Fox got my ducks

[Andrewsdad]

I know it probably does not help the population out much but for the last couple of years, my wife has raised 6-8 mallard ducks in the backyard. Once they are old enough to fly they make thier way to the local park pond and hang out there until they fly south. Last year we raised 6 mallard hens. We would see them every now and then flying over the neighborhood to and from feeding areas. This year we raised 9 mallards. Well, last night we got home at 9:00 and one duck was missing. They were just getting to the point of being able to fly so we figured one had taken off. At about 3 a.m., we heard a commotion in the backyard but because it was dark couldn't see anything. Well at 5:30 this morning, I heard the ducks quack, looked out the back and saw a red fox with a duck in his mouth. We immediately went out and rounded up the ducks and dropped them off at a large slough near our house. As we were leaving the house at 6:00 with the ducks, we saw the fox coming back for more. Just goes to show how hard the predators are on the duck population. I think he would have taken all 9 if he could have. This all happened in the middle of a suburb. Hopefully the remaining 6 ducks will be able to survive in the slough and help out next year or at least give someone a good day in the blind this year. If the population is going to come back, we need to something about the predators.

[tearin' lips]

Andrewsdad,

I definately agree with the elimination of predators. Back in the day when populations were thriving there were lots of people varmint hunting and trapping. We have seen this up in northern minnesota with the grouse population and it also reflects on the waterfowl population.

I also know that there are other factors associated with the population declines. Like the scaup lacking their favorite food on the migration routes, etc. But eliminating predators would make a world of difference. I hunt predators and trap on our land and it has made a surprising difference in the amount of grouse we have now.

Just my two cents. Good post Andrewsdad and lets let everyone express thier ideas on the topic. I am interested in hearing how everyone else feels. Who's next?

[Dotch]

Elimination might be a little tough but I agree that we should be aggressively managing predators if we expect to see waterfowl populations come back to somewhat acceptable levels. Have seen it going on firsthand on CREP acres in this area. Between raccoons, opossums, skunks, mink, fox, coyotes, etc., the ducks don't stand a chance. What puzzles me is the season on raccoon and opossum. It's not open when they're out doing most of the damage, wrecking nests and eating ducklings. Reputedly one can get a permit from the DNR to remove them if they're causing problems but the info available on the street is pretty vague. Has anyone talked to them about actually getting one of these permits? Last I checked there is no shortage of raccoons or opossums in SC MN judging by the number shmucked in the road. I'll be dipped though if I'm gonna call the DNR to get a permit when one of them shows up in my barn, especially if I've got a pitchfork, firearm or a blunt instrument at my disposal. They're varmints and they're goin' down.

Google Delta Waterfowl and look on their HSOforum, click the tab under Delta Duck Production and look on the pull down menu under Predator Control. At the bottom there's a Quick Time movie called Introduction to Predator Management. Pretty much agrees with what both of you guys have said.

[jlm]

I do agree with others on this. However, I will point out that raised ducks are a vastly different critter than wild ducks raised by their moms (and dads). Wild raised animals have a much greater chance of survival than the ones we raise in our backyard. It still really bites that your ducks got killed, no denying that. Sorry to hear about your loss with the ducks. Keep hope though, mom is keeping a good eye on the wild ones. On the other hand, lets keep the coons, skunks, and other critters in control all! Good luck with the rest of your little duckies!

[Dean Schellinger]

Jlm, I know exactly what you mean when talking about the difference between wild and semi-tame ducks. Those wild hens REALLY watch out for predators, especially when the little peepers are small.

The other day I was walking my two golden retrievers near a slough in some woods near the a high school. We were probably 40 yards from the water and that was through some woods, and the hen spotted one of my dogs and starting going crazy. All the little ducks took off for the middle of the slough and the hen quacked, flew, splashed, and made a huge scene to draw attention away from the peepers.

Well I worked like a charm even though my dog wasnt trying even remotely to go after the ducklings. I must say it was quite a site. And those mommas keep a kean eye out for predators.

Another funny story was tonight my brother and I were playing tennis in a park. Well a rabbit got spooked by us and went full speed throuh a chain link fence and right into the kiddy pool at the park. The water was low and the rabbit couldnt get out and just swam around. So I quick hopped the fence and used my racket to scoop him out. Poor guy was awfully tired by the time I saved him.