Where Do South Dakota Ducks Come From?

The Prairie Pothole Region is critical to South Dakota waterfowl hunters.

The vast majority of our annual duck harvest is produced in the Prairie Pothole Region, also referred to as “the duck factory”.

Click on Map to enlarge

Please note this map represents birds recovered in the same year they were banded to show a direct correlation between banding site and harvest. The Prairie Pothole Region is shaded and outlined in maroon.

The Prairie Pothole Region is DU’s #1 conservation focus area. In addition South Dakota benefits from DU’s Northwestern Great Plains conservation work as the organization continues to conserve critical waterfowl habitat in our state.

There is no waterfowl conservation organization that represents the needs of South Dakota waterfowl hunters like Ducks Unlimited. Our vital 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 vital to the South Dakota migration and harvest.

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