Mallard program frequently asked questions
Q. Where do NCWA mallards come from?
A. The mallards that NCWA uses in the Mallard Restoration and Research program come from the Frost Waterfowl Hatchery in Darlington, S.C.. The origin of the breeder flock comes from the original Frost hatchery in Wisconsin. Wild drakes are allowed to breed with captive hens in open flight pens during the spring. The offspring from this wild/captive cross are then shipped to the Darlington hatchery where they are bred to produce the eggs for the distribution season. These ducks are considered F2s or one generation removed from the wild population. This characteristic makes the Frost mallard superior to all other captive reared ducks.
Q. How do I get enrolled in the MRRP?
A.
There are several things that landowners can do to get started in the
MRRP. The first thing that you should do is to contact MRRP Coordinator
(252)752-0273 to get an information package on the program. After carefully
reviewing the information, the landowner should then call MRRP Coordinator
to further discuss the potential of starting a project. There are several
factors that will need to be addressed in the initial conversation such
as, plant and flood capability, water sources, pumping potential, and
release pond locations. These are key factors that must be addressed before
moving forward. The next step is to schedule a coordinator site visit,
to further evaluate your property and begin developing a management plan.
Q. How much does it cost to get into the Mallard Restoration and Research Program?
A. The mallard program has a mandatory rule, to be admitted to the program all cooperators have to be at least a regular sponsor member. The program is now based on a graduated scale for quantity of birds, it is as follows:
100-500$7.75
501-750$7.50
751-1000$7.25
1001-1250$7.00
1251-1500$6.75
1501-1750$6.50
1751 & UP$6.25
Q. What kind of assistance do you provide for your cooperators?
A. Cooperators are provided with numerous benefits and they are as follows:
Management Plan: 1st year only
1. Three site visits from the MRRP coordinator
2. A comprehensive management plan
3. Phone consultation
Support Services:
1. Annual site visit and evaluation of project
2. Access to the highest quality mallards
3. Mallard project representation at state and federal levels
4. Clerical assistance
Q. When do I get my ducks and how old are they when I get them?
A. The distribution and banding season runs from the end of May through the middle of August. The MRRP assistant coordinates dates with the cooperators for pick up scheduling. The ducks will be banded by NCWA staff and picked up by cooperators at the MRRP banding facility in Aurora. The ducks are transported directly from the banding facility to the prepared release site and turned out by the coordinator. The ducks can be transported in the backs of long bed pick-up trucks, livestock trailers, or modified flatbed trailers.
The banding and distribution takes place from 7pm to 9pm to reduce heat stress on the ducks. The ducks will vary in age from 4 to 6 weeks old at the time of distribution. The ducks will reach full flight capability at 10 to 12 weeks of age.
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NCWA
exists to conserve, enhance and perpetuate our waterfowl heritage.
