The Wessington Springs chapter of Ducks Unlimited continues to make an impact through its fundraising and conservation efforts, earning recognition as the top one-night banquet fundraiser in South Dakota in 2025.
Habitat improvement remains a primary focus of Ducks Unlimited, with fundraising efforts helping conserve more than 1.1 million acres across South Dakota since 1984. According to the organization's 2026 state report, Ducks Unlimited has invested more than $120 million in conservation projects throughout the state.
South Dakota has 6,429 Ducks Unlimited members, including 338 major sponsors, and 43 fundraising committees working to support conservation efforts.
Locally, Jerauld County benefits from 2,002 acres of public hunting habitat associated with 14 Ducks Unlimited projects in the area. Conservation efforts continue across the state, including the Working Grasslands Partnership, which has helped landowners restore more than 13,000 acres of grassland and incorporate another 14,000 acres into rotational grazing systems. Ducks Unlimited has also completed wetland restoration projects in Hanson County and along Firesteel Creek near Lake Mitchell.
South Dakota is recognized as a milliondollar state by Ducks Unlimited, with approximately $16 million in matching funds supporting conservation efforts.
The Wessington Springs chapter’s annual Ducks Unlimited banquet is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. The event is an important local fundraiser, helping support Ducks Unlimited’s mission of conserving wetlands and associated habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife.