*SPECIAL* Flying Blind: Waterfowl Science & Management At Risk

Today's special topic cuts deeper than science or partisan politics---it defends North American duck hunting's essential back bone, wetland health and abundance, continued public land access, and our legacy to future duck hunting generations. Right now, powerful forces are dismantling the foundations of North America's greatest success story--waterfowl hunting as you've known it your entire life. Most have scarcely even noticed. Decades of data and research, the programs and staff that keep ducks overhead and seasons open--all are all on the chopping block. If you've ever watched sunrise from the duck blind, heard thundering wings overhead, or taught your children the meaning of this cherished tradition--this fight belongs to you. Me. All waterfowlers. Silence is complicity. Read the links below. And act now. This is your chance to make a real difference. If not you, who?

 

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ACT NOW--

 

Call your representatives at links below. Mention the specific issue--lack of federal oversight/data on migratory bird populations or concerns about critical habitat protection. Tell them you're a hunter and appreciate their support.

 

Congressional Directory Tool (U.S. House and Senate) https://www.congress.gov/members

 

Call Your Rep (by ZIP Code) https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/

 

 

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Learn More:

Stand Up for Federal Employees in Waterfowl Conservation (Letter by Drrs. Sedinger and Kaminski) https://www.getducks.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Flying-Blind-Stand-Up-for-Federal-Employees.pdf

 

 

 DOGE Cuts Threaten USFWS Annual Waterfowl Surveys (Field & Stream) https://www.fieldandstream.com/hunting/doge-cuts-impact-waterfowl-survey

 

Report: Wildlife Refuge System ‘at risk’ with no units fully resourced amid DOGE uncertainty https://wyofile.com/report-wildlife-refuge-system-at-risk-with-no-units-fully-resourced-amid-doge-uncertainty/?utm_source=WyoFile&utm_campaign=49aba4df73-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_04_18_10_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-49aba4df73-622999130

 

Interior Secretary Doug Bergum abdicates, formally hands over power to DOGE https://westernpriorities.org/2025/04/statement-interior-secretary-doug-burgum-abdicates-formally-hands-over-power-to-doge/

 

 

Trump Administration swings budget axe at USGS biology research https://www.science.org/content/article/trump-swings-budget-ax-usgs-b