has set a goal of $10,000 over four years for the fund. Dave Brown, a chapter officer, said the money will be used in efforts to create or preserve a wetland area, hopefully in northeastern Ohio.
Once the area is selected, the Division of Wildlife and DU will see to it that the area will be named after Gilboy -- a fitting tribute to someone who had the best interests of ducks and conservation uppermost in his thoughts.
Good start: Brown said that since the fund was established, $2,500 has been collected toward the total -- a fine start.
Tickets for the banquet are $50 for individuals, $80 for couples, $40 for greenwings (youth), $300 for sponsorship singles and $325 for sponsorship couples. Part of the ticket cost is tax deductible as well.
Regular tickets include a DU membership and a DU Magazine subscription, while the sponsorship package also includes a special, framed wildlife print.
Tickets are available from chapter officers -- Dave Brown, (330) 533-2455, Walt Ibele, (330) 533-6638, and Greg D'Angelo, (330) 533-9766, or from The Shooting Gallery, (330) 726-7788, and The Frame Village (330) 533-9865.
For those who sign up by Tuesday, there will be a drawing for a special, limited-edition print. Contact a chapter officer for the "early bird" registration.
braun@vindy.com