Duck hunters, mark your calendar for August 13 – 14 when the 2015 Florida Waterfowl Summit will take place in Ocala. Hosted by United Waterfowlers-Florida and FWC, this event will focus on Florida’s waterfowl habitat restoration and conservation.

“We start off with a Wild Game Reception Thursday evening, August 13th – Hosted by UW-F; starting at 6 PM behind the Ocala Hilton pool. The reception is free to the public. All food and drinks are provided. Come join us for an evening of the best Florida has to offer.

The Conference convenes Friday – 8 AM sharp in the Ocala Hilton Ballroom.

A light breakfast and full lunch prepared by the Hilton’s chef will be provided at the conference courtesy of UW-F.

The Waterfowl Summit Mission:

- To present the latest watershed and wetland science, and status of current state wetland restoration projects.
- Provide a forum for networking among agency staff, professionals, sportsmen and other stakeholders.
- Identify new restoration funding ideas and partnerships through discussion and awareness.
- Identify creative solutions that fit industry, agriculture, and the priorities of sportsmen and other stakeholders.
- Public wetlands and liberty go hand in hand. Our public wetlands are an integral part our heritage. So it’s our fundamental responsibility to work together to preserve and restore the remaining public wetlands and wetland buffer areas in Florida.

Healthy wetlands help filter nutrients and other contaminants, so restoring wetland habitat helps to protect our water supply in Florida. And wetlands absorb floodwaters, so they help to buffer urban areas from flooding during high water events. Wetlands are good for the ducks, good for other birds and mammals as well, and important for our quality of life.

We pick up several themes this year and take a close look at Habitat Management that benefits Waterfowl and other species. At the same time we’ll concentrate on plans and projects that will help to restore the Indian River Lagoon. The presentations that were selected for the 2015 Summit are representative of efforts that will be key to protecting all of Florida’s estuaries and other wetlands.”

To register, please click here.

In addition, check out UW-F’s 2015 Summer Shotgun Raffle:

“Beretta A300 12 Gauge semi auto shotgun in CAMO with chokes!

Drawing will be held at the UW-F WATERFOWL SUMMIT Reception Thursday evening – Ocala Hilton – August 13
- Beretta gas operating system reliably cycles 2-3/4 to 3-1/2 shells
- Optima HP choke system
- Micro core recoil pad absorbs recoil for all-day shooting comfort
- Length-of-pull adjustment customizes to fit you perfectly

One of the best values in its class, the Beretta A300 Xtrema Semiautomatic Shotgun features the proven Beretta gas operating system with self-cleaning piston and cross tube magazine that reliably cycles 2-3/4 to 3-1/2 shells. 28 inch cold-hammer-forged barrel made from Steelium, a proprietary blend of alloy, and the Optima HP choke system combine to ensure excellent patterning, even with steel shot. Recoil is reduced with a nonstick Micro Core recoil pad. Length-of-pull adjustment and drop/cast shims are provided to set to the shooter’s body type and preferences. Fiber-optic bead front sight and reversible safety. Three flush choke tubes (Full, modified and improved cylinder) and a polymer case included.”

$5 donation for each raffle ticket or 5 raffle tickets for a $20 donation. You do not need to be present to win. Click here to purchase tickets.

And to learn more about UW-F:

“UW-F is a Florida organization concentrating on the improvement of duck hunting opportunities and success in Florida. UW-F will not fill your mailbox with donation requests. UW-F operation expenses are covered by the $25.00 annual dues and a few raffles per year. UW-F does not raise funds for transfer to national projects.

UW-F does act as an informal political action committee, participating in political matters that the charters of DU and Delta may not allow. UW-F is the VOICE of Florida duck hunters in numerous meetings and hearings across Florida. We take a three tiered approach to improving duck hunting by focusing on conservation, access, and legacy. Take faith in knowing that supporting this raffle works directly to improve our marshes, our hunting, and our tradition.”

For anyone interested in duck hunting and conservation in Florida – in addition to rubbing elbows with hunters from across the state – check out the 2015 Florida Waterfowl Summit.