Each all unpaid volunteer local chapter of Ducks Unlimited is organized independently from the National Organization (Help launch our Hen House project!
The Bass Pro Shops & Cabela's Outdoor Fund (BPSCOF) has provided a grant which pays for the critical resources to purchase the few items that the Daniel Webster Chapter of Ducks Unlimited has not been fortunate enough to get donated for this experimental mallard hen house project in New Hampshire in the last three years. While hen houses have proven extraordinarily successful in the prairie pothole region from Nebraska to Alberta, Canada, this is the first attempt to roll out the program in the northeast. These houses result in a proven increase in nesting success from 20% to 80%. The sturdy, long lasting design reduces predation by skunks, and raccoons. In a significant number of nesting failures, the hen is killed outright. Various migratory birds use the hen houses in addition to mallards. This experiment may prove that black ducks also will use these structures. Ducks Unlimited has not been able to get donations of galvanized welded wire, fasteners, welding and flax straw in particular. Our other partners include the research and inspirational guidance and plans supplied by Delta Waterfowl, which has been experimenting and perfecting the design since 1991, as well as materials supplied by American Fence of Hooksett and Superior Fence of Belmont. The plan is to build & place 40 +/- mallard hen house structures throughout NH. Additional cash or in kind donations are welcomed to help us increase the number of structures built and placed. Please make checks payable to Ducks Unlimited and note Hen House Project in the memo. 