Are pen raised mallards usable in hunting tests? Matt Hogan, Deputy Director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service sheds light on this topic.

Many of us have been concerned about a document (Review of Captive-reared Mallards on Shooting Preserves) distributed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) recently that said pen raised mallards would not be usable in hunting tests, field trials, etc. due to concern that these birds could spread disease and interbreed w/waterfowl.

In the November, 2003 edition of Retriever Field Trial News, page 3, Matt Hogan, Deputy Director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, writes, "This document does not in any way involve the use of captive-reared mallards for retriever field trials, tests, and training. The Service fully supports the important role well trained hunting dogs play in the conservation of our waterfowl resources." He further states, "In the event that the Service does propose new regulations on the release of captive-reared mallards, I assure you that it will in no way prohibit nor impact the use of these birds at trials, tests and training."