In August 2018, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released its report detailing national migratory game bird hunter activity and harvest during 2017-18 hunting seasons.

More than 900,000 waterfowl hunters harvested an estimated 12,115,800 (±4%) ducks in 2017.

Mallard, green-winged teal, gadwall, and wood duck were the most-harvested duck species in America. Hunters across the United States harvested an estimated 3,425,560 mallards in 2017.

California led all states for highest total duck harvest and total duck hunter days afield, while Texas was tops for total active duck hunters.

Here's a breakdown of the Top 30 States ranked by estimated Total Duck Harvest, Active Duck Hunters and Duck Hunter Days Afield in 2017.

Duck hunter statistics don't include sea duck hunter statistics for states with special sea duck seasons or sea duck permits: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia, California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.                                  

Drilling down to the Top 10 states within the Mississippi Flyway for Total Duck Harvest, hunters in Louisiana had the highest harvest, followed closely by Arkansas. Minnesota fielded the most duck hunters within the Flyway, while Arkansas was tops for total duck hunter days afield.

Editor’s Note: It’s easy to stay current with breaking product news, industry insights and marketing tips from Realtree, American’s No. 1 camo brand. Simply click here to sign up for our free newsletter, courtesy of the Realtree Business Blog!