Mississippi biologists begin wood duck banding to study migration and survival

Biologists from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) partnered with Mississippi State University’s Gamebird Extension at Pearl River Wildlife Management Area to conduct a wood duck banding training session.

Over the coming months, they will trap and band resident wood ducks across the state. Each bird receives a uniquely numbered metal band on its leg, and researchers record biological data before releasing the duck back into the wild.

The bands help scientists track harvest rates, survival, and migration patterns when the ducks are later recaptured or harvested. This information contributes to science-based wildlife management efforts in Mississippi, officials said.

To report the harvest of a banded duck, hunters are encouraged to visit reportband.gov, authorities added.

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