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Ducks Unlimited Artwork Listed Among Collectibles for the New Millennium 
Oak Hammock Marsh, Manitoba, January 7, 2000 - Appraisers for the popular television program Antiques Roadshow identified Ducks Unlimited art prints and duck stamps among a listing of items that could become hot collectibles in the next century.
Judy Campbell, an independent appraiser in Midland, Mich., who provides her services to the Antiques Roadshow said society's concern for environmental conservation is spurring an interest in wildlife collectibles, especially those of DU.
"With the exploding interest in protecting our environment, memorabilia from wildlife conservation groups like DU is fast becoming collectible," said Campbell. "All forms of mementos, old and new, from this trailblazer organization, are predicted to be hot in our new millennium." Of particular interest to today's collectors are early DU pins, sponsor buttons, decanters, steins and decoys.
Jim Snider, a Canadian personal property appraiser and president of the Canadian Personal Property Appraisers Group (CPPAG) headquartered in London, Ont., said DU merchandise has all the qualities usually associated with valued collectibles. CPPAG is a national personal property appraisal training and accreditation body whose members include antique dealers and auctioneers.
"Serious collectors tend to keep their eyes on items produced in limited editions, smaller quantities and for special events," Snider said. "Ducks Unlimited and similar organizations produce a variety of items that meet these criteria plus they are often attractive to a wide cross section of people, a factor to consider when hoping for appreciation in value."
According to Michael Thornton, DU's national manager of special projects, DU has been operating in Canada for over 60 years. "DU memorabilia is out there if you're searching for it," Thornton said. Since the early 1980s, Canadians have been able to purchase exclusive DU merchandise at DU events.
"DU memorabilia is out there if you're searching for it,"
"Artwork as a method of fundraising has generated $30 million over the past 20 years for wetland conservation through DU dinners, auctions and other events held in communities and cities across Canada," Thornton said. "In addition to art prints, we have expanded our merchandise to include decoys, home furnishings and outdoor equipment that appeal to conservation minded Canadians."
DU's current merchandise items are only available at DU events or through DU's successful on-line auction accessed through DU's home page at www.ducks.ca.
Since its inception in 1938, DU has spent more than $1 billion to conserve almost 19 million acres (7.5 million hectares) of wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl, other wildlife and people.
