We had another amazing year! During the 2024–25 season, we received over 3,500 applications and selected over 750 participants, with at least one in each of 48 states. We received 1,197 samples from over 700 returned kits.
| Participants and Samples by Flyway | ||
|---|---|---|
| Participants | Samples | |
| Pacific | 95 | 198 |
| Central | 90 | 216 |
| Mississippi | 141 | 400 |
| Atlantic | 109 | 284 |
| Unreported | 57 | 99 |
| Total | 492 | 1197 |
Across all samples, we detected genetic material of 26 different duck species.
We discovered several 3-species hybrids, the result of a hybrid bird breeding with a species different than either of its parents. Notably we identified a Northern Shoveler x Blue-winged Teal x Cinnamon Teal hybrid and several other ducks that bred with a wild Mallard x game-farm Mallard hybrid.
We genetically confirmed a Baikal Teal harvested in Nevada, although we were unable to determine if it was wild or escaped from captivity.
We genetically confirmed the first state record of a Mexican Duck in Idaho and Arkansas.
During the 2024–25 season we received 278 samples from 44 states that contained game-farm ancestry. We documented 10 different game-farm Mallard hybrid combinations, including our first game-farm hybrids involving a Wood Duck, Muscovy Duck, and Domestic Duck.
Thanks to your overwhelming support, our 2024-25 season was an incredible success. At this time, our application portal is closed, but we anticipate reopening by August. Stay informed of the latest updates and future opportunities by providing your email address and following us on Instagram and Facebook.
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