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

NRA ILA Lede
NRA ILA Lede

NRA Files Lawsuits Challenging Virginia's Assault Weapons and Magazine Bans

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has announced the filing of lawsuits in both Virginia state court and federal court challenging the so-called "assault weapons" ban and magazine ban signed into law by Governor Abigail Spanberger.

Hog Hunting with Chef Holly: Hogs from Field to Table

Want to learn how to handle a hog from field to table? Listen to a chef who dedicated a summer to doing just that. Here’s what she learned about cleaning and cooking wild hogs.

First Look: Woox Bravado Grey Laminate Stocks

Woox has announced its new Bravado Grey Laminate line of stocks. These stocks are engineered for compatibility with Henry and Marlin lever-action rifles.

#SundayGunday: Thompson/Center Arms Encore ProHunter

On this week's #SundayGunday, we check out the T/C Encore ProHunter. It is a stainless steel, break-action, interchangeable barrel, single-shot rifle, that can be fitted with any number of barrels, from centerfire to muzzleloader. On the centerfires, it has a 26-inch heavy fluted barrel with a muzzle threaded to add a brake or silencer. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Alligator Hunting Opportunities Are Expanding

This year, both Florida and Louisiana are expanding or introducing new opportunities for alligator hunts. For decades, Florida has estimated that there are over one million in the state—it is, of course, hard to count alligators. Louisiana now says its alligator population exceeds three million. The two states have managed their alligator populations very differently over the last half century, but now both are expanding hunting opportunities to help manage alligator populations.

Equipment to Film and Shoot Like the Pros

Curious how the pros get such great shots of their hunts? Check out some of the equipment they use to make sure their hunts look as smooth on camera as they go in the field.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.