Rondeau Bay Waterfowler's Association

Note: Beginning May 2010, our monthly meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of each month. Location and time remain the same. This was done to save us money.

Waterfowl Regulations 2010.
Click here for details.
In general: Early season (where permitted) - Sept 9 to Sept 19
Regular Duck and Goose season -Sept 25 to Jan 9
Extended season (where permitted) Feb 26 to Mar 5

Are you getting ready??

As always, welcome back to the website of the Rondeau Bay Waterfowler's Association!

Were you cheering at the amount of rainfall we received even though you're not a farmer? Did you notice the weed growth as a result of the strong sunshine we've received in the last two months? Spells duck factory to me!!

As well, have you caught the size of the broods? Mallard hens with 8+ meals following them, numerous wood duck chicks which are almost on the wing, and lawnmowers accompanied by huge goslings attempting to keep parks to themselves.

Yes, the upcoming waterfowl seasons are looking good!!

Upcoming Events

Two major events remain to be completed before the waterfowl season gets into full swing.

RBWA Annual Dinner and Auction!

Mark Aug 28th on your calendar and purchase a ticket from a member of the executive for the Annual RBWA Dinner and Auction, our major fund raiser! Once again, the famous RBWA chefs and crew will lay out a superb meal, complete with all the trimmings. Take a chance on winning those necessary pieces of equipment over which you have been salivating. See you there on Sat, Aug 28, 2010!! Without the support of our many sponsors, this event would not be possible, nor would many of our projects be completed. Thanks to all participants and sponsors!

RBWA "Jeff Bechard" Memorial Mentored Youth Hunt

This year's Marsh Experience will be held on Oct. 1st and Oct. 2nd. Names have been pouring in since February! If you are interested in participating, and will have the proper licenses by that date, contact admin to be added to the list. We also need mentors. You do not need a boat, just experience and a good sense of safety while helping pass on the waterfowling tradition. Contact admin if you wish to be a mentor, a cook or a helper. Email
Note: Only mentors are allowed to bring dogs.
Participants will be contacted by phone near the end of August.
For info on last year's event, follow the link.

Mentor Guidelines

Marsh Updates

Special Note: If you use one of our canoes during the season, be sure to turn it over when you are finished. Several canoes were filled with ice . Removing it proved to be a necessary chore. Unfortunately, one canoe was punctured in the process. Not good!! Worse, that particular canoe was on loan!
#3 blind will be a drive in blind this year (if all goes as planned).
Remember to clean your blind or hunting location as the day progresses. (Finding shotgun shells is one complaint we often hear about.) Let's do our part to keep the marsh clean.
No ATV's are allowed in the marsh.

Needs
We are in need of several canoes for use in the marsh to assist people in getting to blinds from the dike and in Long Pond. If you can help by donating one, or, if you know of one that is available for a good price, let us know by contacting a member of the executive or posting the info on the forum.

We also are looking for a source of cedars for decorating blinds. If you have some cedars trees we could use please contact any member of the executive.

Important Dates
Aug 14th-Place blinds on Bay locations.

Sept 4th- B-Zone blind location draw. Click for details.

Sept 18th- A Zone Opening Day blind draw. Click for Details.

Changes at RBWA

As we prepare for the 2010 waterfowl seasons, there are a number of projects on the go. These projects require manpower. Two of our great workers resigned as members of the executive (due to work demands), opening up the way for new blood.

Don O. and Brian P. have contributed greatly to the success of the RBWA over many years. If there was a project that needed work, both were there. As well, both communicated the ideals of RBWA in a very positive fashion and were strong ambassadors of the unit and shooting sports. Although Don and Brian have stepped back from the decision making body, both have stated that they will still assist as projects require. Thanks for your past efforts. We look forward to seeing you at the next work party!!

We have a new Superintendent! Richard Post comes to us from British Columbia!! RBWA welcomes Rick to the Park and looks forward to a continued strong working relationship between the Park and RBWA. Welcome Rick!

New Proposals for Hunting Waterfowl in Ontario

Note: These are only proposals. They are not in place as law.
Follow the attached link to view these new proposals. Click here.

Hunter Safety Courses

On the left side of this page, there is a button directing you to a number of hunting and gun safety courses. Note that Ben Gignac will also be holding a course in Wallaceburg on Aug, 20,21,22; Sept, 17, 18, 19; Oct,15, 16, 17, and Nov, 19,20, 21. It is an all in one course, " Canadian firearm course and Ont. hunter course". For information call Ben at (519) 352-9082.
Another course provider, Greg Burke, contacted us with dates to his all-in-one courses which he puts on. The dates are: September 17,18,19: October 15,16,17; and November 12,13,14. for more details contact Greg at at home (519) 352-6850 Cell (519) 809-6965 or e-mail burkey_jr@hotmail.com. All his courses are held in Chatham.

Nesting Success Updates

Follow the link below to check out the work being done to assess waterfowl nesting strategy throughout Canada and the northern US states.
http://flyways.us/

Duck Banding

Again, Greg Dunn will be banding ducks on the north shore of Rondeau Bay. RBWA is supporting this project with a $1000.00 donation to fund it.

Noxious Plant -Giant Hogweed

Peter L. passed this info along regarding this invasive species. Read about and view it here.

Forum Change

Recently we shifted our forum to Google Groups. The transition was seamless. You will be required to sign up with Google Groups. Approval for access to the forum occurs the next time I'm on the computer. No cost is involved. We don't give info out to anyone!! Join in the discussion on topics of relevance to waterfowlers.
DR. Scott Petrie and Waterfowl Research

Wonder what happens to your funds and tax dollars? Well, one recipient of that cash is Scott and his team who do research related to wildfowl activities. Yes; we have donated funds in the past to help with the tracking of a bluebill (lesser scaup –named Rondeau Bill). Follow the links below to check out what is going on!!

LPWWF Fall Newsletter Tundra Swan Tracking

Winter Resource Use by Diving Ducks Tracking Scaup
Publications, Reports, Theses

Past Events

Great Erie Salmon & Pickerel Hunt -Just Spectacular!

Well, the 30th Derby is now history!! Hats off to the many winners and "keep draggin' lures" to those who didn't make the leader board this year. A special thank you to all sponsors who make this derby possible. However, without anglers like you, it just wouldn't happen. Thanks for your support!! Note: All prizes must be picked up by Sept 1, 2010. Contact Rick Turner for missed Prizes.

Click here for a list of winners!

Click here for the wrap up on the event.

5th Annual RBWA Kids Fishing Derby

What a day! Even though it is history, the memories! Oh, the memories!
Wayne Izumi, pro fisherman and former resident of the Blenheim area, spent the entire day with us, leaving many smiles on young and old alike. He left us with this comment:

"What a wonderful, well organized event! It was a pleasure to be there and meet the kids, the RBWA volunteers and the many police officers!"

For the full story and pictures of the award winners, click here.

Check out the photo gallery for pictures of the day.

Chatham Sportsman Show

Once again RBWA provided an opportunity for the public to participate in the outdoors by staffing a booth at the Chatham Sportsman's Show.

Winners of the RBWA Youth Duck Calling Contest
Jesse Harris 1st place
Ross Henderson 2nd place
Megan Bonneau 3rd place

Winners of the the RBWA Youth Goose Calling Contest
Jesse Harris 1st place
Cole Russell 2nd place
Mackenzie Burke 3rd place
Alexis Russell 4th place
Winner of the superb Bennelli Super Nova 12 gauge shotgun In Max 4 camo for the 2010 show was Chris Zruna!
Winner of the late Valentine's gift (Framed picture -value $350.00) was Jamie Steward.
For more details click here.

Wings of Spring

This program took place at Rondeau Park on Mar 20/21st, 2010. Members of RBWA helped with many events. RBWA paid the visitor pass for the first 25 cars participating each day!! As well, RBWA provided the canoe for the draw in the fall. Check out the photo gallery for pictures. More than 150 bird houses were built with the assistance of the RBWA members.

6th Annual RBWA Kids Fishing Derby

Saturday, May 28, 2011 (first Sat after the long weekend in May)

- Erieau - Johnson Sand and Gravel -across from Barney's Boats
- Ages- up to 16 years of age -children must be accompanied by an adult
-$2.00 per child - each child receives bait, lunch, and a prize
- register upon arrival - derby runs from 10:00 until 2:00.

Contact: DERBY; admin@rondeauwaterfowlers.com

For info on last year's event click here.

Past Event Highlights

RBWA "Jeff Bechard" Memorial Mentored Youth Hunt

On Oct 2,3rd, 2009, twenty-seven new hunters, their mentors and numerous supporters participated in this year's version of the Marsh Experience. Nine new hunters bagged their first duck or goose during the event! Awesome!! People ask, "Why does RBWA do these types of things?" Take one look at the smiles on the faces of the participants and you'll know why we do it!! On top of it, duck hunter numbers have risen in Ontario for the first time in many years (based on the number of Migratory Bird Stamps purchased)!! I received this email form one of the father's whose son participated in the Youth Hunt:

"Again, thank you very much by contributing to my son’s development as a water fowler. His remark, “that was a successful hunt” while leaving the park said it all. Having these types of opportunities for new hunters gives them experience as well as the confidence to continue their interest in hunting ducks/geese. Not only do these events inspire youths to continue hunting, they also will help attract others who may bethinking about hunting water fowl. I know of several young hunters I will hopefully be bringing to next years hunt. I think every father/mother/mentor/youth hunter who attended your event should be letting everyone know how rewarding and fun the youth day is." Randall and Bobby P.

As Chairman of this event, I want to thank the participants and their parents, the mentors, the cooks, and the financial supporters of these events! We need all of you. Thanks again!

Check out the gallery for pictures of the Education Day and the Youth Hunt. Set aside the second Friday and Saturday of the regular duck season in 2010 for the next mentored youth hunt. Watch the website for forms!

Safety Tip
I'm absolutely amazed at the communication carried out on cell phones. Although much of it is colourful and social, (Yes, Rick C. has one!) at times, it is important and necessary. Consider calls made while boating. Some are that friendly support (The kind Don O. needs!-"Rob, do you know where the big ones are!!"); while other calls are made in emergency situations.

What if your cell phone didn't work? A water-logged cell phone won't save the day. Make sure you place your cell in a waterproof bag before heading out! A ziploc works great!

"Suggestions, Comments, Questions??"

Send all suggestions, comments, and questions to: Email

"Thanks -Your Efforts Are Appreciated!"
If one listed the many volunteer hours which have accumulated this past year, astonishment would be your password! On behalf of the hunters in both "A" and "B" zone, on behalf of the many kids and their parents who took part in the fishing derbies, on behalf of all who learned what waterfowling is all about, on behalf of the other organizations whom we helped, I say "Thank You". Thanks for making Rondeau Bay one of the best public waterfowling locations in all of Canada by setting our blinds, creating the "Myslik Highway", and maintaining a safe, natural place to experience some of the best waterfowling in the province!

Coming Events of Note

Aug 4 -- RBWA Monthly Meeting
Aug 28 -- RBWA Dinner and Auction
Sept 1 --RBWA Monthly Meeting

Summer Update - August, 2010

Coming Events of Note