A survey of duck hunters from each state addressing their views of waterfowl legislation.

This is the first survey to sample duck hunters from almost every state (49) about their opinions on duck hunting and conservation.

59% said that the duck season length in the state they hunted most over the last 5 years was “about right,” 35% said the season was “too short,” and 3% “too long.” 72% said that the total daily duck bag limit in the state they hunted most over the last 5 years was “about right,” 13% said it was “too low,” and 8% “too high.” 75% said duck hunting was one of their most important (58 percent) or most important (14 percent) recreational activities.

On average, respondents in the Atlantic and Pacific Flyways said, “hunting pressure” and “crowding at hunting areas” had become “somewhat more” of a problem over the last 5 years.  Respondents in the Mississippi Flyway said, “ducks concentrating on fewer areas,” “crowding at hunting areas,” “hunting pressure,” and “ducks arriving after season close” were “somewhat more” of a problem.  On average, respondents in the Central Flyway did not characterize any of 7 potential problems posed to them as a greater or lesser issue over the last 5 years.

6% age 45-64, indicated that they began duck hunting in the relatively recent past (1997-2004).