As Utah prepares for the upcoming duck hunting season, airboats are crucial tools for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in determining hunting regulations. This week, biologists and volunteers work under the stars at Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management Area to catch 2,000 ducks, a process that aids in assessing migratory patterns and population health.
The techniques used during these nighttime captures not only provide valuable data but also demonstrate the blend of skill and teamwork involved in wildlife management. With ducks unable to fly after molting, the catching process highlights the importance of experienced handlers, as well as the ongoing efforts in conservation that affect future bag limits for hunters. The captured ducks are banded to monitor their movement and survival rates, emphasizing how such activities contribute to large-scale wildlife management strategies.
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