Satellite Mallard Program

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks are currently conducting a research project that involves placing transmitters on mallards. These transmitters weigh only 30 grams (less than 10% of a duck's body weight), and are designed to fit as a backpack. They communicate with satellites in orbit around the earth to determine their locations. The ability to communicate with satellites allows AGFC to collect location data without recapturing the animal. The transmitter only becomes active for a short period of time every two to four days. During the active period it collects as many locations as possible within the pre-programmed time frame. The acquired locations are then sent to the AGFC, where the duck's progress is mapped using Geographical Information System (GIS).

During 2006 a total of 50 Arkansas mallards and 30 Mississippi mallards are being tracked. There were 53 Arkansas mallards tracked in 2005 and 28 Arkansas mallards tracked in 2004.

Click here to learn where the mallards with transmitters are located