chattanoogaducksunlimited.com

Early March the Chattanooga Ducks Unlimited Committee got together to build some wood duck boxes.  Wood ducks are one of a few duck species that nest in trees.  Typically the will use a hole in a rotting tree.  However there are only so many of these nesting sites available naturally.  Providing a specifically designed box/house will encourage more nesting.  The Chapter was very fortunate to have partnered with Steve Underwood at the Hixson Home Depot for this project.  They donated all the needed material to build 15 wood duck boxes (which wasn’t cheap!).  This project would not have been nearly as large if it wasn’t for the generosity of the Hixson Home Depot.  Several of these boxes are going to be luxury homes for wood ducks along the South Chickamauga Creek.  We are also hoping to put several up along portions of the river walk where there is good wood duck habitat.  We did the project to directly impact our local wildlife.  It is important for us to give back to the resources that we enjoy so much.  It only took us 5 hours to cut and assemble all 15 boxes. If 5 hours on a Saturday can give 15 wood duck pairs a home to nest in then we are proud to do it.
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Our chapter uses these plans when building wood duck boxes:  http://www.noble.org/Ag/Wildlife/DuckNestBoxes/Index.htm .  You will need a 12', 1"x12" piece of white pine, a small hinge, a small locking gate hook, some screws (no longer than 2").  In addition hardware cloth is great but you can save money by scoring horizontal lines the inside of the box.  This helps the babies climb out.  There are a few changes that we make to the plans for the ultimate box.  We extend the back from 24" to 36".  While this isn't necessary it makes the box very easy to attach to a pole or tree.  The down side is you will need a 12' board now instead of a 10', so it will add a few dollars to the box.  We have als found that the bottom might need to be recut slightly smaller than 10" maybe 9-7/8"?  You can assemble most of the box and mark the floor for a perfect fit instead though.  Pilot holes will need to be drilled to keep the pine from splitting when you put the screws in.  This is a great project to do this summer and hang the box for it to weather for next year.  Please contact me if you have any questions!  Thanks, Chris.
Finished Results!
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After a lot of inquires into Chattanooga Ducks Unlimited stickers we finally have them!  If you would like one give me a call.  We are asking for a $5 donation in exchange.  We also have a fee Tennessee Ducks Unlimited stickers for those that are interested.  The grey area is clear on the actual sticker.  423-309-7344

 

The chapter is going to ge together on Monday March 8th @ the ChooChoo @ 6:30pm.  While the main purpose of the meeting is social we are going to start discussing a spring event.  If you would like to be a part of the Chattanooga Ducks Unlimited please contact me or show up!  Thanks, Chris.

We are planning to get the committee together the first week of March!  Be looking for a specific day, time and place soon!  If you haven't been to a committee meeting but are interested in joining please call me or shoot me an emai!  Thanks, Chris.  423-309-7344 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Chattanooga Chapter is offering $5 chances on a NIB Browning BPS .410!!!  This is a great gun that would make an excelent addition to any gun cabinet.  We will be drawing the winner Dec. 12 on Tony Sanders Outdoors Radio Show.  Believe it or not I will meet up with you anywhere in Chattanooga to get you in on this raffle.  Thanks, Chris.  423-309-7344, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thursday night was a great event.  I'd like to thank everyone for coming.  I hope you had a great time!  The Chattanooga Chapter has great support from our local hunters and businesses.  Please contact me if you would like to play a part in planning next years banquet!  Also if you have any suggestions/comments feel free to contact me.  Thanks, Chris.  423.309.7344, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it