Darwin mallards!?

[hdshot]

Read this article and research is showing mallards are getting more of the domesticated genes.  Sounds like weather may not be the only reason why mallards are migrating less often.  Many other issues as well that could only make it worse.

“Researchers are discovering that game farm mallards have polluted the gene pool of wild mallards and are now producing a less viable product”

“domestic hens are bad mothers. They’re poor at selecting nesting sites, poor breeders, and just poor at survival in general.”

“It’s obvious these ducks don’t go anywhere. They aren’t programmed to. Unlike wild mallards, they live, breed, and die in the same place.”

https://www.hardcorewaterfowl.com/where-have-all-the-mallards-gone/

[metlhead]

Wouldn't domestic mallards just have the same genes as wild birds since they originated thare? Could be the new research showing Neanderduck genes causing them to stay put and be outcompeted by Cro-mallard.

[hdshot]

Wouldn't domestic mallards just have the same genes as wild birds since they originated thare? Could be the new research showing Neanderduck genes causing them to stay put and be outcompeted by Cro-mallard.

Is that how you interpret the article?  In domestic ducks I’m sure there is a lot of bother sister blood lines. Lol.

[Platensek-po]

Wouldn't domestic mallards just have the same genes as wild birds since they originated thare? Could be the new research showing Neanderduck genes causing them to stay put and be outcompeted by Cro-mallard.

No. That’s like saying that wolves and dogs are the same thing. Domestic mallards produce a higher body fat, have smaller wings and wing muscles that prohibits them from the flying in the manner necessary to successfully migrate and as shown, have a lower nesting success rate. The brought the birds back over from Europe after the local populations had been shot out. It’s pretty much a east coast problem and the farther west you go the lower the percentage of domestic dna.

[MeepDog]

Definitely a country wide issue, but the ones I’m hunting still seem PLENTY smart.

[metlhead]

Reminds me of the hatchery steelhead blame game. Was this study done by tweed wearing doubles guys from the Wild Duck Coalition?

[metlhead]

Curious, I went over the season notes. Keep really good ones to share. This season I shot 87 mallards which was about 3% more of the total bag than last year. 68 were drakes and I don't recall a single clipped curl. They did seem aggressive and ready to set the blocks. Maybe it is regional

[hdshot]

Curious, I went over the season notes. Keep really good ones to share. This season I shot 87 mallards which was about 3% more of the total bag than last year. 68 were drakes and I don't recall a single clipped curl. They did seem aggressive and ready to set the blocks. Maybe it is regional

Not long ago we would be very disappointed in those numbers even in the general public areas on the east side. Article claims 40% decrease on mallard harvest in pacific flyway and probably could be a higher decrease.  Hope it is a bad cycle but lasting way to long.