Our Code & History

Founded in the fall of 1958, the Northwestern PA Duck Hunters Association began with a group of dedicated waterfowlers determined to preserve and protect the duck hunting traditions in our region. At a historic meeting held at the Antlers Café in Erie, Pennsylvania, a steering committee made up of passionate duck hunters, including Doc Smith, Joe Lyons, Tom Bauman, Adam Nehr, Harold Smith, Karl Wunch, Jack Sweet, Bill Walsh, Lou Tracy, Don Portenier, and Jerry Emling, laid the foundation for what would become a long-lasting legacy.

With the core mission to preserve waterfowling and protect the privileges of duck hunters, the Association gave local hunters a united voice in discussions about duck blind permits on Presque Isle State Park and played an influential role in shaping hunting regulations. From its first general membership meeting in March 1959 at the Moniuszko Club, the Association has stood as a mighty force in sportsmanship and conservation, thanks to the leadership of its founding officers: Dr. W.C.F. Smith, M.D. (President), Don Kuzmin (Vice President), Raymond Lyons (Secretary), and Donald Schwartz (Treasurer).

Over the past six decades, the Northwestern PA Duck Hunters Association has not only safeguarded hunting opportunities at Presque Isle State Park but has also sponsored countless waterfowl conservation efforts across Northwestern Pennsylvania. Our steadfast commitment has created a lasting impact, and it’s all been made possible by the enduring support of our members.

As we look toward the future, the excitement continues. The Association is reintroducing our popular Waterfowl Warmup Clay Pigeon Shoots, giving hunters the chance to hone their shooting skills while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow waterfowlers. These events serve as a great lead-up to hunting season and foster a strong community spirit among participants.

Our partnership with Presque Isle State Park remains at the forefront of our conservation efforts. Recent and upcoming projects include installing and maintaining duck boxes to support local waterfowl populations, improving accessibility with concrete pad installations, and organizing regular park cleanups to ensure the park remains a pristine environment for both wildlife and visitors.

We are also expanding our educational and volunteer initiatives, with exciting plans to introduce duck banding projects that will engage the public and deepen understanding of waterfowl migration and conservation. These projects will provide hands-on learning experiences and strengthen our community’s connection to waterfowl preservation.

Looking ahead, the Association is committed to forging new partnerships and launching impactful fundraisers to sustain and grow our efforts. Whether it’s through education, conservation, or volunteerism, we are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of hunters and conservationists while preserving the rich traditions of waterfowling in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

The road ahead is bright, and with your continued support, the Northwestern PA Duck Hunters Association will remain a powerful force for protecting both our hunting heritage and the wildlife we cherish.