Hunting game, preserving wetlands and building refugee homes for wildlife are only some of the activities that UNCW’s Ducks Unlimited chapter does. Coming up on its eighth year at UNCW and ranked fourth in the nation for most money raised, UNCW’s Ducks Unlimited (UNCW DU) wants to further expand its reputation on campus and get students involved with their organization.

One stereotype that Joe Butler, senior and treasurer of DU, often hears is that Ducks Unlimited is all about killing animals.

“Most people just think we raise money to save the ducks and then shoot them. Yet what most people don’t know is that DU is the biggest contributor to conserve and save wetlands in the entire nation,” said Butler.

Brooke Parrish, senior and president of DU, said “DU is a non-profit organization. Eighty-six percent of profits earned and money raised goes directly to preserving wetlands.”

“We actually have biologists on the field researching wetlands and wildlife to learn more about how we can save these areas. DU tries to buy land as wildlife preservations,” said Butler.

The reason UNCW DU was ranked fourth in the nation last year was because it raised between $24,000-$25,000. That is a potential of $21,500 going directly to the preservation and research of wetlands and wildlife.

“The reason it’s a big deal that we ranked fourth is because there are around four to five other DU chapters in Wilmington not affiliated with UNCW. Just imagine how many other chapters are out there in the US if there are five here, and we ranked fourth in the nation,” said Parrish.

Finding sponsors is one way UNCW DU raises money. Other ways include hosting events. November 12, UNCW DU will be hosting its annual banquet. Last year there were around 500 people in attendance. Close to the beginning of spring semester 2012, they will host its annual oyster roast. Both events are open to naturalists wanting to help preserve reservations.

In addition to raising funds, UNCW DU has hands-on projects open for the public to attend. Avery Hill, sophomore and member, will be leading a duck box workshop where students can get the chance to build refugee homes for ducks to retreat to during the off-season for protection.

“We had a lot of people donate wood and supplies for us to make the boxes,” said Hill.

“It’s cool because these boxes will be used to protect the ducks so they can breed without predators getting to them.”

The duck box workshop will be held Oct. 8 and 9 at the Avery Hill’s home. UNCW DU is also having a skeet shooting at Drake’s Landing Oct. 1.

To become a member of this club, there is a required UNCW entry fee and certain quotas of funds that need to be met. If you are interested in finding out more about UNCW DU, they meet every Monday at 8:00 p.m. in Dobo Hall 103. For more information about UNCW DU, check out their Facebook page or attend one of their weekly meetings.