[prairie hunter]

OK we have a couple of research biologists that visit this site and all we continue to discuss is the survey. Move on.

Bobby I have a couple of questions. If the questions cut to close to home (work) and you do not want to answer on this site then may be just provide the Journal reference.

I have often read that the rate of return on reward ($$$) bands far exceeds the return rate for simple bands on shot ducks. I for one enjoy finding out where the ducks and geese where banded. I will not load the questions with my hypothesis on why just questions:

Return on reward bands higher than return on typical data band ?

How much higher ?

Any work done on why this occurs ?

 

[prairie hunter]

Thanks for the great report Bobby. I knew why they were put in place and have held the $100 reward band in my hand, unfortunately it was not my shot.

Bands and collars lead to some added excitement to hunting waterfowl. It is always great to pick that bird up and see the jewelry. My dad tought me how to report the birds and to appreciate the certificate when received.

I am glad to see the reporting rate improve with the toll free number. It must be nice to have that many more data points in your studies.

Was there any regions of the country that failed to report bands more often than others ?

Do not have to tell who, just if it occurred. If the lack of response and/or reporting is not geographically random (ie one state or region failed to report the bands more often) it would obviously effect the accuracy of your studies or those banding birds long before you.

One last comment. Please pass on to the Banding Lab that the quality of the Certificate is so good now that I may have to request new copies of all my band appreciation certificates. The old print-outs were often smeared and almost impossible to read. The new certificates are fantastic.

 

[prairie hunter]

Cancarver,

Here is my take on the matter. Bands on the lanyard are often the mark of success in some regions of the country. I guess just like anything else if you can not get them yourself, buy them.

From my previous post:

There are several large banding efforts underway in North America. Several large banding efforts on snow geese across the Arctic (lots of neck bands will be put on). There have also been some major banding efforts going on for ND ducks over the past few years. Should be more jewelry flying around than ever. (Thanks Bobby)

Anyway - a few comments in regards to the hunters and guides with lots of bands.

1) hunters and guides in Arkansas get more bands than just about anywhere else. The reason is mallards are banded more than any other waterfowl. Mallards from both the MS and Central Flyways tend to winter pretty heavily in Arkansas. I know hunters in Louisiana and Texas who have never seen banded ducks because they tend to shoot a lot of wigeon, teal, and gadwall.

2) guides will almost always claim the bands from any duck shot in their party. If a successful guide is running through a lot of hunters; I am sure they can ring up quite a few bands over a few short years in time; especially if you are in Arkansas or off a major Canada goose refuge.

3) EBAY. Believe it or not you can purchase bands and neck bands on the net. EBAY auctions often have many duck bands for sale. If you are wealthy and want to appear like a big time hunter; I guess you can buy a bunch of bands.