What We Do

California Waterfowl is an award winning 501(C)(3) nonprofit, hunter-supported conservation organization with a mission to conserve the state’s waterfowl, wetlands, and hunting heritage. In the last 20+ years, we’ve completed more than 970 individual projects to protect, restore, and enhance more than 400,000 acres, providing habitat for millions of birds and animals. Our Wood Duck Program has hatched more than 621,000 ducklings, while our Banding Programs have marked more than 221,000 waterfowl. Our Youth and Education Programs have reached more than 250,000 children and young adults to help to create a better understanding of biology, conservation, and outdoor heritage. All efforts are supported largely by donations and the work of over 18,000 dedicated and tireless volunteers.

 

2011 Program Highlights

Waterfowl and Wetlands

  • 22,300 acres of conserved
  • 97 individual projects completed
  • Ove $5 million spent on habitat in the Grasslands, Tulare Basin, Southern California, North Sacramento Valley, Suisun Marsh and Northeastern California.
  • 550 acres of new wetland areas were created or restored
  • 1,100 acres of breeding habitats were improved to be managed for locally nesting waterfowl
  • 38% of the acres benefited were on public hunting areas
  • 11,000+ waterfowl Banded including
  • 40,200 wood ducks hatched
  • 5,400 nest boxes monitored by volunteers and California Waterfowl staff
  • Annual breeding surveys were completed in partnership with DFG to monitor the breeding waterfowl populations throughout California.

 

Education and Heritage

California Waterfowl’s education and heritage programs seek to educate both young and old and ensure a place for all in the outdoors – today and into the future. Through efficient programming and dedicated partnerships, we are able to reach youth and adults across California and spread the word about the value of waterfowl, wetlands, and our hunting heritage.


California Waterfowl Hunt Program

  • The California Waterfowl Hunt Program continued to provide quality hunting opportunities on private lands to the general public.
  • Upwards of 500 hunters enjoyed hunts on over 70 different properties including duck hunts on premier duck clubs as well as dove, turkey ang big-game hunts.
  • More than 1,200 people participated in the program and over 200 memberships were sold.
  • Funds raised through the program help support our award winning conservation programs

More than 22,000 Youths and Families Reached

  • The value of wildlife habitat conservation and the critical role that hunters play was demonstrated to more than 5,000 students through field trips, presentations, hands-on projects, and more.
  • Quality programs to train and motivate the next generation of hunter-conservationists through hunter camps, shoots, clinics and other outdoor adventures. We provided quality outdoor hunting and shooting experiences to more than 1,500 participants.
  • Families enjoyed exciting conservation exhibits and games at festivals and outdoor expos this year, reaching about 16,000 people.

Training Tomorrow’s Leaders

  • In addition to developing hunt skills, our camp program is making lifelong conservationists by modeling essential character qualities and encouraging community service.

  • College hunter camp provided an exciting opportunity to 15 UC Davis students destined to become wildlife managers who had no firsthand experience with hunting.

  • College students and recent graduates are getting their start at California Waterfowl through college chapter activities and internships, several in partnership with the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Wildlife Refuge system.

  • The Banding with Youth Program provided hands on waterfowl research and field experience to 53 youth in partnership with Conaway Ranch and Grizzly Island WA.

  • Eleven high school students spent three days at Art Camp hosted at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge in partnership with Pacific Flyway Decoy Association studying waterfowl biology,  the refuge system, Junior Duck Stamps, and learning from professionals about Photoshop, wildlife photography, field sketching, decoy carving, hunters as conservationists, duck calling, how to process a duck, and more.

  • Partnered with the USFWS to provide Visitor Services Internships at Sacramento, Humboldt, and Modoc National Wildlife Refuges

Sharing a Love for Hunting

  • California Waterfowl Magazine and other publications keep members up-to-date on waterfowl and hunting issues as well as California Waterfowl programs.

 

Public Policy

By affecting public policies and building partnerships, California Waterfowl is producing results that help sustain waterfowl, wetlands, and our hunting heritage.

  • Newly adopted by the USFWS, the Western Mallard Model used for setting hunt regulations follows nearly two decades of data gathering on the part of the DFG and California Waterfowl.

  • Our Partnering for Pintail Program is working to provide Pacific Flyway waterfowl managers with improved data and harvest models, supporting sound science and equitable hunter opportunity.

  • Millions of dollars are secured annually for public agency landowner incentive programs, habitat restoration and management.

  • Analysis of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan and other state water initiatives to protect water supplies and deliveries for wetlands and other waterfowl habitat.

  • We are increasing hunter opportunity through working cooperatively with DFG and USFWS on public land hunt programs, as well as initiatives such as the SHARE Program to provide public access to private lands.

  • Regulatory work with the F&G Commission to set appropriate waterfowl seasons and bag limits, protect waterfowl hunting on state-owned navigable waterways and ensure public land opportunities for field trials, hunt tests and hunting dog training.  

  • State Legislation is sponsored annually by CWA to protect hunting and/or support waterfowl habitat, while other bills are opposed which threaten water for wetlands, the use of sporting arms and ammunition, DFG habitat and public hunt program budgets, etc.

Fundraising Efforts

Donations directly support California Waterfowl’s mission and leverage government funding for habitat projects across California.

  • $14+ million in total revenue was raised during the last year.
  • Nearly 100 grassroots fundraising events. 
  • 18,000 volunteers helped ensure the organization's success. 

Accountability

California Waterfowl works within a board-approved annual budget, and our audited financial statements are available upon request.

  • Program Expenses: 87%
  • Administrative Expenses: 3%
  • Fundraising Expenses: 10%

 

Membership

California Waterfowl members are part of the nation’s oldest and largest state waterfowl association. Dues help fund waterfowl conservation programs, wetland enhancement, youth education programs, and public policy efforts.

  • 18,000 Members Strong.
  • 2,300+ Life Members and Major Donors making a big difference.
  • Membership magazine keeps members informed and motivated all year long.