In this week’s episode of the Standard Sportsman podcast, hosts Cason Short and Brent Birch (also the editor of Greenhead) are joined by Ducks Unlimited’s Scott Stephens and Mike Brasher to discuss a proposed change to wetland drainage regulations that could have far-reaching implications for North America’s duck population.
Drain tile setbacks on wetland easements help protect the small wetlands ducks rely on for breeding by keeping underground drainage systems farther away. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is seeking public input on a proposal to reduce those setbacks, a move that conservationists warn could dry out more wetlands across the Prairie Pothole Region.
Stephens and Brasher explain why the proposed rule change matters, how it could affect duck production and ultimately the fall migration, and what duck hunters and conservationists can do to make their voices heard before the public comment period closes.
