Where Do Michigan Ducks Come From?

The Prairie Pothole Region is critical to Michigan waterfowl hunters.

A significant portion of the ducks that travel through our state each year originate in this important breeding area. Michigan also supports a substantial mallard breeding population that directly impacts our annual waterfowl harvest rates. In any given year more than half of the mallards harvested in Michigan originate in the Great Lakes Region.
Click on image to enlarge.

Please note this map represents birds recovered in the same year they were banded in to show a direct correlation between banding site and harvest.

The Prairie Pothole Region and Great Lakes Region are both DU high priority conservation areas.

There is no waterfowl conservation organization that represents the needs of Michigan waterfowl hunters like Ducks Unlimited.

Our critical conservation work provides support to our migration both on the breeding grounds and here at home.

With your help, we will preserve our waterfowl hunting heritage through habitat conservation of these areas critical to the Michigan migration and harvest.

Click here for more information on DU's conservation priority areas.