State Wildlife Departments Asking Hunters for Feathers

by
posted on September 27, 2024
LEDE Deparrtments Asking Sportsmen For Feathers

North Dakota

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is asking hunters to help in its effort to manage upland game birds by collecting feathers from harvested birds and providing them for study. Birds included in the state’s upland game wing survey, which has been underway for decades, are ring-necked pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse, gray partridge (commonly referred to as Hungarian partridge), turkeys and ruffed grouse.

Collecting enough pheasant samples is typically never a problem, but securing sufficient sharptail and partridge feathers can be. Biologists will take as many of those feathers as they can get. The more collected, the better the data. They not only allow the determination of sex and age ratios, but survival, nesting success, hatch dates and overall production.

Hunters interested in receiving wing envelopes should visit the Game and Fish website, or contact the Department’s main office in Bismarck by calling (701) 328-6300 or e-mailing [email protected]. Wing envelopes are also available at the Game and Fish District offices in Devils Lake, Jamestown, Riverdale, Dickinson, Williston and Lonetree Wildlife Management Area near Harvey.

Minnesota

One state over, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is also asking hunters to send sharp-tailed grouse feathers. “In northwestern Minnesota, prairie chicken booming grounds are disappearing, sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds are increasing and interbreeding between the species seems to be increasing,” it explains on a webpage dedicated to the recently launched study. “Interbreeding results in hybridization, which occurs when two different species mate and produce offspring that is a hybrid of both species. These prairie-chicken/sharptail hybrids are fertile and can breed with prairie chickens or sharptails, which can mix the gene pool of both species.”

Hunters are asked to pluck five to 10 tail feathers from each harvested bird, place them in a separate envelope and mark it with the county in which it was taken. By mailing it to Grouse Research, DNR Regional Headquarters, 1201 E Highway 2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744, biologists can analyze the DNA.  

Missouri

The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking hunters during its archery deer and turkey season, or fall firearms turkey season, to voluntarily submit turkey feathers. It is seeking two specific wing feathers and three to five breast feathers. A chart and full details are on this webpage.

There is no cost to participate. After tele-checking the bird, simply visit that URL, fill out the form and a postage-paid envelope will be mailed.

Nationwide

With limited budgets, the professionals who manage wildlife often rely on the aid of hunters to collect enough samples for statistically reliable modeling. Sportsmen are encouraged to consult their state’s regulations before opening day to determine if similar programs are underway in their area and to participate whenever possible.

Latest

LEDE Hunters With Whitetail
LEDE Hunters With Whitetail

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Treestands

This latest Member's Hunt comes from Erin Prajzner of Glen Rock, Pa.

New for 2025: Zeiss SFL 50 Binocular

Zeiss has presented its all-new SFL 50 binocular, an extension of the company's SFL family of binocular. It combines the optical performance of a 50 mm binocular, with the size and weight category of competitors’ 42mm frame sizes.

New for 2025: Savage AC30 B.O.B. AccuCan Suppressor

Savage introduces the AC30 B.O.B. (Back Over Barrel) suppressor, a great option for those looking to enhance balance and reduce overall firearm length while shooting suppressed.

First Look: Barnes Harvest Collection Ammunition

Barnes has debuted its Harvest Collection line of ammunition, targeted squarely at American whitetail hunters. Topped with the venerable Sierra Tipped GameKing (TGK) bullet, Barnes Harvest Collection is designed for maximal lethality on thin-skinned game, combining near match-grade accuracy with impressive terminal performance.

First Look: BANISH 30-V2

New from Banish Suppressors, the Banish 30-V2 is an upgraded version of the company’s popular Banish 30 suppressor that is shorter, lighter, quieter and more versatile than ever.

First Look: Hornady 3-in-1 High Speed Power Case Trimmer

The ideal tool for high-volume handloaders, the new Hornady 3-in-1 High Speed Power Case Trimmer brings three case preparation steps into one space-saving tool.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.