Ask Fish and Game

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). You can keep the band, as most duck hunters want to do. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will send you a certificate that tells you when and where the bird was banded, if you give a mailing address. Banding of migratory birds has been carried out 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.