About this episode
A mallard? There are about 13 mallard-like subspecies worldwide to include mallards, mottled ducks, black ducks and Mexican ducks right here in the good ol' USA. How similar are North American mallard-like species and what are their common origins? Is the American Black Duck really becoming extinct due to hybridization with mallards, and are hybrids easily distinguished? What's the difference between "New World" and "Old World" mallards and, importantly, how might this distinction impact duck hunting as we know it? Dr. Philip Lavretsky is a wildlife geneticist from the University of Texas at El Paso. A seasoned duck hunter, he answers these questions and more. Whether you're a die-hard mallard purist or next-duck-over-the decoys hunter, an ardent species collector or duck nerd, this is likely one of the most thought provoking duck topics you've heard in a long while. It absolutely blew my mind. See related links for more info. Related Links: The Surprising Genetics of American Black Ducks and Mallards UTEP Professor, Smithsonian Researchers Make Genetic Discoveries Related to North American Ducks Domestic Mallards Gone Wild Safari Club International Convention Episode Sponsors: BOSS Shotshells GetDucks.com USHuntList.com Follow Ramsey Russell's duck hunting adventures across 6 continents: Instagram @ramseyrussellgetducks Youtube @GetDucks Facebook @GetDucks