Wade

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Aug. 19, 2020 - Ducks Unlimited released the latest film in its online series and the final one for 2020.In "Wade,&dquo; the life of author, conservation icon and television personality Wade Bourne is explored and celebrated.

Watch the film at www.ducks.org/dufilms.

Bourne&squo;s relationship with Ducks Unlimited spanned decades. His byline graced the pages of DU Magazine countless times as a feature contributor and columnist.

Bourne left his mark on DU TV as well, co-hosting the show for numerous seasons and adding his expertise and commentary to America&squo;s longest running waterfowl hunting show.

Hampton Bourne remembers his father as not only a great hunter and fisherman, but a great dad.

"I can remember sitting by the back door when I was a little boy, watching for headlights coming down the driveway signaling dad was home from a trip,&dquo; Hampton Bourne said. "Mom has always been the family center and the hub of love. Dad was the spirit and the guidance and the leader. Anyone would be lucky to have a father like I had.&dquo;

A lifelong waterfowl hunter, Wade Bourne shared his passion and knowledge of the sport with DU Magazine readers. Editorial Director Matt Young remembers the writer as a man of many talents.

"Wade was one of those rare individuals who could have been anything,&dquo; said Young. "We were lucky he chose to be a writer. He knew his subject and he knew his audience and that came through in all of his writing.&dquo;

Veteran Reelfoot Lake hunting and fishing guide Jackie Vancleave is a good friend of the Bourne family.

"Wade poured his heart out in his writing, it had to be true,&dquo; Vancleave said. "It wasn&squo;t make believe, it had to be real. Wade was top notch. He was 150 percent.&dquo;

Wade&squo;s wife Becky knew her husband was a unique individual with an incredible love for his family and the sporting lifestyle. She knew his impact on the conservation and sporting community.

"I think with everything, the old and the new has to connect,&dquo; Becky Bourne said. "That&squo;s the whole point of making sure we continue to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors. That&squo;s what it&squo;s all about.&dquo;

DU Films is a unique online film series from Ducks Unlimited, the world leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation. Each film features thrilling hunting footage but also tells a story about waterfowl hunters passionate about hunting, conservation and giving back to the resource. DU Films presents all of this through breathtaking waterfowl footage and intimate conversations with hunters across North America.

Follow DU&squo;s newest Twitter feed-@DUNews1937-to get the most up-to-date news from Ducks Unlimited.

DU Films is produced by Rock Road Creative and sponsored by Mossy Oak, Drake Waterfowl, Winchester Repeating Arms, Winchester Ammunition and Yeti.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved almost 15 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org.