[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 137 (Saturday, September 28, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11731-S11732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SENATE RESOLUTION 305--RELATIVE TO NATIONAL DUCK CALLING DAY

  Mr. PRYOR (for himself, Mr. Bumpers, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Breaux, and 
Mr. Ford) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and 
agreed to:

[[Page S11732]]

                              S. Res. 305

       Whereas Stuttgart, Arkansas, with its flooded rice and 
     soybean fields, is located in the heart of the Mississippi 
     River flyway for migratory birds;
       Whereas for the past 60 years, the World's Championship 
     Duck Calling Contest and the Wings Over the Prairie Festival 
     have attracted waterfowl enthusiasts from around the world to 
     come to Stuttgart, Arkansas, on Thanksgiving Day weekend;
       Whereas the first national duck calling contest was held on 
     November 24, 1936, as part of the traditional Rice Carnival 
     in downtown Stuttgart;
       Whereas Thomas E. Walsh of Greenville, Mississippi, was the 
     first national duck calling contest champion, and was awarded 
     a hunting coat valued at $6.60 for his achievement;
       Whereas today, the World's Championship Duck Calling 
     Contest draws contestants from throughout the United States 
     and Canada, with a first place prize package valued at over 
     $15,000;
       Whereas in order to enter the World's Championship Duck 
     Calling Contest a contestant must qualify by winning a 
     World's Championship Duck Calling Contest sanctioned calling 
     contest, which are held in 29 states;
       Whereas over the history of the World's Championship Duck 
     Calling Contest attendance at the event has steadily grown; 
     the number of participants has jumped from 10,000 in 1954, to 
     50,000 in 1992, to 65,000 in 1995: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate designates Saturday, November 30, 
     1996, as ``National Duck Calling Day''. The President is 
     authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon 
     the people of the United States to observe such day with 
     appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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