Ducks Unlimited raises ‘A Game’ awareness with golf tourney

The Ducks Unlimited Golf Tournament on May 13 is more than backhanders and flyers at the Carson Valley Golf Course. It’s an event to raise awareness and funds for one of the biggest conservation organizations in North America.

“There is misconception that we are affiliated with hunters or duck hunters, but it’s about conserving wetlands and waterflow,” said Ducks Unlimited Event Chairman Bob Graul of the Carson Valley Chapter.

The organization protects, enhances and restores wetlands, grasslands, forests, watersheds and more through science and research. Ducks Unlimited’s efforts and methods have conserved around 16 million acres of land across North America, according to the Ducks Unlimited website.

“The important thing is, it’s a conservation organization,” said Graul. “Whether or not you’re a hunter, duck lover or whatever, it’s about preserving the wetlands in Nevada and other projects to help the water flow and protect them.”

Each Chapter of Duck Unlimited across North America is a volunteer-based organization where its members are conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts.

The golf tournament is one of many events the organization puts on in communities to raise awareness and funds to continue their efforts.

Graul said a banquet was held in February at the Carson Valley Inn where $60,000 was raised.

“We try to do things that people are going to want to attend and to have a good time,” he said. “We want people who will come play, learn about the organization and volunteer with us. It’s such a good organization and so much goes back into it.”

Ducks Unlimited is constantly monitoring and evaluating habitats, which requires continual refinement of its programs and that is why every dollar raised and invested in the conservation programs is used as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Ducks Unlimited Tournament is 8 a.m. May 13 at the Carson Valley Golf Course. Cost is $500 per team. Attendees can enjoy lunch, a raffle and prizes for the tournament winners. Carson Valley Golf Course is located at 1027 Riverview Drive in Gardnerville.

Visit Ducks Unlimited at https://www.ducks.org/ for more information. Visit www.NVDU.org for tickets to the golf tournament at the Carson Valley Golf Course and for upcoming events in Nevada.