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The annual convention of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation is the organization’s biggest event of the year. In one short weekend, Federation members adopt policy on conservation issues, honor conservation heroes, learn about new conservation initiatives, and adopt a budget and choose leaders to guide the LWF over the next 12 months. Then, there is the hospitality and camaraderie that always accompanies the gathering of an organization that, this year, celebrates 70 years of “conserving our natural resources and your right to enjoy them.”
The 2009 convention was hosted by LWF Affiliate, Friends of Black Bayou (National Wildlife Refuge). It was held at the new Hilton Garden Inn in West Monroe the weekend of February 27-March 1. Special thanks to FoBB for making everyone feel welcome and at home in their “neck of the woods.”
A nice crowd was on hand for the kickoff social event on Friday evening where almost $7,000 was raised, thanks to meeting benefactors who supported the convention with their generous gifts, and enthusiastic bidders willing to let some cash go for a good cause. The fundraising was only part of the Friday evening program, however. Friends of Black Bayou President Wallace Hardy warmed the conventioneers up with an introduction to the award-winning work of FoBB. In his presentation he graciously recognized the LWF for its early role in helping to get the refuge established. Professional photographer and chairman of FoBB’s annual photo contest, Charlie Heck then gave all a real treat as he projected images of last year’s wining wildlife and landscape photos. What is normally a pretty boisterous crowd oooed and aaaed at the parade of unique and spellbinding images. Mr. Heck even donated a few of his wildlife photos for the LWF auction.
Special thanks to auctioneer Harold Sullivan and wife Barbara who kept the bidding lively and to Ray Bordelon, Joe McPherson and other helpers who sold out the decks on two 52-card raffles – one for the Presidents’ Gun donated by LWF president Barney Callahan, a Henry "Golden Boy" lever action, 22 rimfire rifle engraved to commemorate the LWF’s 70th Anniversary, and the other, a Remington SPR 453 12 ga. autoloader provided by Academy Sports & Outdoors of Lafayette. A full listing of convention sponsors and donors is posted at the close of this article. LWF is grateful for their support.
 Conservation Committee Meeting. Photo by Dane Bourgeois.
Saturday began with a series of meetings to debate the 11 conservation policy resolutions submitted for consideration by LWF affiliates and directors. This democratic, inclusive and highly participatory process to develop conservation policy positions is unique among conservation organizations in Louisiana and a big reason why LWF is effective and why members maintain interest in and support of the organization.
True to form, the largest crowds were drawn to the conservation committees fielding the most controversial proposals. This year, those dealt with the use of dogs to hunt deer on the Kisatchie National Forest (KNF) and the use of feed to attract deer to the gun. The deer dogs on Kistachie resolution was deferred after almost an hour. The gist of the resolution was to urge the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Commission (LWFC) to support a proposed ban on the use of dogs for deer hunting on the KNF similar to the prohibition to the use dogs for deer hunting on state Wildlife Management Areas. The majority of voting delegates felt that the question should be decided by the managers of the KNF, with appropriate public participation in the decision-making, not the LWFC.
The deer feeding resolution was amended to request a study of the practice by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, and though it was approved as amended, it was defeated the following day in the General Assembly of Delegates by a strongly divided vote. Perhaps the most significant in terms of LWF follow-up action is the resolution calling for the designation of a State Seashore. See 2009 Resolutions for the full text of the resolutions as finally adopted.
LWF wishes to thank the following leaders who served as chairs and secretaries of the convention conservation committees this year: Migratory, Forest & Upland Wildlife Committee – Vance Gordon, Chairman, Tyson Lee, Secretary; Habitat Conservation & Management Committee – Ken Dancak, Chairman, Rebecca Triche, Secretary; Boating & Fresh/Saltwater Fisheries Committee – Smitty Smith, Chairman, Dane Bourgeois, Secretary; Conservation Policy, Laws & Enforcement Committee – Keith Saucier, Chairman, Andy Mayer, Secretary.
The Board Luncheon was treated with a presentation from the new Region 8 Director of the National Wildlife Federation, Dr. Greg Smith, Director of the USGS National Wetlands Research Center in Lafayette. In addition to bringing a message from the National wildlife Federation, Dr. Smith gave lunchers a sneak preview of the fascinating research underway comparing the world’s major deltas. Also at the luncheon the following officers were elected to serve the LWF for the next term: Barney Callahan, President; Ken Dancak, 1st VP; Gary Kinsland, 2nd VP; Vance Gordon, Secretary; Clint Mouser, Treasurer. The following District Vice-Presidents were also selected: Jimmy Johnston-District 1; Clint Mouser-District 2; Chad Leblanc-District 3 (in absentia); Vance Gordon-District 6; Jerry Haas-District 7; Ken Dancak-District 8; J. C. Ashford-District 9.
 L-R, Joe Herring, Rebecca Triche & Keith Saucier visiting the new Conservation Learning Center at the Black Bayou Lake NWR. Photo by Clint Ourso.
As is often the case during LWF conventions, a major cold front passes through with violent weather on the leading edge followed by unseasonably cool temps. And so it happened this year. Wouldn’t you know it, the Saturday afternoon general session was planned as a field trip to the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and though the bad weather persuaded a few not to go, those who did got to see the outstanding facilities that have been developed at the refuge headquarters through the support of Friends of Black Bayou, including the authentic plantation home converted into the visitor’s center and the new conservation learning center. The weather did keep most participants from taking a canoe out on Black Bayou Lake and touring the trails as originally intended. But the windy cold just made the hot coffee and hospitality that much more enjoyable.
 Conservation Awards Banquet MC Don Dubuc get last minute details from LWF Executive Director Randy Lanctot and assistant Jodie Singer. Photo by Dane Bourgeois.
Back at the Hilton on Saturday evening, the Federation welcomed guests to the banquet honoring the winners in the 45th Conservation Achievement Recognition Program competition, also known as the Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards. Photos of the presentations and summaries of each honoree’s accomplishments are posted here. Honorees were: Len Bahr-Governor’s Award-Conservationist of the Year; John Pitre-Professional Conservationist of the year; King Milling-Volunteer Conservationist of the Year; Lafayette Parish 4-H Leadership Club-Youth Conservationists of the Year; Toledo Bend Lake Association-Conservation Organization of the Year. Renown outdoor radio personality Don Dubuc entertained the honorees and guests with his humor and wit. A subtle highlight of the banquet was the “live” centerpiece created by volunteers with Friends of Black Bayou.
 FoBB volunteers set the banquet tables with a live centerpiece-a program first! Photo by Dane Bourgeois.
Once again, thanks to Friends of Black Bayou for hosting the convention. The LWF’s 2010 convention is scheduled for February 26-28 at the Cypress Bend Resort on Toledo Bend Reservoir and will be hosted by the Toledo Bend Lake Association. Further details will be available soon. Please make plans to attend.
 Cold? No kidding! Sunday morning dawned with ice on the hotel fountain. Locals said “That’s why it’s called NORTH Louisiana.” Photo by Dane Bourgeois.
2009 LWF Convention Sponsors and Donors
Special thanks go to the following persons, organizations and businesses for supporting this convention with their generous donations.
Premier Corporate Black Bear
Shell Pipeline Company LP
Louisiana Black Bears
Barney & Donna Callahan
Ken & Cindy Dancak
Anhingas
Friends of Black Bayou
East Ascension Sportsman’s League
Russ & Sandra Herman
Edgar Veillon
Bobcats
Fred Borel, Jr.
Jerry & Sybil Haas
Jimmy Johnston
Keith & Cindy Saucier
Warren, Jodie & Joelle Singer
Alligator Snappers
Virginia, Don & Caleb Burkett
Mike Epler
Kenneth B. Farris, MD
Ernest J. Gremillion - G&A Auger Co.
Joe L. & Rosalie Herring
Jay & Judy Huner
Sherri Johnston
Clint & Virginia Mouser
Herman “Dutch” & Jane Prager
Paul Whitehead
Bullfrogs
Randy Lanctot
Andy Mayer, MD
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Academy Sports & Outdoors Acadiana Silkscreen America’s WETLAND Campaign Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program Mack Barham Bill Lewis Lures Dave Boudreaux Connie Bernier Nancy Blackwell Bruce Foods/Cajun Injector Virginia Burkett Cabela’s Barney Callahan Chag’s Sporting Goods Ronald Coco Coleman Co. Juanita Constible Daisy Manufacturing Co. DeLorme Mapping Bob Dennie Faulk’s Game Calls Flambeau Decoys Forestry Suppliers, Inc. Gamo USA Charlie Heck Joe L. & Rosalie Herring Hoppe Farms Clint Jeske Sherri Johnston Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation Randy Lanctot Earl & Lonnie Matthew McIlhenny Company Joe McPherson Sharon Miller Clint Mouser Quality Brands Keith & Cindy Saucier Warren & Jodie Singer Smitty Smith Stansel Rice Janice Stroud T & T Lures T-Shirts Etcetera Erna Thibodeaux Rebecca Triche Edgar Veillon Woodlands Trail & Park Wright & McGill Co./Eagle Claw
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