CASPER – Hunters bagging a hybrid duck can help waterfowl research by donating the duck or even just a tissue sample.

Hunters who think they may have bagged a hybrid and would like to help should contact Sievert Rohwer at [email protected] or (253) 543-4066 at the University of Washington.

Photos of North American duck hybrids are available at hybridduck.blogspot.com. The most common hybrids are mallards crossing with pintails, widgeon and gadwalls. Gadwall and green-wing teal crosses have also been noted.

“Duck hybrids aren’t very common, but probably more common that most hunters think,” said Larry Roberts, Wyoming Game and Fish Department waterfowl biologist. “I encourage Wyoming duck hunters to help with this research.”