Lane Grigsby

After 47 years leading a versatile construction company that has built everything from churches and jails to bridges and roads, Lane Grigsby is working to build another important project: A lasting legacy in conservation.

Grigsby, the 78-year-old founder of Cajun Industries of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, said he has collected a wide range of experiences throughout his life, but he's always counted time outdoors - particularly hunting and fishing - among his most-cherished moments.

"There are some things you inherently know," he said. "I always had a natural affinity for the out-of-doors."

Grigsby's fire for waterfowl hunting was fueled as a teenager, a time when he would transport his shotgun and paltry supply of fowling gear down to the lake in a handy old jeep that was left over from World War II.

"When I was 15 years old, I would stand on the banks of Catahoula Lake and hope a duck would pass by close enough so I could shoot it," he recalled. "I've been duck hunting for 63 years, and it continues to be one of my biggest passions."

The company Grigsby founded with $403 in his pocket back in 1973 grew and thrived, and, with it, so did his hunting exploits. In 1987, he joined as a member of The Marsh Club, a prestigious duck camp in southwest Louisiana. He's also hunted on safari in Africa, among other travels throughout the world in pursuit of fish and fowl.

Grigsby counts among his greatest satisfactions his primary role of introducing family members to outdoor pursuits, which certainly includes the mystique of the duck marsh.

"I've had far more rewarding relationships with my family because of the time spent sharing the out-of-doors with my grandkids - all of whom are life members of Delta Waterfowl," he said.

Lane's son, Todd Grigsby, and his nine grandchildren - William Lane Grigsby, Crawford Grigsby, Oliver Grigsby, Molly Moran, Brady Moran, Thomas Moran, Patrick Moran, Parker Sanchez and Keaton Sanchez - are life members. So too, is son-in-law Michael Moran.

Grigsby said he appreciates that Delta Waterfowl works for hunters, citing duck production programs such as Predator Management and Hen Houses as key reasons for his generous support.

"I'm a duck hunter. I want to shoot ducks," he said. "I've always believed that everyone who takes part in something has an obligation to give back. Delta Waterfowl is putting ducks in the air - giving back - by doing predator control and through nesting structures."

Ever the patriarch, Grigsby shares strong concerns about the future of duck hunting. He wants to make sure that future generations can enjoy watching ducks winging over the decoys and fluttering down into timber holes just as he has so many times.

"When you reflect back about your life, you'd like to think hunting will continue," he said. "I'd like to do what I can to ensure those who come after me can enjoy the out-of-doors as I did. I want to make sure we have hunters and the ability to hunt in the future." - Paul Wait