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View Full Version : A visit to DU Canada HQ at Oak Hammock MB

STUBBLE BUM
10-19-2005, 12:35 PM
Finally had a chance to visit DU Canada HQ at Oak Hammock in Manitoba.

What a fantastic spot. There were geese and ducks everywhere and the layout of the complex is simply amazing. No square corners and every office had a great view of the marsh....the roof is even grassed and ducks nest on it every year.

The actual wetland is comprised of four cells and covers 36 square kms. There was over 300 k birds using the marsh while we were there.

The actual interpretive centre is fantastic. There were three school groups in while we were there and they all had huge grins on their faces. Very cool spot for kids and adults alike.

I've always been rather narrowly focused when it comes to orgs. like DU Canada and wanted my donations to be earmarked for just habitat work. Well; I'll be the first to admit publicly that I was way off base. This place is a great opportunity to showcase our achievements to the non-hunting urban populace - I'm still amazed at the depth and scope of this project. Absolutely world class; the centre, the staff, the wetland....everything!

A pic of us on our way into the centre.
STUBBLE BUM
10-19-2005, 12:37 PM
A view from the upper observation deck looking South East into the complex
STUBBLE BUM
10-19-2005, 12:41 PM
Another view. See the hen house in the foreground?

I'm also a Delta Sponsor and there were hen houses everywhere on our drive to Western Manitoba.

Very impressive. I'll tell you now that the money that you send to DU and Delta is being put to work and making a difference.

I can't think of many charitable organizations that have such tangible results.

Good job fellas - :cool:
STUBBLE BUM
10-19-2005, 12:44 PM
Our DU Canada fund raising Manager organized the tour for us as we're all DU Canada senior volunteers.

How many organizations are there where the Executive VP's office door was open and his secretary says go ahead and say hi......talk about accessible.

Mr. Edwards (Gord) took time away from his busy schedule and we had a nice visit. I believe his words were that he worked for us and that volunteers are the life blood of the organization. Heck of a nice guy and about as down to earth as they come. That's him second from the right.

Those are original pieces of art in the background that were selected over the years as DU Canada Artist of the year submissions....the pic doesn't do them justice.
STUBBLE BUM
10-19-2005, 12:48 PM
The end result.

These birds were coming into a pea field from a DU managed marsh.

Incredible......

pic 1
STUBBLE BUM
10-19-2005, 12:49 PM
Another....
STUBBLE BUM
10-19-2005, 12:51 PM
One more.
STUBBLE BUM
10-19-2005, 12:54 PM
The bonus......

a MB limit of fat greenheads
Reddog
10-19-2005, 01:18 PM
That is amazing! :NW:

The size of that marsh is incredible, and the way you describe things makes me feel I would be absolutely awe-struck!

Thanks a tone Andy for sharing the photos and write up, I really enjoyed it!
V BOARD
10-19-2005, 03:03 PM
Thanks for sharing that!!Gotta love those SKY RATS !!!!:Art:
lowflyer
10-19-2005, 06:35 PM
Oak Hammock is truely an amazing place. We've just got a family membership and have been up there 3-4 times already.

Next time I'd suggest you stop in at the Delta Marsh as well, no interperative center but an important piece of waterfowling history.
featheredfriend
10-20-2005, 08:09 AM
Excellent photos and story stubs! Good to see the funds raised are going into the ground.

Looks like the trip to MB went well. Thanks for sharing the pics, Oak Hammock and the Delta Marsh are on my "to do" list one of these days.
Road Runner
10-20-2005, 12:24 PM
Its nice to see our money is going to the right places:TT:
Wood Duck Wizard
10-28-2005, 10:24 AM
Great looking place... I need to get out there and see it soon.. A quick ? Stubs ... Do they hunt in the wetland complex?:hs:
STUBBLE BUM
11-08-2005, 02:25 PM
If I remember right Mark the whole area is set up as sanctuary.

I think you have to be something like 400 or 800m from the boundary.

DUC manages this area in conjunction with a lot of other entities.....I think the property that HQ sits on has a 99 year lease....I'll try and find out more.
BlueDevil
11-13-2005, 07:07 PM
Great pics! Hear lots about the area haven't seen it myself though, might have to take a trek out there one year!
kygoose
11-22-2005, 02:02 PM
Went there in Oct. sorta by accident. Truck broke down in Stonewall on my way home. Well a RCMP took me in for 4 days while my truck was being repaired. So happends their property borders Oak Hammock & he took me on a tour of the refuge, what a sight. Made some great new friends plus a new hunting spot:TT: