Ducks Unlimited President Rex Schulz, MD

06/03/2026

DU recently elected Dr. Rex Schulz as the organization's 48th president. Schulz succeeds Bob Spoerl, who now serves as DU board chairman. From here on out, this account will be branded as the voice and vision of DU's 48.

Dr. Rex Schulz elected DU president, Bob Spoerl new chairman of the board, new board members elected

05/13/2026

Well, DU Nation, as I come to the close of my Presidency, it was not only appropriate but ironic that the last state convention that I attended was the "Last Frontier"! From what I was told, I was the first president to make an appearance at the Alaska state convention, which this year was held in Fairbanks this past weekend.

Tim Truitt, the current State Chair, along with his staff, did an amazing job organizing the event, which included a business session, a field trip, guest speakers, staff and volunteers, and two evenings of fellowship and raising bucks for the ducks. In one unique auction, they raffled off a donated AK license plate for nearly $9,000! The goal was to raise funds so the license plate could be displayed at headquarters—I'll be hand-delivering!

Every state chairman faces adversity and challenges when traveling around the state to promote and encourage support, but there isn't a bigger challenge than navigating a state that covers more land than Texas, California, and Montana combined! Then you throw in that the current chair lives on Kodiak Island, which means you can't drive anywhere! The dedication of several of the volunteers I spoke with in areas like Kotzebue, Bethel, Kodiak, or Valdez, just to name a few, who travel across ice bridges, ferries, or float planes, and the challenges they face in getting merchandise to their events, is mind-boggling. A BIG THANK YOU to all of the volunteers across this great country of ours who face this adversity day in and day out, all on your time, on your dime, in the name of conservation. So proud to serve you!! For the ducks!

05/01/2026

Well, folks, I'm in my last month of my Presidency and trying to finish off by hitting as many events as I can.

It was great to be actually home when my alma mater (UW-Stevens Point) DU student chapter was holding their event. Not only was I able to attend, but my Senior Vice President of Conservation Programs, Christine Thomas, was also in attendance, which one might expect, considering this is also her University, where she served as the Dean of the College of Natural Resources. Outgoing Chapter Chair, Devon Bort, and incoming Chair, Eric Vlahovich, did an awesome job, having at least 15 committee members on hand to help the crowd of nearly 130 guests. Regional Director Benny Magalski did a wonderful job working with the committee on their selection of auction and raffle prizes, even commissioning Charles Jobes to create a decoy in the University colors. Thanks to all volunteers and staff for putting on another wonderful event!

04/23/2026

Making trips across this great DU nation of ours gives me plenty of satisfaction, but one of the biggest highlights of my Presidency is calling the winner of DU's National Scholarship program to let the recipient know they were selected for the $10,000 scholarship!

This year's recipient, Paisley Williams from Prairieville, Louisiana, is the model scholarship winner—active in not only her Varsity Chapter but also helps out in eleven, that's right, eleven other DU Chapters in LA! Beyond her excellence in volunteering for DU, Paisley excels in her academic career, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Upon completion of high school this year, Paisley will continue her studies at LSU.

I've had the pleasure of meeting Paisley several times during my DU travels and can assure you that not only is she deserving, but Paisley is a caring, well-spoken, and passionate lady, and the selection committee couldn't have picked a more worthy recipient! Congratulations, Paisley, and to all winners and applicants who participated in this year's DU Scholarship program.

04/08/2026

The DU volunteers continue to do extraordinary work across this country, raising bucks for the ducks, and California is no exception. I returned to the annual Blackhawk dinner, along with my wife, Kim, as we were table guests of Past President Paul Bonderson and Paul's wife, Sandi. While Paul has been supportive over several years, the Co-Chairs of this evening's event were long-time supporters, Pepper Snyder and David Grieve.

The sold-out event, held at the Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, CA, was a smashing success, increasing the event's income from last year by close to $500,000! CEO Adam Putnam was the guest speaker and had the crowd captivated with all of the recent success that Ducks Unlimited has experienced lately. Congratulations to the event organizers, Pepper and David, along with numerous staff, for making this a remarkable event!

04/02/2026

I had the honor to attend an historic easement donation in the history of Ducks Unlimited! The Clarendon Farms easement, courtesy of Cox Enterprises, announced this donated easement to Ducks Unlimited this past week in Beaufort, SC. Jim Kennedy, the former chairman of Cox, made the announcement to several DU staff and volunteers, along with the Governor of South Carolina and several area property owners.Including a previous easement, the deal ensures a 4,000+ tract of prime waterfowl habitat will not be developed, which includes 40 miles of frontage on the river and surrounding marshes.

What makes this easement stand out is the value! The value, while not official yet, will be pushing a half a billion dollars! Friends, DU's income last year was in the area of $425 million. Once booked, that will probably more than double!! Never in the history of DU has there been a more impactful donation to Ducks Unlimited, unless of course, you consider the last gift of $100 million, also made by Jim Kennedy! Folks, these are the best times for DU!! Please pass on the word, as you are part of the reason for this gift. It was you, the volunteer, member and staff that Jim entrusted DU to be the stewards of this property, as well as thousands of acres that he previously entrusted DU to manage throughout the prairies. Thank you Jim Kennedy, Alex Taylor, and all of the friends of Cox enterprises for this transformational gift.

03/04/2026

What an incredible night in Little Rock last week, celebrating George and Livia Dunklin and their lifelong commitment to wetlands and waterfowl conservation.

More than 300 guests joined us, including many DU Board members and Wetlands America Trust trustees, to honor a true champion for our mission. We were also glad to have Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and her husband, Brian, with us for the celebration.

A major highlight: Johnny Morris and his son, JP, surprised the room with a $100,000 check, part of their amazing $1 million commitment to Greentree Reservoir conservation. Their support will help restore and protect critical public‑land waterfowl habitat for generations to come. From the stories shared to the gratitude in the room, the evening was a powerful reminder of the impact one person—and one family—can have on people, wildlife, and the places we love.

Huge thanks to everyone who made the night so special. Conservation’s future is stronger because of leaders like my friend, George.

02/27/2026

I want to send my deep appreciation to the Charleston DU Committee for another outstanding SEWE, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, in Charleston, SC, this month. The event saw overflowing crowds, perfect weather, and great booth sales. If you've never been there, put it on your plans for next year. Ducks Unlimited is well represented, and you won't be disappointed!

Especially the Oyster Roast, which is the largest DU event in the country, with over 1,500 in attendance! Thanks again to the volunteers and staff who put on a great weekend of events.

02/26/2026

Little did I know when I attended the Easton Waterfowl Festival last November that it would be the last time I saw my friend, Chip Heaps. I had the honor of presenting Chip and Patty with their Benefactors Roll of Honor plaque at one of our President's Council events. Also in the picture are Jake McPhearson, Managing Director of Region 6, and Chad Manlove, National Director of Development.

Chip was an awesome employee; he worked as a Regional Director and then as a Director of Development for a total of over 30 years with Ducks Unlimited. Upon retirement, Chip was still working for the ducks, but as a volunteer this time.

Thank you for your dedication to the mission, your commitment to your work, and for being a friend to so many. I'm blessed to have known you and will always hold a special place for you in my DU memories. God Bless, Patty and your family. Chip has truly left this conservation world a better place than when he found it.

02/17/2026

While it's winter on the calendar, it was anything but in the mountains of Missoula, Montana, where temps were record-breaking in the upper 50s. While there was a lack of snow on the landscape, there wasn't a lack of excitement and participation at Montana's Volunteer Celebration!

Over 100 volunteers came from far and wide, from Big Sky Country to gather in Missoula to meet, celebrate, and enjoy great camaraderie. Friday evening kicked off with a tour of two of the area's best breweries—Kettlehouse Brewery and the Highlander Brewing Company.

Saturday attendees enjoyed a leisurely morning, followed by meetings starting around noon that included conservation updates, a national update, and state-wide event success. The meetings were well attended, as was the major donor event followed by the gala.

While the gala had your typical raffles, auctions, and "duck races", it was also a night of recognition of top chapters and top leaders. The top leadership awards included Tracy Smith, Area Chair of the Year; Derek Reitz, District Chair of the Year; and Carter Olson, who received the Volunteer of the Year Award. Congratulations to all recipients and to Bev Wornom, MT's State Chair. Thanks, Bev, husband John, and the rest of the committee who put on another successful event!