43rd Annual Ducks Unlimited banquet

IRON RIVER -The Iron County chapter of Ducks Unlimited (DU) is gearing up for its 43rd annual banquet on Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Iron River Armory. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner starts at 7 p.m. 
As always, raffles, games and silent auctions will be held throughout the night. Raffle prizes include numerous quality firearms, limited edition Ducks Unlimited merchandise, and the always popular commemorative shotgun in honor of Jim Sapletal. 
Jeremy Nocerini, chairman, stated that the banquet would not be possible without the generosity of local businesses and volunteers. “Our local community really steps up to help make this event possible. Without their generous donations, sponsorships and volunteer hours, we wouldn’t be able to put on a banquet of this caliber.” 
Iron County Ducks Unlimited has seen some changes in 2023. They are now under the direction of a new regional director, Jesse Vokolek, from Hurley, Wisconsin. Vokolek brings new insight and ideas to the committee and would like Ducks Unlimited to have a more visible role in Iron County. Jeremy Nocerini, a third generation DU member, has replaced Dan French as the chairman of the chapter. Despite the changes, Nocerini says the banquet will still have a friendly, familiar feeling. “Our hope is to have a night filled with fun, good food and friendship, while bringing awareness to wetland conservation.”
Nocerini points out that Ducks Unlimited focuses on wetland preservation and improvement, which benefits more than just hunters. “Projects funded by Ducks Unlimited not only improve waterfowl hunting areas and breeding grounds, but they also provide better water quality and create sanctuary for many species of wildlife.”  
Tickets for the event can be purchased locally from any committee member or online at www.ducks.org/events. If you have any questions regarding the event, you can contact Jeremy at 906-367-1524.