One of Delta Waterfowl’s longest-tenured employees, Jim Fisher’s first involvement with the organization was as a Marsh Ecology Research Program (MERP) technician in 1990, while earning a bachelor of science degree at the University of Manitoba. He remained a Delta student as he pursued a Master of Science degree in natural resources management, assisting in the launch of new Delta conservation programs, notably Hen Houses.
“That got my foot in the door with Delta and I started full-time in 1993,” said Fisher, who now serves as director of conservation policy. “I have worked on a myriad of files for Delta over the years, from delivering programs and writing grant proposals to selling memberships at an outdoor expo. I enjoy meeting with people and bringing Delta’s scientific perspective to help shape conservation and hunting program efforts.”
In his current role, Fisher advocates for waterfowlers and guides Delta’s policies on agriculture, conservation, hunter recruitment/retention and more in Canada.
“I have always had a keen interest in farming and understanding how ducks and wetlands fit in on the farm,” he said. “I am also very interested in helping advocate for hunters, especially in Canada where there’s an especially high need for Delta’s efforts.”
Fisher was raised in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, where he began hunting ducks at age 10 with his Uncle John at Tin Town, a collection of shooting camps on the south side of Delta Marsh. He remains hooked on hunting divers.
“I am lucky to have a family that enables me to pursue my intense drive to hunt, especially ducks but also deer, pheasants, grouse and turkeys,” he said. “I look forward every year to an annual gathering of best friends at the end of fall to hunt and cook wild ducks, especially bluebills.”
Fisher lives in Winnipeg with his wife, daughter, springer spaniel and black Lab.