The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2026 #14 1-7-26

VOLUME 2026   JANUARY 7   NUMBER 14

President Kelly Karl welcomed everyone, gave us our morning reflection that was followed by the flag salute.

ACHES & PAINS: Cheers to a very Happy New Year! Here’s to a great 2026!

PROGRAM: Mike Fincham introduced our speaker this morning, stating “It’s always good to have old friends in the house. I am excited to introduce three of them. Dave Casper, an old friend and hunting buddy from our Kansas Farm Bureau days is here. Accompanying Dave are a couple of his waterfowl hunting companions, Chris Williams and Ron Gehl.” Dave hails from Wamego Kansas and graduated from KSU with a degree in Advertising in 1988. Chris hails from Ellsworth County and graduated from KSU with two degrees, a BS and an MS in AG Econ in 1989 and 1993. Ron comes from the state of Indiana and most recently graduated from KSU with a PHD degree in Agronomy in 2004.

Mike says “Dave has been a friend since the Farm Bureau days, and I have known Chris and Ron for many years as well. I can’t think of a better way to ring in the new year than with a waterfowl hunting presentation. Waterfowl hunting was once a passion of mine, right up until I got old and lazy. I do my waterfowl hunting vicariously through Dave, Chris and Ron these days!”

"Chasing the migration in Saskatchewan" refers primarily to world-class waterfowl hunting, where hunters follow ducks and geese along the Central Flyway, utilizing Saskatchewan's vast prairie potholes as a "duck factory" for epic hunts from September to January, though the phrase also appears in content about general migration experiences and family history, like finding old farms. Key Aspects of "Chasing the Migration" in Saskatchewan:

Waterfowl Hunting Hub: Saskatchewan sits in the heart of North America's prairie pothole region, a crucial breeding and migration corridor for millions of birds.

Central Flyway: This major migratory path brings huge numbers of ducks and geese through the province, making it a prime destination.

Hunt Timing: Early season (September) offers hungry, unpressured birds in harvested grain fields, while later seasons extend through January.

Outfitting & Guides: Numerous outfitters (like Swift River Outfitters, Quickload Waterfowl Outfitters, Ace Outfitting) cater to hunters seeking these experiences.

Decoy Spreads: Hunters use large spreads of decoys, including full-body decoys, spinners, and flyers, to attract birds.

Types of Birds: Focus is on ducks (especially mallards) and Canada geese, with snow geese also being a major target.

Although it is a tremendous amount of work, the very long drive, scouting to finding the right area, getting up at 3am to set the decoys, hunting that area, cleaning the kills, taking down the decoys…… finding another field/area and starting all over again. It is well worth the time, doing something you love and eating some pretty good food! Sandhill Cranes are hands down the best eats ever. Together, these guys know how to get it done in the waterfowl hunting arena.

CLUB STUFF/ANNOUNCEMENTS and UPCOMING EVENTS:

There is a QR code available for ordering Optimist Merchandise – T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts etc….

Save the date, Feb 7th Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake opportunity

Save the date, Feb 26th hype: Love MHK Non-Profit Happy Hour

Save the date, March 28th, Annual Spaghetti Dinner

Watch for more information about Special Olympics Basketball event as well as more information from the social committee about an event at the Light Museum coming up!

GUESTS: No other guests were present.

Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed

JANUARY 14 – NOON MEETING: Program: Marcia Rozell, Director Visit Manhattan, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce: Topic: “America 250: Celebration of USA”

JANUARY 21 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Youth of the Month – Marlatt/Oliver Brown Elementary

JANUARY 28 – NOON MEETING: Program: Sharolyn Jackson, Kansas State University Extension Specialist, Topic: “Stay Strong – Stay Healthy Program”