After earning a Master of Science Degree in early childhood education from the University of North Dakota, Scott Terning moved from his hometown of Cokato, Minnesota, to Bismarck, North Dakota, to pursue professional opportunities. However, his career changed course when he attended a local conservation banquet and met an employee of Delta Waterfowl.
“He asked me to become involved in the newly established local Delta chapter, and I was all over that,” Terning said. “It’s a long story, but to keep it short and sweet, volunteering for the chapter led to a job offer in 2004, and the rest is history.”
Terning has skillfully advanced Delta’s chapter system across much of the U.S. prairies and beyond. He brings a variety of skills to the table, and his hard work, creativity and understanding of the duck hunting culture have brought innovative improvements to Delta’s grassroots network.
“The passion of our volunteers keeps me driving forward,” Terning said. “If not for them, Delta wouldn’t have its strong presence at the local level, where real impacts are made for youth and adult duck hunters and waterfowl initiatives. If it weren’t for volunteers’ local fundraising, Delta’s mission wouldn’t be succeeding for ducks and ducks hunters as effectively as it is today.”
Terning hunts ducks any chance he gets, starting with early season teal and transitioning to mallards over crop stubble. He especially enjoys hunting with his wife of 12 years, Beth, daughter Isabella, sons Ryan and Ethan, and black Lab, Kota.
“We’re already making memories to last a lifetime that will hopefully be passed on to our grandchildren as well,” he said.