Q: I didn’t get selected. Will I have other opportunities?
A: Yes. We will be selecting participants periodically through early December, so if you are not selected early in the season, your name will be retained for subsequent drawings. If you are not selected at all in 2024–25, the opportunity for future participation will depend upon the continuation of the project in future years.
Q: Does it cost anything to participate in duckDNA?
A: No. Ducks Unlimited’s generous donors and project sponsors will cover all costs for the pilot season.
Q: Are there other ways I can support this project?
A: Yes, and we thank you for asking! Please contact the customer support line to discuss options for your support.
Q: I shot a presumed hybrid, but I’m not a current participant in duckDNA. Is there another way for me to submit tissue for genetic analysis?
A: While we can only accommodate around 700 full sampling kits, we're always interested in unique birds or potential hybrids! 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 send any photos of hybrid birds to duckdna@ducks.org for review to receive a single-vial hybrid kit.
Q: Is there a participant support line I can call for assistance?
A: Yes! 901.758.3708
Q: I received an e-mail indicating that I was selected, but my kit hasn't arrived yet. When will my kit arrive?
A: After being selected, you must activate your duckDNA account at duckDNA.com/app and provide shipping information for your kit. If your kit does not arrive within 10 days of activating your duckDNA account, please call the participant support line for assistance.
Q: Items are missing from my kit. How can this be remedied?
A: Please call the participant support line for assistance.
Q: I misplaced my kit. Can I get a replacement?
A: Please call the participant support line for assistance.
Sample Collection and Results
Q: How exact does the harvest location need to be for each submitted sample?
A: The more exact the location you provide, the better it will serve scientific studies. However, we will accept approximate locations, either in the form of an adjacent pin on the map, the center of the county, the nearest town, or a zip code.
Q: Why do I need to report the harvest location, date, and habitat information for each sample?
A: A crucial part of this research is identifying where we are seeing game-farm hybrids in North America and where they are spreading. Also, knowing where a bird was harvested enables researchers to study the potential role of genetics in migration or winter site fidelity. Knowing which habitat the bird was harvested in will enable researchers to explore additional questions about how genetics affects habitat use.
Q: How long until my results are delivered?
A: We ask for your patience in this process, but we are hoping that results will be delivered within 8 weeks of the Lavretsky Lab receiving your samples.
Q: What type of tissue can we submit?
A: We recommend tissue be collected from the tongue for scientific standardization, but muscle tissue or foot webbing may also be provided if you are unable to collect tongue tissue.
Q: Can we submit samples from taxidermy birds?
A: No. We are not interested in samples from taxidermy mounts at this time.
Q: What type of ducks are being prioritized for sampling?
A: At this time, we are prioritizing mallards and mallard-like ducks, including Mexican ducks, American black ducks, mottled ducks, and their presumed hybrids. However, other odd or interesting ducks will be accepted.
Q: Can we submit samples from both male and female ducks?
A: Yes. Tissue samples from male and female ducks will be accepted.
Q: Will my information be made public or shared outside the research team?
A: No. All of your personal information will be kept confidential. While data on individual samples will eventually be hosted on publicly accessible scientific databases, no personally identifiable information will be associated with those data. For more information, please review the Ducks Unlimited privacy policy found here.
Up to 700 participants will be selected. Submit your information to enter the drawing. Currently, participation is limited to U.S. hunters.
