Maryland Waterfowlers Association

08/01/2026

Team DU! Last Friday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened a 14-day public comment period on the regulations that protect some of the most important easements in the Prairie Pothole Region. Today, the progress we have made to protect these habitats faces an urgent threat. If these crucial regulations are changed or removed the threat becomes reality. Importantly, you have an opportunity to help protect critical breeding habitat in the Prairie Pothole Region with just a few clicks on your phone or computer.

It is critical that you, as our most informed and connected supporters, submit comments that are firmly in favor of keeping the existing regulations in place.

For 60 years, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has followed a “No Impact” policy for wetlands protected by voluntary easement contracts, which prohibit draining, filling, or burning these wetlands. DU supports maintaining this policy of “no impact” while providing safe harbor for landowners with approved tile drainage plans. Weakening the rule could result in changes that would have a devastating impact on habitat in the prairies.

Please take a few minutes to use the link below to leave a comment that will be submitted directly to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We are told that personalized comments are weighted more heavily.

As a DU volunteer leader, you are one of Ducks Unlimited’s most dedicated supporters of wetlands conservation. For 89 years, volunteer leaders like you have helped protect wetlands and other habitats to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow, and forever.

Thank you for taking action to protect the future of waterfowl breeding habitat in North America.

For the Ducks,
Rex Schulz, MD
President

CLICK HERE: https://dul.ink/PPR-FR

07/01/2026

https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2026-06/service-establishes-faster-smarter-framework-migratory-game-bird-hunting

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced regulations to modernize how seasonal migratory game bird hunting is authorized nationwide, cutting unnecessary federal red tape while giving states, tribes and hunters earlier certainty and greater flexibility. The Service is publishin...

06/15/2026

North Dakota Breeding duck survey results

05/28/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BLtnmUyX2/

Earlier this spring the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services issued a memorandum to clarify approved nontoxic shot requirements for hunting migratory birds. The agency issued the rule in response to “frequent questions about copper shot.”
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While the inclusion of some copper coatings and other metals has been around since the mid 80s, the USFWS states that “pure copper shot is not approved because copper can be toxic to waterfowl and aquatic species”, and also notes that only “one copper-based shot type with greater than 44% copper, corrosion-inhibited copper (CIC) shot, is currently approved.” The agency is emphasizing that it is the responsibility of waterfowl hunters to make sure they only carry approved nontoxic shotshells with them in the field.
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Full story at the LINK IN BIO 🔗
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01/22/2026

There are only about 55 boxes remaining for the MWDI box build in 2026.

Wood Duck Boxes
• Completed Box – $52
• Self-Assembly Kit – $45 (includes entrance hole cut and attached mesh ladder)
• 2 x 4 mount for metal poles – $10
Depending on the volume of orders received after the deadline, a second wood shipment might be arranged - at higher costs due to lower volume pricing/higher shipping cost per linear foot. There is no assurance that late orders can be fulfilled. Please note that Aaron does not maintain any inventory to sell during the year. Please send a check payable to Aaron Ward at 28867 Adkins Rd, Delmar, MD 21875.
Prices do not include delivery. Pickup at mutually convenient location will be arranged between DC and Rock Hall and around the Eastern Shore at specific drop spots but if not, the items will be located in Rock Hall or Delmar for pickup. Shipment of kits or boxes is not available.

To place an order, send an email to [email protected] or text/call 410-251-3838. Cliff or Aaron would be happy to discuss any questions you might have (Cliff - 703-447-5142 - [email protected]).

01/10/2026

https://wisducks.org/1940-tragedy-teaches-waterfowl-hunters-the-importance-of-the-what-if-safety-plan/

Waterfowl hunters, of which I am one, pride themselves on grit. We roll out before dawn, break ice when needed, and push through the cold, wind, and darkness that most people would not choose to be in. But as tough as we like to think we are, the simple truth remains: bad things happen in bad weathe...

12/05/2025

Maryland Wood Duck Initiative Box Offering 2025
Annual Box Offering
December 4, 2025
MWDI has again arranged for Aaron Ward to aggregate orders for boxes and kits including bluebird boxes. These are the most cost-effective, high-quality nesting boxes available using kiln dried cedar. MWDI has also arranged to assist Phoenix Metals provide cone-shaped predator guards.
Please note that all orders must be received & prepaid by Monday, January 5, 2025:
Wood Duck Boxes
- Completed Box – $52
- Self-Assembly Kit – $45 (includes entrance hole cut and attached mesh ladder)
- 2 x 4 mount for metal poles – $10

Depending on the volume of orders received after the deadline, a second wood shipment might be arranged - at higher costs due to lower volume pricing/higher shipping cost per linear foot. There is no assurance that late orders can be fulfilled. Please note that Aaron does not maintain any inventory to sell during the year. Please send a check payable to Aaron Ward at 28867 Adkins Rd, Delmar, MD 21875.

Prices do not include delivery. Pickup at mutually convenient location will be arranged between DC and Rock Hall and around the Eastern Shore at specific drop spots but if not, the items will be located in Rock Hall or Delmar for pickup. Shipment of kits or boxes is not available.

Bluebird box (completed box) – $23 each – dimensions approximately 9.5” H x 5.5” W x 6” D, Back board 12” – 14”

Predator guards - $23.32 each
Metal, cone shaped predator guards, can be obtained for $22 + 6% tax ($23.32 total) from Phoenix Metals for 4” poles. ($26.50 for 2” circular poles). Prepayment is necessary.

Guards can be picked up from Phoenix in Dundalk, MD, Rock Hall, MD, Salisbury, MD, and Washington, DC. For orders above 10 guards Phoenix will take credit card payment. For all other orders quantities, make a check payable to Aaron Ward sent to him at 28867 Adkins Rd, Delmar, MD 21875.

To place an order, send an email to [email protected] or text/call 410-251-3838. Cliff or Aaron would be happy to discuss any questions you might have (Cliff - 703-447-5142 - [email protected]). Note : if you respond to this advance notice flyer, it will be necessary to confirm your order by making payment.

Wood Duck Box - Side door opening – approximately 21.5” H x 9.5” W x 10” D with side opening door 14.5” long

Predator Guard - 36” diameter, 26-gauge galvanized metal