Duck Production
The Duck Metric
Putting more ducks into every fall flight
Dating from our foundation in 1911, Delta Waterfowl is recognized as the organization that shaped waterfowl management in North America. Looking ahead, Delta's objective is to set the new standard that measures the success of any conservation effort—the number of ducks produced. This is the duck metric.
For more than 30 years, Delta has researched and refined two primary tools to achieve the duck metric. They are Predator Management and Hen Houses.
Predator Management
Delta uses targeted Predator Management to restore natural balance to prairie pothole region breeding habitat. The history of land use on the prairies has allowed major nest predators such as skunks and raccoons to proliferate. Delta's programs restore the balance in areas of highest duck nest density to produce more ducks.
Hen Houses
With more than 30 years of research and refinement, Delta has proven its Hen House nesting structures are the most effective and cost-efficient tool to increase mallard nest success in the prairie pothole region. A hen using a Hen House has up to 12 times better odds of a successful hatch over a hen nesting nearby in upland grass.
Our Bold, New Approach to Waterfowl Management
Our innovative duck production programs are backed by decades of scientific research, and we’re ready to put more ducks into every fall flight. That's more ducks over your decoys.
Stay Up To Date With Delta Waterfowl
Waterfowl Breeding Habitat Conditions Update As of May 31, 2025
6/20/2025
Widespread rains during May—a critical month for duck production—brought welcome relief to much of the Prairie Pothole Region, particularly in parts of
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Canvasback Study Seeks Population ‘Sources’ and ‘Sinks’
6/20/2025
Researchers began fitting hens with geolocator devices this spring
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North Dakota Breeding Waterfowl Survey Shows Drier Wetland Conditions, Fewer Ducks
6/20/2025
North Dakota Game and Fish reports a 26% drop in mallards, while teal and pintail numbers also fell significantly
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