Rondeau Bay Waterfowler's Association

Ducks continue to migrate through Rondeau on their way to the breeding grounds of the north and north west. At present, (early April) good numbers of bluebills and coots can be seen on the Bay.
At least one pair of Canada Geese have already started nesting duties. Many more are close to following in their footsteps. It looks like another banner year for waterfowl production.

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

April Meeting Highlights

a) After much hard work and direction by Norm M., with support from Ed M., a long desired upgrade to the waterfowl office will come to be. Yes, the handicap access will be made fully possible. Much work was carried out in the background including the drafting of plans, gaining approval from the Park for the plans and build, choosing a contractor, and adding a new door, wide enough to allow entry of wheel chairs. By the next time you visit the Park, this will be completed. Hats off to Norm for pushing this project and getting it completed!

b)RBWA is participating in a spring cleanup of Rondeau Bay. Boats and volunteers are needed to accomplish this task. Dumpsters will be located in strategic locations around the Bay (Shrewsbury, etc).
If you can help:
When: Apr 21, 2012 (8:00 am until 11:00 am)
Where: Shrewsbury dock
Bring: waders, gloves, boats, tools (hammer, pry bar, etc.)
If interested, we will meet at Home Run (on Hwy #3 in Blenheim)at 7:00 for breakfast.

c) John F. will be building 6 new blinds for the upcoming waterfowl season. No one makes better blinds than John!! So if you miss the shot, don’t blame him! Thanks John!

d) Don't forget about the Kids Fishing derby; lots of help is reguired.

e) As we are moving to an OFAH based insurance program, there are changes in prices for membership. (Check them out under the Membership tag.) To determine who is a current member of OFAH we will require your OFAH number (look on your membership card.). At some point during the next month, officers from RBWA will be calling each member to obtain that number. Remember, one can belong to several clubs with the same OFAH number.
This project has to be completed by May 15, 2012. If you have any questions, contact a member of the executive or email admin.

Up Coming Events

The 7th Annual 2012 Kids Fishing Derby

This great event will be held at Johnson Sand and Gravel in Erieau on Saturday, May 26, 2012 from 10:00 until 2:00. Cost is $2.00 per child. Each child receives their bait (Minnows only may be used.), their lunch (hot dog and pop), and a prize at the end of the day. ((Our world famous chefs do an excellent job. Their recipes have been posted in "Food for Thoughtful People"!) Last year 350 kids participated. Special prizes will be awarded for numerous categories. Click here to get an entrance sheet which you may fill out before you come to save time. (Please Print). Entrance forms are also available the day of the derby. To read about last years event, follow the link.
Much help is needed for this event. Call Rick Turner or just show up at the derby.
To read about last year's derby, follow the link.

News Specials

a) Congratulations to Steve Brooks who won the rifle at the Chatham Sportsman's Show. No excuses now Steve!!
b) Long Point Waterfowl is happy to offer their Youth Hunting & Conservation Course during 21-26 July, 2012. For more details, click here.
c) Long Point Waterfowl Inaugural Dinner will be held on Sat, Apr 28, 2012.

RBWA Updates

As usual, there's lots going on!

First, the destruction of the Gun registry is almost complete! The Senate will pass the proposed bills shortly (By June), and we'll be able to kiss it good bye. This came about because of the hard work of many individuals and organizations. At The RBWA dinner last year, Bill Gelinas (right of the Prime Minister) was introduced as one of those individuals who met with Alan Pope, Minister of Natural Resources in the 70's in an effort to secure the future of duck hunting at Rondeau Park. Bill played a large role in the destruction of the gun registry. As a result, he was invited to Ottawa to witness the historic vote. Bill: We thank you again!!

Every hunter owes a debt of gratitude to those among us, including OFAH, who worked long and hard to see this day!

RBWA Joins Forces With the Ontario Federation of Hunters and Anglers.

RBWA has decided to strengthen it's ties with the Ontario Federation of Hunters and Anglers. There are many reasons for this change. Of note, is the fact that to be a member of RBWA, one will now need to be a member of Ofah. If you are already an Ofah member, the change will be seamless. Present your Ofah number at the time of renewing your membership and $20.00 and you'll be good to go.

Otherwise, the cost of Ofah and RBWA membership will be as follows:
Single RBWA & Ofah -$55.00
Youth OFAH & RBWA (under 18) -$35.00
Family RBWA & Ofah - $65.00

If already a member of Ofah you may purchase a RBWA membership as follows: (Requires proof of current OFAH membership)
Single: $20.00
Family: $30.00
Youth $15.00

With your Ofah membership, comes insurance to cover you in the field or marsh and the Ontario Out of Doors magazine. Of course, know that Ofah speaks for the hunters and fishermen of the province at all levels of government. All members also receive various discount cards for retailers such as Mark's, TSC Stores and the Brick.
As well, Ofah provides needed insurance coverage for our directors and officers. Renewal date for memberships will be April1st. If you have any questions contact RBWA.

The Future of Waterfowling at Rondeau Provincial Park

This year, the agreement between the Ministry of Natural Resources (Rondeau Provincial Park), RBWA, and Ofah comes up for renewal.

It is very interesting to note that RBWA broke records this year for the number of hunters who participated in waterfowling and for the number of ducks shot during the season. (Both were all time highs -over 1300 hunters). As importantly, there were very few problems during the year. Those that arose were dealt with quickly and fairly. Remember: What you do reflects on every other waterfowler!

For the first time in decades, the Waterfowl Unit stayed open until the chronological end of the hunting season in January due to the exceptionally mild temperatures we experienced. An uneducated guess would expect conditions regarding freeze up to return to more normal timelines this year. But, who knows?

High water, although a boon to all boat operators, wrecked havoc on a number of blinds in the Park. Preparations have already been made to build some new blinds and to repair others. Hats off to those members who came out and assisted with blind removal. A special tip of the hat to the fellows who went into Long Pond and were forced to break ice in order to remove decoys, canoes, and paddles. Word is that some of these guys are now refusing ice in their beverages!

The RBWA officers and directors were extremely busy during the off season. Proposals to increase the recreational activities for duck hunters take a lot of sweat and determination to bring them to fruition. Special thanks go out to many who have worked tirelessly to carry out these projects in conjunction with the regular activities RBWA oversees.

At the May 2010 meeting, Emily S. (MNR) brought us a new B zone map which is very accurate, as it includes capability for finding GPS points.

Current topics, Upcoming Events, and Past Events.

2012 Wings of Spring

This fabulous event will took place on Mar 17th and 18th from 10:00am until 4:00pm both days. RBWA provided materials and instruction in the creation of over 200 bird houses.
RBWA assists with entry into the Park as well as cooking hamburgs and hot dogs for the day. Thanks to those who helped make the day a success.

2012 Chatham Sportsman Show

The venue changed this year to the Bradley Center. Congratulations to Steve Brooks who won the rifle. (Thank heavens it's not yellow!)

Needs

The RBWA executive has been working hard to prepare for the upcoming year's events. Your help is needed to continue the successful list of events carried out in the past. Donate a few hours to continue these great traditions. Contact any member of the executive if you have an idea or suggestion to better your organization.

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.

Hunter Safety Courses

On the right side of this page, there is a button directing you to a number of hunting and gun safety courses. Ben Gignac, Greg Burke, and Wayne Passmore offer courses in various location around Southwestern Ontario. Click their name to see what they offer.

Noxious Plant -Giant Hogweed

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

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!!

Bird Studies Canada Research

Tracking Scaup
Species at Risk

Past Events

2011- RBWA "Jeff Bechard Memorial" Mentored Youth Hunt

The 2011 event made history!! Our greatest number of participants (43) and our greatest number of young ladies and women (7)combined to make the 2011 event one to remember. RBWA would like to thank our sponsors, our mentors and the many individuals who helped to make this event such a success!

Read about the 2011 Event.

Pictures for the 2011 Youth Hunt can be found in our gallery.

Mentor Guidelines

For info on the 2010 event, follow the link.

Check out the video "Why Hunt?" by California Waterfowl.

2011- Great Erie Salmon & Pickerel Hunt -Just Spectacular!

Well, the 31st 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, 2011. Contact Rick Turner for missed Prizes.

Click here for the winner board.

Click here for the wrap up on the event.
For more pictures of the Award Ceremony, check out the gallery.

2011 RBWA Kids Fishing Derby
For more pictures of the 2011 Derby, check out the photo gallery.

2011 Wings of Spring -Click here.

2011 Chatham Sportsman Show! Follow link!

2010- 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.

2010- 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.

2010- 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.

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

Spring Update - Apr. 2012

Coming Events of Note