2025 MEETING AGENDA

The following agenda is preliminary and subject to change. 

Meeting Spaces:

• Conference Registration will be set up in the Windsor Ballroom Foyer (Upper Level) beginning on Sunday at 2:00 PM;
• General Session: Windsor A;
• All Sponsored Meals will be located in Windsor B;
• Hospitality: Suite #1221

Sunday, June 22, 2025
2:00pm - 6:00pm (ET)	Conference Registration Desk Open
4:00pm - 6:00pm (ET)	MAFWA Executive Committee Meeting - Kennedy 203 (Upper Level)
6:30pm - 8:30pm (ET)	Welcome Reception - Clifton Terrace (Lower Level) Sponsored by Brandt Information Services Remarks by Travis Warren
8:30pm - 11:00pm (ET)	Hospitality Suite Open - Suite #1221 (Located on the second floor of the spa wing. Take the elevator directly next to the Mercantile/Scoops Ice Cream Shop in the lobby up to the 2nd floor and exit to the left and it's down the hallway on the right) Sponsored by Southwick Associates
Monday, June 23, 2025
7:00am - 4:00pm (ET)	Conference Registration Desk Open
7:00am - 8:00am (ET)	Attendee Breakfast Sponsored by National Wild Turkey Federation Remarks by Jared McJunkin, Director of Conservation Operations
8:00am - 9:00am (ET)	Posting of the Colors, presented by Indiana DNR Law Enforcement Honor Guard Welcome to Indiana, Amanda Wuestefeld, Division Director Opening Remarks, Alan Morrison, Indiana DNR Director Welcome to Indiana and Keynote Presentation: Restoring the Wild: Strategic Management and Recovery of Hellbenders, Crawfish Frogs, and Kirtland’s Snakes, Nate Engbrecht, Herpetologist Explore the power of collaboration in conserving some of the Midwest’s most vulnerable amphibians and reptiles, including the Eastern Hellbender, Crawfish Frog, and Kirtland’s Snake. Through strategic partnerships among state agencies, conservation organizations, researchers, and private landowners, we can drive impactful recovery efforts for these species and their habitats. Successful models of collaboration and innovative conservation strategies that are paving the way for long-term sustainability will be highlighted.
9:00am – 12:00pm (ET)	State Hot Topics Session Each Director will describe a recent agency challenge and response as a teaching moment.
10:30am (ET)	Refreshment Break Sponsored by D.J. Case & Associates
12:00pm - 1:30pm (ET)	Awards Luncheon Sponsored by Ducks Unlimited and NAWMP Partners Remarks by Dave Kostersky, DU Canada Presented by: MAFWA Awards Committee - Kendra Wecker, OH Wildlife Biologist of the Year Fisheries Biologist of the Year Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Fish and Wildlife Technician of the Year Business Services Professional of the Year Education/Communications Professional of the Year Sagamore Award President’s Award Special Recognition Excellence in Conservation Spirit of the Shack
1:30pm – 1:45pm (ET)	AFWA Report
1:45pm - 2:00pm	Fall Flights - Andrew Raedeke, PhD, Manager of Development and State Relations, Fall Flights; and Dave Kostersky, National Director of Continental Relations and Partnerships, Ducks Unlimited Canada
2:00pm - 5:00pm (ET)	MAFWA Executive Session
2:30pm	Historic Group Tour Note: for attendees not participating in the MAFWA Executive (closed) session, there will be a Historical Group Tour of the property. Click here for details. This is a 75-minute walking tour over moderate terrain. Wear comfortable shoes.
6:30pm - 8:00pm (ET)	Attendee Dinner Event & Group Photo at the Stable Barn & Pavilion Sponsored by Bass Pro Shops A fun-filled evening featuring lawn games and BBQ. Shuttle service will be provided, beginning at 5:45pm
8:00pm - 11:00pm (ET)	Hospitality Suite Open Sponsored by Safari Club International
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
7:00am - 4:00pm (ET)	Conference Registration Desk Open
7:00am - 8:00am (ET)	Attendee Breakfast Sponsored by PayIt Remarks by Chris Willard
8:00am - 12:00pm (ET)	Field Tour to Roland Wetlands Click here for more details
12:00pm - 1:00pm (ET)	Attendee Lunch Sponsored by National Shooting Sports Foundation
1:00pm - 2:30pm (ET)	MAFWA Committee Reports Moderated by Ollie Torgerson Private Land Working Group Public Land Working Group Deer and Wild Turkey Group Furbearer Group Wildlife Diversity Climate Change CITES Feral Swine CSS/HD Committee AMFGLEO Midwest CWD Fish & Wildlife Health R3 & Relevancy
2:30pm(ET)	Coffee Break Sponsored by National Archery in the Schools
2:30pm - 3:15pm (ET)	Federal Partners Session U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Brian W. Smith, USFWS Midwest Region, Acting Deputy Regional Director U.S. Forest Service USDA/APHIS-Wildlife Services Lee Humberg, Indiana State Director U.S. Geological Survey JC Nelson, Acting Deputy Regional Director
3:30pm - 6:00pm (ET)	NEW ACTIVITY! Pakota Lake Cruise and Winery/Distillery/Brewery (Shuttle transportation provided) Enjoy a relaxing getaway with a scenic boat cruise on Patoka Lake, where you'll take in breathtaking views and unwind on the water. After the cruise, explore a local winery, brewery, or distillery, where you can sample handcrafted drinks and savor the unique flavors of the region. Perfect for networking or simply enjoying a laid-back experience in beautiful surroundings.
Evening	Dinner on Your Own
8:00pm - 11:00pm (ET)	Hospitality Suite Open Sponsored by Whitetails Unlimited
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
7:00am - 11:00am (ET)	Conference Registration Desk Open
7:00am - 8:00am (ET)	Attendee Breakfast Sponsored by Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
8:00am - 12:00pm (ET)	MAFWA Business Meeting Pete Hildreth, MAFWA President Call to Order and Roll Call Agenda Review Approval of 2023 Special Board Meeting Minutes Approval of 2024 Annual Meeting Board Minutes Treasurer’s Report – Roger Luebbert Budget and Finance Committee Report—Pete Hildreth (IA) Action Item: MAFWA Credit Card Policy Audit Committee Report – Jeb Williams (ND) Bylaws Committee Report – Tim McCoy (NE) Action Item: Retrospective Analysis/Charter Approvals Resolutions Committee Report – Kelly Straka (MN) Action Item: HPAI Letter Awards Committee Report – Kendra Wecker (OH) Executive Secretary’s Report – Ollie Torgerson R3 & Relevancy Coordinator Report – Keith Warnke Fish & Wildlife Health Coordinator Report – Tricia Fry Old Business Mid-America Monarch Board Update – Pete Hildreth (IA) National Wild Pheasant Plan Update – Scott Taylor (PF) Action Item: PF/MAFWA Agreement Renewal Midwest Landscape Initiative – Tim McCoy (NE)/Kelley Tymeson (FWS) Action Item: MLI Revised Charter Approval Action Item: MLI Rebranding Process Approval 2025 Budget Amendments—Roger Luebbert New Business MAFWA Strategic Improvement Recommended Actions - Pete Hildreth/ Michelle Wilson (IA) 2026 Budget Approval – Pete Hildreth Election of Officers - Tim McCoy (Nominations Chair) Appointment of 2026 Nominations Committee Passing of Gavel & Past Presidents Remarks - Pete Hildreth (IA) New President’s Remarks Presentation of Past President’s Plaque Iowa Spotlight (2026)
10:00am - 10:30am (ET)	Coffee Break Sponsored by AMFGLEO
12:00pm (ET)	Conference Adjourns; Lunch On Your Own
12:00pm - 2:00pm (ET)	CEF Board of Trustees Annual Meeting

fEATURED aCTIVITIES

Monday, June 23rd 1:45 PM – 3:45PM
Historical Tour Group Activity
At the turn of the century, upper-crust health seekers and high rollers traveled to French Lick and West Baden Springs, drawn by the healing mineral waters, gambling casinos, and two of the most fashionable hotels in the nation. Indiana Landmarks guided historic tours immerse you in the grand hotel era of the early 1900s. Hear the fascinating stories of the National Register-listed landmarks and their awe-inspiring rescue and restoration. This is a 75-minute walking tour over moderate terrain. Wear comfortable shoes. 
 
Tuesday, June 24th 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Field Tour to Roland Wetlands
Discover Roland Wetland: A Resilient Haven for Wildlife Through Partnership 
Resilience is at the heart of Roland Wetland, a remarkable 317-acre restoration project near French Lick, Indiana. Once challenged by environmental decline, this thriving ecosystem has been revitalized through partnerships with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, US Forest Service, Ducks Unlimited, and others. 
Join us on a field trip to explore this picturesque landscape, where bottomland hardwoods and early successional habitat rebuild biodiversity, emergent wetlands and vernal pools nourish wildlife, and conservation efforts ensure outdoor recreation opportunities for all. We will have several learning stations designed to highlight projects and the impact they have had on fish and wildlife habitat.  
Roland Wetland is more than a restored ecosystem—it’s a testament to the power of partnership in protecting our landscapes. Join us to witness resilience in action while you connect with nature and learn ideas you can bring back to your state.  
 
Tuesday, June 24th 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
NEW!!
Patoka Lake Cruise and Winery/Distillery/Brewery
Enjoy a relaxing getaway with a scenic boat cruise on Patoka Lake, where you'll take in breathtaking views and unwind on the water. After the cruise, explore a local winery, brewery, or distillery, where you can sample handcrafted drinks and savor the unique flavors of the region. Perfect for networking or simply enjoying a laid-back experience in beautiful surroundings.3:30pm departure from hotel; 4:00pm-5:00pm Lake Cruise; 5:00pm-6:00pm time to visit winery/distillery/brewery.