Want to make a difference or just talk....

[MSDuckmen]

This is something that I have been rolling around in the head of mine for a while and thought it would be a good time to get some input on the issue.

I’m thinking that sometime in February would be a great time to do an MSDucks group project toward reclaiming some habitat. The local Ross Barnett Reservoir has dozens of islands that have been converted to cat tails and saw grass due to the loss of hardwood trees since the flooding of the lake. I have already planted somewhere in the range of 800 Cypress in this area but I also know that I have only scratched the surface.

It is my hopes that through organizations such as DU and Delta with the combined efforts of the dedicated from MSDucks as well as experts like DoubleR2 and his contacts to purchase Bald cypress trees in numbers that will make a difference. I can purchase them for 22 cents each in lots of 1000. With donations from our user group and what ever the other organization will contribute we could make a difference in this area.

The plan is to acquire enough trees to cover a vast area of these Islands and for us to gather as a group with our kids if you want to bring them and spend an afternoon putting these trees out. We could have a cook out and gathering afterwards for some social time.

This could be an annual event in which we moved throughout the state reclaiming public areas. What do you think of the idea?

[MSDuckmen]

Well big boy I'll bare it for you. Cause some of these boys are gonna bite and when they do others will follow. If they don't then I guess Duckhunt4 and I will do it alone just like we did last year.

Talk is cheap and I get tired of it. I just want to find the real men out of the bunch.

[Wildfowler]

I'd be interested in helping. Honestly, it's sounds like something that is right up my alley.

I'm not sure I think that planting Cypress trees is going to make the reservoir hold more ducks, but I'd be glad to participate never-the-less. My only concern is whether this is actually legal?? Or at least something that the Pearl River Valley Authorities would authorize.

I wouldn't want to have to do this the weekend after duck season ends or anything, later on like late Feb into March, or something like that. After I've hibernated for a couple of weeks.

[webfoot]

Dan, I like the Idea! But I do agree with Wildfowler thoughts. Sometime in early March sounds better, count my family in.

I can make some arrangements for the trees, if we know early enough.

[Don Miller]

I'm all for it. Has the legality issue been addressed?

[Chuckle12]

Like I said when ya'll went out to plant the last bunch of trees, just let me know in advance and I'll be there. I would love to help out on a project like that. Even if it is not a "group" project, I'll be there.

[Thumper]

Sounds good to me ..it is a long drive for me ,but i am all for helping establish some area so our kids will have a place to hunt...drop me a line when the tech stuff gets worked out and i will be there...

[Po Monkey Lounger]

If this is done in late Feb or March of 2005, then I would be willing to participate, if my work schedule permits. Sounds like something both fun and rewarding. Great idea.

[RebelYelp]

count me in for it love giving back this is a good way to do it

[chopper30]

I will. When it gets closer let's set a date so we can all keep it open.

[MSDuckmen]

I'm not sure I think that planting Cypress trees is going to make the reservoir hold more ducks, but I'd be glad to participate never-the-less. My only concern is whether this is actually legal?? Or at least something that the Pearl River Valley Authorities would authorize.

Well you miss the point.... It's called reclaiming habitat
It doesn't have to be done just to create more ducks even though I think it will anyway. By splitting the islands up and giving the birds more canopy to cover they will use it just as they use the upper sloughs. (did I say that) I quit hunting the Res years ago but that is not going to stop me from rebuilding it.
Obviously I would not take a bunch of people and their families into an area like that to do such a project without having the required permission to do so. I wouldn't want that burden otherwise.
However I will and continue to do it in areas that need it on my own regardless.

[RedEyed Duck]

Hell I'll provide some free labor, been helping Anat load those skeet throwers the past coulpe of years, this might actually help the ducks! Just let me know, as far in advance as possible.

[Anatidae]

Hey ......what are you talking about, Kelly?........the more you practice your shooting skills, the less 'cripples' you produce! That's doing something for the ducks, isn't it?......(at least some of'um, anyway).

[sportsman450]

I been doin it for years alone

hmmmm-and with your people skills

[Delta Duck]

I'm good for about 50 saw tooth oaks! That's about what I plant a spring!