Connection Between Hunters, Scientists Remains Strong
By Robert D. Sopuck - Winnipeg Free Press July 31, 2004

“To the everlasting fellowship of scientist and sportsman upon which hinges the wildfowling of generations to come” -H. Albert Hochbaum

So read the dedication in Hochbaum’s famous 1955 book on waterfowl science, “Travels and Traditions of Waterfowl.”  And despite the quaint language, the message is as relevant as ever; the partnership between waterfowl hunters and scientists who unravel the mysteries of the waterfowl world remains as strong as ever. Indeed all resource harvesters from hunters and anglers, to loggers and farmers are dependent on the knowledge of the natural world generated by good science.

Hochbaum was the first Scientific Director of the Delta Waterfowl Field Station the precursor of the Delta Waterfowl Foundation. Founded in the 1930’s by James Ford Bell of Minnesota (Founder of General Mills, makers of “Cheerios” among other breakfast cereals), the Delta Station soon became the hub of much of North America’s waterfowl research. Bell’s goal was to “put two birds back for each one I took.” Bell was convinced by legendary conservationist and scientist, Aldo Leopold, that a thorough understanding of  what makes a duck “tick” was a prerequisite to helping waterfowl.

Leopold agreed with Bell that the Delta Marsh in Manitoba, where Bell had hunted for years, would be an ideal natural laboratory and “The Station” was born. Hochbaum became Delta’s first Scientific Director.

Over its 65 year history Delta has produced over 300 graduate students and over 700 major papers and countless reports on just about all aspects of waterfowl biology and management.

I was reflecting on this history last Saturday during the annual picnic at Delta’s satellite research station located near Minnedosa. The Minnedosa facility is rapidly becoming a hotbed of waterfowl research. Dubbed “Landowner Appreciation Day,” the event was an opportunity for the graduate students to present their research findings to area residents and to specifically thank the local landowners for allowing the use of their lands for research.

Waterfowl research in the Minnedosa area is looking at the entire suite of waterfowl issues ranging from why mallard populations are so stable in this area in spite of very low nest success all the way to studying the habits of skunks and raccoons, two major predators on duck nests.

Dan Coulton hales from Ohio but is now working out of the University of Saskatchewan. He is trying to determine if the abundant artificial nest structures, known as Hen Houses, are sustaining local mallard populations or if “new” birds are colonizing the area every year. Coulton is using complex biochemical analyses which can literally tell him where a duck was hatched to test his colonization theory and is also marking ducklings in an effort to see if birds that were hatched successfully in “hen houses” made it back to Minnedosa the next year. Coulton’s results will be an important factor in deciding whether to expand the “hen house” program.

Justin Pitt and Travis Quirk are putting little radio transmitters on raccoons and skunks to assess their movements and feeding patterns. Raccoons and skunks are rightly viewed as pests for their destructive ways so Pitt and Quirk were the subjects of good-natured ribbing by meeting participants. This humour could not mask the underlying seriousness of the work. Because skunks and raccoons have reached such abnormally high populations they have become significant predators on duck nests ensuring that less than one percent of the nests on the ground actually hatch. In addition, these animals carry rabies, with raccoon rabies being especially virulent, so in the event of an outbreak this research may take on an added importance.

Letitia Reichart from Washington State University is looking at why female ruddy ducks will sometimes lay their eggs in the nests of other hens. Reichart is using complex DNA technology to tell which female laid which egg in which nest. Rounding out the research program for 2004 is Courtney Amundson from the University of Minnesota. She is looking at parasites in that common waterbird, the American coot to determine the effect on chick survival.

Many, including myself, have travelled the same road where professional careers in ecology, fisheries, and wildlife began with childhood passions for hunting, fishing, and the natural world. It was truly gratifying to see that tradition continue.