50th Anniversary of the South Shore Waterfowlers
by Mike Marran

I’m told by a letter from Joseph F. (Bud) Ladman, Jr. (deceased 1987), the founder and first president of the Great South Bay Waterfowlers, that the club started with six duck hunters seated around his dining room table in the fall of 1950.

Those present were: Dr. Ellis (Duffy) Brester, Bob Wyatt, Bill Ross, Ed Coleman, George Bunnell, and BUD.

The purpose of the meeting was not to form an organization but to call attention to the decline of waterfowl in the Great South Bay. Bud stated that this is where our original constitution was drafted and shortly thereafter a meeting of all local duck hunters was held at Captain Bill’s Restaurant where he was selected as our first president.

The original name of GREAT SOUTH BAY WATERFOWLERS was changed years later to SOUTH SHORE WATERFOWLERS for tax purposes.

This year will mark the club’s 51st year in reaffirming the hunter’s concern for ducks and geese on Long Island. People like Bud and Duffy are still carrying the message of conservation, preservation, and the great values of the waterfowling tradition.

Come on down to Captain Bill’s and help us celebrate with fellow duck hunters.

President’s Reunion Dinner

We are having a President’s Reunion on Saturday, February 24, 2001. It is from 7 p.m. till whenever. Captain Bill’s is located at the end of Ocean Avenue in Bay Shore. The cost is $75.00 per couple or $40.00 for single. Make your reservation with check (payable to South Shore Waterfowlers) BY FEBRUARY 10.
Send to Mike Marran, 24 Cooper Lane, Bay Shore, NY 11706.