Why a migratory bird harvest information program?
Across the county, wildlife biologists and hunters have noted that populations of ducks and woodcock have declined in recent years. Habitat loss is believed to be the primary problem; better information is needed, however, to fully assess the role that hunting plays in this problem. Inadequate information regarding species populations and impacts of hunting has even been cited in legal challenges to hunting seasons in some states! Past migratory bird surveys were unable to provide adequate information. For example, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service (USFWS) conducts a voluntary survey of hunters who purchase federal duck stamps, but low response rates result in insufficient information. And this survey doesn’t include millions of hunters of woodcock and other migratory birds. State small game surveys are inadequate because methods and timing of these surveys differ among states, making it impossible to use their results in estimating harvests of migratory birds at regional or national
