Banding geese and ducks

Ducks are typically banded every year.  As a member of the Pacific Flyway, Idaho has an obligation to band mallards to inform the Western Mallard model, which helps to determine waterfowl seasons.  As a result, Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) staff band ducks, with an emphasis on mallards, throughout the state.  Staff are also focusing on trapping and banding cinnamon teal.  Cinnamon teal are one of the least studied North American waterfowl and IDFG is assisting with efforts to improve information on survival and harvest rates. Canada geese have not been banded as regularly as ducks.  In recent years, geese have been banded in the Boise and Roberts areas to determine their harvest rates.