The Dexter Greenhead Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and the Missouri Department of Conservation will be holding the annual Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Event at Otter Slough Conservation Area on Saturday, July 28.  Activities will begin in the big parking lot next to Cypress Lake at 7:00 AM and will end at approximately 10:00 AM. 

As in past years, the main attraction will be banding ducks and doves captured on the area that morning.  Of course weather and wild animals being what they are, we never know if anything will be in the traps at sunrise.  Wood ducks and mourning doves are currently visiting Otter Slough bait sites most days. Those who attended last year will remember that raccoons wreaked havoc on duck trapping efforts in the final week before the event.  So far the furry bandits have not found this year’s bait sites and all fingers are crossed. Youngsters will have the opportunity to assist wildlife biologists place metal bands on the legs of any captured birds as well as record biological data about the bird before it is released. 

Fisheries biologists will be present again this year to give a fish shocking demonstration and lessons on fish anatomy and biology.  Wildlife biologists plan to fire a canon net to show folks how this wildlife collection method works.  We do not intend to catch anything with the net, but there will be a live fire demonstration.  Canon nets have been used to catch Canada geese, wild turkeys and ducks for research purposes as well as early restocking programs.

The event is free and open to all ages.  Everyone is welcome to attend this fun and informative event.  Activities will occur at various locations on Otter Slough, so be sure to arrive on time so you do not miss out.  If you have questions feel free to give Stoddard County Conservation Agent, Mark Reed, a call at 573-421-3240. 

Ducks Unlimited and the Missouri Department of Conservation have a long history of working together and this event is a perfect celebration for the 75 anniversary of both organizations.