Ducks are as varied as the habitats they frequent; being by and large a migratory species this leads to many different diet needs and habitats that may vary. But there is one constant and that is they all need water to survive. For every water habitat there is a species of duck that has developed over time and though the habitats are similar there are noted differences in each species. From coloration, bill shape and region to personalities differences the duck enthusiast has much to learn.

For many years duck populations were on the decrease as more and more habitat and climatic droughts took their toll, man made disasters like oil spills and pollution had and still have a heavy impact on migratory species. Conservation agencies and renewed interest in saving and protecting the environment has helped to renew populations once almost decimated. Without people on the original lands the native grasses, trees, millets, and vegetative and non-vegetative resources were readily available to millions of birds. Of course the Indians had already been hunting them for hundreds of years before Europeans ever thought to cross the ocean and with their arrival the large farms were planted to provide grain and crops for his family and livestock.

This event led to the the migrations starting  to depend on the field stands left after harvesting. Good for the ducks and good for the farmers who hunted this extra food source.  But today many of the big farms are gone and the lands taken over by communities not suited for living with the wild population. Lands are drained, "unsightly, mosquito infested swamps" are pushed over, dried out and remade for our comfort. Loss of habitat and  the natural food sources put a strain of the duck populations and helped in the decrease the number of eggs lain. Along with that wet area went a vast reserve of native growth needed for food, safety, mating, nesting and predator free areas.

DUCK SEED MIXTURE FOR FOOD PLOTS

Seed mixes are prepared to give a variety of plant material grown in the areas that are attractive to the wildfowl species. Yearly seed production and crop standards will influence the ratio of ingredients in any one mix yearly.

More and more organizations and individuals are helping to keep and return some of the habitats for ducks and other water fowl species by planting food plots and letting the land return to some of the wilderness. Food plots are planted by many hunters and preservationists alike hoping to return to nature some small amount of habitat that has been lost and a place to visit and watch these beautiful birds. In good habitat conditions ducks will actually lay more eggs and increase their population substantially. Native plant species are being encouraged to grow and are being planted in many areas to return the land to a more "natural" setting.

Add to the food plots with corn, millets for dry land, sorghums, black sunflower seeds and any other grains that do well in your region. When the plants ( such as corn) have matured and dried  cut or push over to the ground for better access to the seeds. ducks will also eat the seeds from deer vetch and buckwheat.

25 lb. PENNINGTON Duck Mix
Contains a mixture of  Japenese Millet, White Proso Millet, Buckwheat, Penngrain. DR Grain Sorghum.  Matures in 60-90 days.

60% - Japanese Millet
20% - White Proso Millet
10% - Buckwheat
10% - Penngrain DR Grain Sorghum
(See picture of mixture above. - % subject to change)

Planted near water sources that attract migratory birds.  Plant along lakes, beaver ponds and swamp areas inhabited by ducks or used by ducks during their migratory season.  Best planted in sites that are prone to seasonal flooding or can be flooded manually when plants have matured. These seeds have hard coats and will not mold in the wet sites and should be left undisturbed to germinate and will mature in 60 - 90 days. This mix can  be planted early spring or early fall.  Regular yearly plantings are best to create a habitat feeding pattern and help insure the yearly health of the returning waterfowl.