Mandarin Ducks on the Rise in Atlantic Flyway?

by
posted on February 19, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (11)

I've always gotten a chuckle that the daily bag limits set forth by some states include one mandarin duck. To me it's akin to saying hunters may shoot, "four mallards, two pintails and one unicorn."

Yet perhaps I shouldn't laugh. This year I've heard two separate, reliable reports of mandarin ducks in Pennsylvania. One was confirmed through photography and the other with No. 2 shot. The photographed bird was spotted just minutes from my home by Tyler Coleman, president of the State College Chapter of Delta Waterfowl:

Close relatives of our wood ducks, Mandarins were once common in China and Russia until habitat destruction greatly reduced their numbers. Today about 5,000 are thought to inhabit Japan, while a population of about 7,000 is approximated in Great Britain. Spotty, localized populations can be found in some United States locales, and they're also popular among those who keep ducks as pets.

Are they on the rise? Doubtful. But the anecdotal reports of these multi-colored beauties are enough to excite any duck geek.

Latest

350 Raging Hunter Lede
350 Raging Hunter Lede

#SundayGunday: Taurus Raging Hunter 350 Legend

On this week's #SundayGunday, we're taking a look at a capable hunting revolver that’s chambered in a caliber you’re more likely to see in a rifle: the 350 Legend. That’s right, Taurus has released their large-frame Raging Hunter in the whitetail-thumping 350 Legend cartridge. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Recipe: Deep-Rooted Venison Stew

Several friends and I often circle back to the same campfire debate about which wild game makes the best stew. Mule deer usually leads the pack, with moose close behind, but any well-handled game meat can stand out when you build the right layers of flavor. The real magic starts long before the broth simmers. It comes from the vegetables and mushrooms you choose.

61-Year-Old Elk-Hunting Dream Fulfilled in Michigan

Michigan elk hunters faced challenging weather and storm-ravaged terrain to harvest 153 elk in 2025. That didn’t deter Bruce Nelson of Hastings, Mich. He applied for an elk license every year Michigan has held a drawing.

New for 2026: Blaser R8 Professional 2.0

The Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 promises to be the modern evolution of the iconic straight-pull rifle. The rifle features a new, ergonomically optimized vertical pistol grip for increased comfort and improved control when firing, and its ambidextrous palm swell fits both right- and left-handed shooters.

New for 2026: Leupold BX-6 Range HD Rangefinding Binocular

Leupold has launched its BX-6 Range HD rangefinding binocular. With fast, accurate ranging capabilities out to 6,000 yards, an advanced ballistics intelligence and precision GPS pinning, the BX-6 Range HD is looking to carve out a space for itself as a feature-rich rangefinding offering.

(Squirrel) Dog Days in the Delta

In the Deep South, Ringo and Max prove the sole purpose in the life of a feist is to hunt squirrels.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.