Analysis of Waterfowl Harvest in Mercer County, PA

Abstract

Age, sex and species composition of waterfowl harvested on a new marsh development were determined from wing collections. Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and wood ducks (Aix sponsa) were harvested in greater numbers than other species, the number harvested being directly proportional to the number of birds observed on the marsh during pre-season surveys. The number of mallards harvested was also directly related to the number of game farm birds released prior to the opening of the season.