Ask Fish and Game: Waterfowl bands

Q. I shot a mallard recently that had an aluminum band around its leg. How do I report it? A. To report the band, call toll-free to 1-800-327-2263 (BAND) or report online at http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/. You can keep the band, as most duck hunters want to do. The U.S. Geological Survey will send you a certificate that tells you when and where the bird was banded, if you give a mailing address. Any species of waterfowl or other kinds of birds can be reported at the same site. Banding migratory birds has been done for decades, providing biologists with valuable information about where birds go, and where they find the right conditions along the way. The practice also gives some clues about waterfowl harvest levels, and the data are used to set waterfowl hunting seasons nationally.