Delta Waterfowl Duck Production Program Gets Boost from Alberta Professional Outfitters Society

APOS support will fund the installation of 400 new Hen Houses to increase mallard populations

DELTA MARSH, MANITOBA — The Alberta Professional Outfitters Society has awarded $60,000 to Delta Waterfowl to increase duck production in Alberta.

APOS is proud to support innovative, science-based conservation projects through its Wildlife Management Fund, which is derived from annual fees paid by big-game and waterfowl outfitters in Alberta. The award will directly support the installation of 400 new Delta Waterfowl Hen Houses in the province next winter, as well as pay for maintenance of existing nest structures for five years.

“Alberta is known around the world for its amazing waterfowl populations,” said Corey Jarvis, APOS president. “Our members rely on this resource and want to see it continue to thrive for future generations. We are excited to work with Delta Waterfowl for the benefit of all those who appreciate ducks in Alberta and across the continent.”

Hen Houses are elevated nest tubes placed over water in prairie and parkland duck nesting habitat. Used almost exclusively by mallards, Hen Houses provide protection from mammalian predators such as raccoons, skunks, and many others. Studies have shown that a mallard hen nesting in a Hen House is up to 12 times more likely to successfully hatch than a mallard nesting in the nearby grass.

“This winning partnership will produce ducks for years to come for all who enjoy healthy fall flights,” said Jason Tharpe, CEO of Delta Waterfowl. “We at Delta are grateful for the support of APOS to grow our fleet of Hen Houses in Alberta.”

Nest success is the key driver of duck populations. Fragmented habitat and overabundant predators decrease the chances for ducks to pull off a successful hatch. Delta Hen Houses are an efficient, proven tool to increase nest success and produce more mallards in Alberta and throughout the prairie pothole region.

Delta Waterfowl currently maintains 14,325 Hen Houses in key duck-nesting areas of the United States and Canada, including 2,180 in Alberta.

For more information about APOS and the Wildlife Management Fund, please visit apos.ab.ca.

Delta Waterfowl is The Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group working to produce ducks and secure the future of waterfowl hunting in North America. Visit deltawaterfowl.org.

For more information on Delta’s Hen House Program, contact Matt Chouinard at mchouinard@deltawaterfowl.org.