Little is known about the ecology of waterfowl populations during the post-breeding period in the winter. To address this gap, biologists at North Carolina State University are studying waterfowl in Dare County. They will determine some of the factors important for survival and the role of the winter period in the life cycle of waterfowl.
Waterfowl trapping and banding help wildlife biologists in North Carolina discover where ducks winter, how hunting seasons affect them, and other trends. Ducks are caught in wire traps baited with corn, are banded, and released.
Pungo Lake is one of seven National Wildlife Refuges in North Carolina. Located in Washington and Hyde counties, the lake is the southern stop for thousands of geese, swans and ducks migrating along the Atlantic Flyway. The best time to visit Pungo is late October through March, when the waterfowl populations are at their peak.
Despite man-made efforts, Lake Mattamuskeet continues to be one of the greatest waterfowl wintering grounds along the Atlantic coast. The 30,000 acre lake, the largest in North Carolina, is the winter grounds for thousands of waterfowl, particularly geese.
”ArtDuckO: Waterfowl Culture in North Carolina” is a new exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh. The exhibit brings together waterfowl culture and history, from decoy carving and fashion to market hunting and conservation efforts. Re-created environmental settings, hands-on activities, hunting games, and artifacts immerse visitors into a world of waterfowl.
Beginning during waterfowl hunting season of 1947-48, an investigation into the waterfowl situation in North Carolina was undertaken. This investigation became a part of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Federal Aid Research Project. The information contained in this article is part of those findings. Contains tables, graphs, and data for the past three hunting seasons.