Three Notch’d Delta Waterfowl

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Three Notch’d Delta Waterfowl

Three Notch’d Delta Waterfowl is a local conservation chapter supporting waterfowl habitat, hunting Heritage, and community involvement.

Through events and volunteers we help grow duck populations, protect wetlands, and grow the next generation of hunters

10/27/2026

🦆🎨 FEATHERS & FINE ART 🎨🦆
A Ladies’ Waterfowl Painting Experience

Ladies! We still have some spots open for our Feathers and Fine Art painting class! Limited seating available. If you’re interested in joining us for this evening, message our page!

🎨 All painting supplies included
🥂 Curated wines & handcrafted mocktails
🍴 Light bites
🦆 $35 per person

📅 Sunday, November 15
‼️Deadline to Register is November 11
⏰ 3:00 PM
📍 701 N. Washington Hwy., Ashland, VA 23005

Whether you hunt, love the outdoors, or just want a fun ladies’ afternoon out, this one is for you!

✨ Limited seating — message our page to register!

10/21/2026

Women in Waterfowl Wednesday🦆

Harriet Hemenway & Minna Hall

This week, we’re celebrating two women who helped change the course of bird conservation: Harriet Hemenway and Minna Hall!

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, bird feathers and even whole birds were popular decorations on women’s hats. Alarmed by the toll this fashion trend was taking on wild bird populations, Harriet Hemenway and her cousin Minna Hall stepped up to make a difference.

In 1896, Harriet and Minna brought together a group of Boston women who pledged to stop wearing feathered hats and spread awareness about the harm the fashion industry was causing wild birds. Their efforts helped establish the Massachusetts Audubon Society that same year, marking a major step forward in the fight to protect bird populations.

Their efforts helped spark a movement to protect wild birds and their habitats, proving that conservation can begin anywhere. Sometimes, all it takes is a group of determined women who recognize a problem and come together to create lasting change.

Today, we honor Harriet and Minna for their dedication to protecting wild birds and the lasting mark they left on conservation history. Their story is a reminder that women have played an important role in conservation for generations, and that a little determination and a shared passion can create change that lasts.

10/16/2026

Fun Fact Friday🦆

Jack Miner

Did you know one man’s passion for Canada geese helped shape the future of waterfowl conservation?

Meet Jack Miner, a pioneer in waterfowl conservation! Born in 1865, Miner dedicated his life to protecting migratory birds and established a bird sanctuary in Kingsville, Ontario, where his work helped inspire a greater understanding of bird migration and conservation.

Fun Fact: Jack Miner was a pioneer in bird banding, using numbered leg bands to track where birds traveled during migration. His efforts helped scientists better understand bird migration and laid important groundwork for waterfowl research and conservation!

His passion for protecting migratory birds helped inspire generations to learn more about waterfowl and carry on the tradition of conservation for years to come.

At Three Notch’d Delta Waterfowl, we know conservation is about more than today’s hunt, it’s about protecting waterfowl for generations to come. 🦆

10/14/2026

Women in Waterfowl Wednesday🦆

Ladies, let’s talk about one of the most important pieces of gear for waterfowl hunting… WADERS!

If you’ve spent enough time in the blind, you know that a good pair of waders can make or break your hunt! From staying warm and dry on those freezing mornings to trying to find a pair that actually fits right, we all have our opinions.

So let’s hear it!

We want to know:

🦆 What brand of waders do you wear?

🦆 What do you LOVE about them?

🦆 What do you DISLIKE? Leaks, fit, durability, warmth, or something else?

🦆 Have you found a pair that works especially well for women? We want to hear those recommendations!

🦆 What’s one thing you wish you knew before buying your first pair of waders?

Whether you’re a seasoned waterfowl hunter or just getting started, your experience could help another woman find her perfect pair!

Let’s share the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating! No brand loyalty required. We want the honest reviews!

DROP YOUR WADER BRAND AND YOUR HONEST OPINION IN THE COMMENTS! Tag a hunting girlfriend who needs to join the conversation!

Women supporting women, one hunt at a time.🩷

10/12/2026

First Split, in the Books! 🦆

We hope everyone had a great first split of duck season! Whether you spent your mornings in the blind with friends, family, or your four-legged hunting partners, we hope you made some great memories along the way.

We want to see your harvest pictures! Drop your favorite photos in the comments and share a little glimpse of your season with us!

Here’s to more mornings in the blind, good company, and plenty of memories still to be made. Good luck to everyone heading out for the next split!

10/09/2026

Fun Fact Friday🦆

Did you know one of the most influential scientists in Delta Waterfowl’s history was also a talented artist and writer?

Meet Hans Albert Hochbaum (1911–1988), an American-born ornithologist, conservationist, artist, and author whose life became deeply connected to waterfowl and wetlands.

In 1938, Aldo Leopold sent Hochbaum to Manitoba’s Delta Marsh, where he became the first scientific director of the Delta Waterfowl Research Station. For more than 30 years, Hochbaum led research at Delta, helping establish the marsh as one of North America’s most important centers for waterfowl research.

Hochbaum dedicated his career to studying waterfowl, wetlands, and the wildlife that depended on them. Alongside his scientific work, he was also a gifted artist and writer. His book The Canvasback on a Prairie Marsh showcased his knowledge and appreciation for prairie wetlands and the waterfowl that called them home.

Known as the “Man of the Marsh,” Hochbaum’s impact went far beyond his research. His passion for wetlands and waterfowl inspired generations of scientists, conservationists, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts.

His work helped lay the foundation for the science-based conservation and research that remains at the heart of Delta Waterfowl today.🦆

10/07/2026

Women in Waterfowl Wednesday🦆

Today, we are celebrating Patricia Peacock, a true pioneer in the world of duck hunting and calling!

Pat’s love for duck calling began at a young age. At just 12 years old, she won the Junior World’s Duck Calling Championship. She went on to make history in 1955 and 1956, becoming the only woman to win the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest twice. Her accomplishments didn’t stop there. In 1960, she added the Champion of Champions title to her impressive list of achievements.

Pat’s impact extended far beyond duck calling. She broke barriers as the first woman to serve on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s board of directors. She later continued her work in conservation and education as Executive Director of the Museum of the Grand Prairie.

Pat dedicated her life to the outdoors, duck hunting, and passing her knowledge on to the next generation. She regularly taught duck-calling clinics, helping introduce young people to a tradition she loved.

Pat’s story reminds us of the important role women have always played in waterfowl. Through her passion, dedication, and accomplishments, she helped pave the way for generations of women to follow.

Here’s to the women who break barriers, share their knowledge, and keep the traditions of waterfowl alive!

If you would like to get involved with Three Notch’d Delta Waterfowl, send us a message!🦆🩷

10/05/2026

Mentor Monday Spotlight 🦆

This week, we’re proud to introduce Kristi Martel, a passionate outdoorswoman, dedicated mentor, and longtime supporter of conservation and outdoor organizations.

Kristi was born and raised in Suffolk, VA, and moved to King William about nine years ago. After more than 20 years as a nurse, she stepped away from nursing 2½ years ago to follow another passion and start her own catering and private chef business, Two Rivers Kitchen Cuisine.

Kristi and her husband, Andy, have been married nearly 14 years and have two boys, Jesse (25) and William (13). The whole family shares a love for the outdoors. Whether they’re hunting, fishing, or exploring, they’re happiest outside. And when they aren’t in the woods or on the water, they’re cheering on the Washington Capitals, Nationals, Ravens, or Virginia Tech Hokies!

Kristi was introduced to hunting by her dad as a child, but as an avid softball player, much of her time was spent on the field. After high school, she began hunting more often with her dad and friends.

Her passion for waterfowl grew from watching her dad’s love for it. The beauty of the birds, the way they worked, and the sounds of waterfowl drew her in. For Kristi, hunting is about harvesting her own meat, knowing where it came from, and providing for her family.

One of her most meaningful memories is harvesting her first Canvasback. Growing up, her dad often told stories about watching huge rafts of Canvasbacks on the Nansemond River. For years, Kristi hunted there with him, watching hundreds of birds that never seemed to get close enough. She would jokingly tell him he was “full of it.”

Then, on a cold January morning in 2024, Kristi finally got to see exactly what her dad had been talking about. An incredible show of Canvasbacks ended with a beautiful bull Can in her hands.

At the time, her dad was battling cancer and had recently experienced a serious health scare. A close family friend and talented taxidermist was able to mount the duck in record time so her dad could enjoy it.

Just two weeks after the harvest, the Canvasback went to her dad’s house, where it remained on his wall until he passed away in November 2024.

That Canvasback is more than a mount. It’s a memory of a father and daughter, years spent together in the blind, and a story that will always be part of Kristi’s hunting journey.

Kristi has volunteered with Delta Waterfowl and other outdoor organizations for more than 13 years. For her, volunteering is about more than giving her time—it’s about sharing something she loves with others.

One of the things that drives Kristi most is watching people grow in the outdoors, especially women, and knowing she is helping bring more good stewards into the outdoor community.

Kristi, thank you for sharing your passion, knowledge, and love of the outdoors with others. We’re proud to have you as part of the Three Notch’d Delta Waterfowl family! 🦆

10/02/2026

Fun Fact Friday🦆

A WOOD DUCK’S NEST MIGHT BE FARTHER FROM WATER THAN YOU THINK!

Wood ducks have some pretty unique nesting habits, and one of the most surprising is just how far their nests can be from water.

Wood ducks can nest more than a mile away from water!

Wood ducks are cavity nesters, meaning they use natural tree cavities or nest boxes rather than building a traditional nest on the ground. Some cavities can be 50 feet or more above the ground, and the tree itself may be a considerable distance from the nearest water.

A female wood duck typically lays about 10 to 15 eggs. Only about 1 to 2 wood ducks will successfully survive from the eggs stage to adulthood due to heavy predation at every stage of their early life! USGS studies found that 47% of wood ducks die before reaching 6 weeks of life.

Though they have a low survival rate, managed nesting boxes create 50% to 85% hatching success. Managed nesting boxes use resources such as predator guards to prevent raccoons, minks, and snakes from reaching their nests.

Just a day after hatching, wood duck ducklings are already ready to leave the nest! Their mother waits below, calling to encourage them, but she doesn’t carry them down or guide them out. Instead, these tiny ducklings take a leap of faith from the tree cavity and tumble safely to the ground. Their small size and soft, lightweight bodies allow them to make the jump without injury.

And their journey doesn’t end once they hit the ground! After leaving the nest, these tiny ducklings may have to travel through the woods on foot, sometimes covering a surprising distance before reaching the water where they’ll begin their lives.

Follow us for our upcoming nesting boxes builds!

09/30/2026

Women in Waterfowl Wednesday🦆
Gail Camp (1925-2025)

This Wednesday, we’re remembering a woman whose voice became legendary in the flooded timber, Gail Camp.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on July 30, 1925, Gail married her high-school sweetheart, Frank Lee Camp Jr., following World War II. Together, they built a life filled with a shared passion for duck hunting at the OK Hunting & Fishing Club in Weiner, Arkansas, where duck season became a treasured tradition and an important part of their lives.

Gail’s journey as a duck caller began unexpectedly. One morning in the flooded timber, with little room to maneuver among the men in the blind, she picked up a duck call so she could take part in the hunt. That simple moment marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey and a lasting legacy in the world of duck calling.

Through countless hours of practice, Gail transformed duck calling into second nature, perfecting the raspy hen call that would eventually lead her to championship titles. She won the Women’s World Duck Calling Championship in both 1959 and 1960. But for Gail, duck calling was about more than competition, it was about imagining the ducks overhead and making each call feel like a natural part of the hunt.

And her talents went far beyond a duck call.

Gail was an accomplished hunter, dog handler, and devoted retriever enthusiast. She embraced every part of the hunt, from setting decoys in icy water and reading the wind to working with her dogs and sharing time together in the timber. For Gail, hunting also meant responsibility. Recovering every bird possible, respecting bag limits, and caring for the outdoors she loved.

Even at 86, Gail was still actively hunting and was featured in Delta Waterfowl Magazine. More than a decade later, at 98 years old, she returned to the flooded timber for one of what would be her final hunts. That morning was filled with duck calling, laughter, and sharing biscuits with Maggie Williams and her daughter, Ann, a fitting reflection of Gail’s lifelong love of the outdoors and time spent in the timber.

Gail passed away on July 27, 2025, just three days before her 100th birthday.

But her story didn’t end there.

During the final year of her life, Gail received hundreds of letters from people across the country, many of them women who shared how deeply she had inspired them. Even as her health began to decline, Gail made an effort to read their messages and respond whenever she was able. Her willingness to connect with those she had inspired became another meaningful part of her lasting legacy.

Gail Camp never set out to be a trailblazer. She simply loved duck hunting, duck calling, good dogs, and the outdoors. Yet through that passion, she opened doors and inspired generations of women to find their own place in the field. Her story reminds us that sometimes you don’t have to set out to make history, you simply have to love what you do, share that passion with others, and keep the tradition alive.

If you’re a woman interested in getting involved or learning more about our chapter, we’d love to hear from you! 🦆🩷 Send us a message to learn more!

Address

Louisa, VA
23093

Website

https://arndtucreativets.com/collections/three-notchd-delta-waterfowl, https://deltawaterfowl.org/

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