Secretarial Order supports access

On Sept. 15, Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke signed Secretarial Order 3356, which aims to expand access for hunting and angling on federal lands governed by the Department of the Interior.

The order directs DOI bureaus, including Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park System to produce a plan for expanding access on lands within 120 days. The Order also amends National Monument Management Plans to include or expand hunting, recreational shooting, and fishing opportunities to the extent practicable under the law; expands educational outreach programs to enhance recruitment and retention efforts; create a user-friendly database for the public to access information about available hunting and fishing opportunities; and improve wildlife management efforts through collaboration with state partners.

Petal Ducks Unlimited to host banquet

Petal Ducks Unlimited chapter is planning its inaugural banquet, Friday, Sept. 29, at The Venue at Roseoak in Petal, Miss., to help raise funds for the organization’s wetlands and waterfowl conservation mission.

The event will begin at 6 p.m., and activities will include a live and silent auction, raffles, games and more. Attendees will also have the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind DU merchandise and interact with other outdoor enthusiasts.

Ticket prices include a one-year DU membership. Space is limited and the committee strongly recommends purchasing tickets in advance to guarantee your participation.

Ticket prices: single, $45; couple, $65; youth, $25; sponsor, $400. To purchase tickets, call Lane Craft at (601) 270-4327 or Tyler Bunch (601) 447-4251.