Ducks Unlimited and the University of Texas at El Paso are partnering with waterfowl hunters to advance groundbreaking genetics research, and we need your help. Learn more about getting involved and earning your title as a hunter-scientist!
duckDNA is a citizen science initiative launched by Ducks Unlimited and the University of Texas at El Paso in 2023. During the 2025–26 season, we will expand participation by selecting up to 1,000 hunters to collect tissue samples from harvested ducks for genetic analysis. Genetic information on each bird will then be delivered back to hunters in their individualized portals. Learn More
duckDNA provides hunters with scientifically vetted genetic information about their harvested duck. Harvest a hybrid this season? Ever want to know what that “odd duck” really is? Find out exactly what it is, verified by DNA analysis.
Get Ready for Next Season
Sign up today to be the first to know when we open the gates for next season.
Sign UpSign up to participate. If selected, you will receive instructions to create a duckDNA account.
Receive duckDNA sample kit and go hunting, collecting tissue sample from harvested ducks.
Go to duckdna.com/app and enter all duck information into your personalized duckDNA portal.
Send samples back via pre-paid mail for analysis.
Get a genetic profile of YOUR ducks, delivered right to your duckDNA account!
If you’ve harvested a bird you suspect of being a hybrid, regardless of your selection for the main duckDNA program, you may be able to submit it for genetic analysis. Please contact duckdna@ducks.org for next steps.
We ask a lot of you, so we want to make sure you know what we do with that information. Your secrets are safe with us.
* duckDNA is subject to the DU Privacy Policy, which governs the collection, use, and sharing of your personal information.
Thanks to your overwhelming support, our 2024-25 season was an incredible success. At this time, our application portal is closed, but we anticipate reopening by August. Stay informed of the latest updates and future opportunities by providing your email address and following us on Instagram and Facebook.
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