Q&A

[Enter your text here.]

Frequently Asked Questions about The Mallard Release Program

Q Where do SCWA mallards come from?

The mallards that SCWA uses in the Mallard Release Program come from the Frost Waterfowl Hatchery in Darlington, S.C. The Frost Waterfowl Trust manages the genetics of their flock to ensure that their breeders are of the highest genetic quality. These birds exhibit similar plumage, body size and fledging characteristics as their wild reared cousins. When given proper nutrition all Frost mallards are capable of flight at 8 weeks of age. This is identical to the fledging period of Mallards reared in the wild. All Frost mallards are USDA health certified prior to shipment.

Q. How do I get enrolled in the MRP?

There are several things that landowners can do to get started in the MRP. Contact MRP Coordinator Stuart Cochran at (803)452-6001 ext. 103 to get an information package on the program. After carefully reviewing the information, the landowner should then call MRP Coordinator to further discuss the potential of starting a project. There are several factors that will need to be addressed in the initial conversation such as, plant and flood capability, water sources, pumping potential, and release pond locations. These are key factors that must be addressed before moving forward. The next step is to schedule a coordinator site visit, to further evaluate your property and begin developing a management plan. The cost of this visit is a non-refundable $150, which will be applied to the annual MRP membership fee upon enrollment into the program.

Q. How much does it cost to get into the Mallard Release Program?

Refer to “Membership and Benefits”

Q. What kind of assistance do you provide for your cooperators?

Refer to “Management Plan Benefits Services”

Q. When do I get my ducks and how old are they when I get them?

The distribution season runs from the end of May through the middle of August. The ducks are transported directly from the banding facility to the prepared release site and turned out. The ducks can be transported in the bed of long bed pick-up trucks, livestock trailers, or modified flatbed trailers.

The banding and distribution takes place from 7pm to 9pm to reduce heat stress on the ducks. The ducks will vary in age from 4 to 6 weeks old at the time of distribution. The ducks will reach full flight capability at 10 to 12 weeks of age.

Should you have any questions about The Mallard Research Program please contact:

Stuart Cochran - Lead Waterfowl Biologist - SCWA

Office: 803-452-6001 ext. 103

Cell: 803-600-7420

Email: scochran@scwa.org