Because Lineage Often Needs DNA Evidence

Limited Series Launch | Thursday, July 10 at 6PM PST

As waterfowlers, few things are more exciting than bagging a bird with unique plumage. Whether this is a pigment defect in the wild, or it stems from a crossbreed of domestic lineage, it’s always exciting to get a unique bird in-hand.

For this DSD Limited launch, we found the perfect initiative to donate to—the incredible team at duckDNA. In fall 2023, Ducks Unlimited and the Lavretsky Lab at the University of Texas at El Paso launched duckDNA, a transformative hunter-assisted science initiative. This project directly involves hunters in the study of genetics and hybridization in North America’s wild ducks and geese.

Hunter-assisted science is at the heart of duckDNA, beginning with the identification of waterfowl exhibiting unusual plumage. Hunters participating in the project collect tissue samples from harvested birds that display aberrant plumage or suspected hybrid traits. This project aims to determine if these anomalies are caused by wild mutations, game-farm genetics, or something in between. Additionally, duckDNA will help determine how widespread game-farm mallard genes are in North America’s wild ducks while studying how genetics influence waterfowl behavior and ecology.

This project aims to determine if these anomalies are caused by wild mutations, game-farm genetics, or something in between.

Dave Smith Decoys firmly believes in the innovative science behind duckDNA and plans to make a contribution to Ducks Unlimited in support of this initiative. As a way to celebrate this project we have created a Limited Series drop, and will host a special auction for a decoy pair., These combined efforts will bolster the science, tools, and collaboration essential for securing the future of North America’s wild ducks.

You can learn more about the project and how you can participate by visiting www.duckdna.com.

Be on www.davesmithdecoys.com between 5:30 and 6:00 PM PST on Thursday, July 10th. That’s your window to get in the queue. At 6:00 sharp, everyone in line will be randomly shuffled and from there, orders will be processed in order until it’s sold out.

Don’t wait. One-time drop. Conservation-first.