“We've just had people who believe in what DU stands for and people who try to put on successful banquets each year,” said Kevin Hawkins, district chairman for Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash and Northampton counties. “Generally we have nice auction items and prizes for people to win.”

(For more information contact Hawkins at 252-532-1051)

Various wildlife prints, carved decoys and even a four-slice toaster which marks DU's iconic duck head into the bread will be up for auction. There will be luggage, grilling, outdoor items and Greenwing items for children.

This year the chapter is auctioning three guns — a Browning A5; Mossberg bolt-action .30-06 and a Kimber 1911 pistol.

As the oldest banquet in the community, Hawkins said the event attracts not only hunters, but those who believe in the conservation efforts the proceeds from ticket sales and auctions raise. “We have something for everyone.”

The $60 ticket pays for an 8-ounce sterling silver ribeye steak, potato, salad, rolls, beverages and a premium open bar as well as a DU membership. FoSho is catering the event.

Currently, DU has conserved 107,205 acres in the state and has raised more than $23 million. “All that went to projects like ones such as Caledonia, two on the Roanoke River and various other projects. A lot of wetlands had been destroyed,” said Hawkins.

The conservation efforts, Hawkins said, keep ducks migrating “like they have for thousands of years.”

He added: “It's good for the entire ecosystem. Without a good system, wildlife and water quality suffer.”