Ducks Unlimited supporters demonstrate many outstanding qualities, the greatest of which is their passion for wetlands and waterfowl conservation. For Natchez Shooters Supplies of Chattanooga, Tennessee, that passion inspired a recent major donor pledge upgrade to the level of Sponsor in Perpetuity.

"My sons and I are active waterfowlers, and we understand the need for high-quality habitat everywhere ducks congregate," said Jeff Hamn Sr., cofounder and owner of Natchez Shooters Supplies, a family business. "We are proud to be a part of the hunting tradition and support the conservation efforts of Ducks Unlimited."

In the same tradition as the hunter-conservationists who founded DU in 1937, Natchez Shooters Supply is perpetuating the truly significant role that hunters have played in conserving key breeding, migration, and wintering habitats across North America. A portion of their gift has been directed to support DU's breeding-ground conservation efforts, demonstrating the company's understanding of the importance of the U.S. prairies to continental waterfowl populations. The remainder of their gift will support conservation efforts on two local wildlife management areas (WMAs): North Chickamauga WMA in eastern Tennessee and Jackson County WMA in northeastern Alabama.

"DU is a solid, proven investment in the future of waterfowl and waterfowl hunting," Hamn said. "We are pleased to be able to support the important work occurring on the breeding grounds and to help enhance wetland management activities through our gift to Ducks Unlimited. Every day we work hard to encourage hunting participation because we realize how essential it is to the future of waterfowl and habitat conservation."