KAIT: Lawmakers, hunters raise concerns over declining duck populations

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT)— Sen. John Boozman and other lawmakers are calling on the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to continue supporting conservation efforts to recover duck populations in Mississippi Flyway states. A federal report estimates the breeding duck population at 34 million — below the long-term average and well below historical highs. Factors behind the decline Zach Fahlberg, co-owner of Duxmen Outfitters, said two main factors are driving the decline and affecting Arkansas duck hunting. “The first one is obviously there’s not been good breeding conditions up north. There’s been a lot of drought the last couple years and that’s really made the numbers dive,” Fahlberg said. “The second thing is once they get here or if they get here, is we gotta have the weather up north for them to get here.” Fahlberg said duck hunting’s impact on the overall population may be smaller than some believe, noting that other states have more generous limits. “They are killing a lot of the ducks before they even get out of the breeding grounds before they get here. They are taking out a lot of the younger ducks and the ones that migrate are typically more smart,” Fahlberg said. Economic impact Fahlberg said the concerns have raised questions about potential shorter seasons and stricter limits — changes he said would have a significant impact on state and local economies. “Arkansas tourism generates millions of dollars a day on every single day of duck season. For a 60 day duck season to go down to 50 days or a 45 day season. You can do the math, millions of dollars a day would be lost,” Fahlberg said. Duck hunters contribute more than $300 million to Arkansas’ economy annually. Waterfowl hunting generates about $4 billion in economic activity and supports 57,000 jobs nationwide. Fahlberg said the key to improving duck populations in Arkansas is having enough of the right weather and water to hold ducks when they migrate. Click here to read this story on KAIT8.com