CULLMAN, Ala. – Hunters, outdoor enthusiasts and families are invited to a night of food, raffles and auctions when the Cullman County chapter of Ducks Unlimited hosts its annual banquet Thursday, Oct. 15, at 6 p.m. at The Venue at Cotton Creek, 417 Third Ave. SW.
Tickets are available online at ducks.org or can be purchased at the door. JW Steakhouse will cater the evening.
“There will be tons of raffles, great food and a night full of fun,” Chapter Chairman Zack Drake said.
The banquet is the chapter’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and organizers said the night will be packed with chances to win. Raffle prizes include firearms, hunting supplies, household decorations and more, and a silent auction and a live auction will feature items such as hunting trips to Africa and Argentina, DU-exclusive merchandise and special anniversary items, including Ducks Unlimited’s firearms of the year.
The featured raffle package includes a SureLock Security Constitutional gun cabinet, eight guns and other prizes. Only 100 tickets will be sold, at $100 each, and the drawing will be held the day of the banquet.
Families are encouraged to attend, and the chapter will hold special raffles just for children.
Conservation close to home
All proceeds benefit Ducks Unlimited’s wetlands conservation work across the United States, which organizers said helps protect wildlife and ensure future generations can enjoy the outdoors. That work reaches into north Alabama, including projects at the Swan Creek Wildlife Management Area in Decatur and along the Tennessee River.
Founded in 1937, Ducks Unlimited describes itself as the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving wetlands and waterfowl habitat across North America. According to the organization, it has conserved more than 19 million acres to date, including more than 1 million acres in 2024 alone, and has conservation projects in all 50 states supported by more than 1 million members and supporters.
Wetlands supported by DU help improve water quality, reduce flooding, store carbon, support fish and wildlife and create outdoor recreation opportunities, according to the organization. Because nearly 75% of America’s remaining wetlands are on private land, DU partners with farmers, ranchers and landowners to improve habitat while keeping land productive.
Learn more at ducks.org.
Sponsorships available
Local businesses can put their names in front of hundreds of attendees by sponsoring the event. Three sponsorship levels are available, and all are tax deductible:
Mallard Sponsor, $2,500: dinner for eight, a gun off the gun list, one chance in the safe raffle and recognition throughout the night.
Pintail Sponsor, $1,500: dinner for eight, a gun off the gun list, one chance in the safe raffle and recognition throughout the night.
Coot Sponsor, $750: dinner for eight, one chance in the safe raffle and recognition throughout the night.
Sponsor tables can be reserved through the website or by contacting Drake, who will add businesses to the sponsor list.
Drake, like the rest of the chapter’s organizers, volunteers his time. He served as co-chairman for 10 years before stepping into the chairman’s role this year.
The chapter said it looks forward to a great year for conservation and to helping preserve nature for years to come.
For more information or questions about tickets and sponsorships, contact Zack Drake at 256-620-1672.
