South Carolina Law on Raising Wild Ducks
Wild ducks are generally wild for a reason. They tend to do better without human interference. However, there are times when people may raise wild ducks, and in most cases this is allowed under South Carolina law.
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Injured or Abandoned Ducks
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There are times when a wild duck nest may be built close to or on human property, and in some cases the mother duck may abandon her offspring. Sometimes an injured duck may be separated from the rest of the flock. In such cases, people may provide foster care or adopt the duck.
Returning the Duck
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In cases when a duck is injured or an abandoned duckling is raised by people, it is recommended that the duck be returned to a flock as soon as possible. Once a duck is able to fly, it should be able to survive on its own.
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Duck or Egg Removal
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South Carolina law states that people may not harm a nesting duck or disturb a nesting duck or nest box. This includes removing ducks or eggs from a nest. While eggs may look abandoned, it should be noted that the mother duck may have only left the nest in search of food. Tampering with a nesting egg is a misdemeanor offense that carries a fine of $200 to $500 and the possibility of a 30-day jail sentence, as of November 2010.
Raising Wild Ducks for Release
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Unlike an accidental raiser of ducks, some individuals choose to raise wild ducks to be released for hunting. Because these birds are meant to be game birds, the South Carolina Waterfowl Association sets strict rules for how people may interact with the ducks to ensure that they are wary of sportsmen when released.
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References
- Photo Credit duck image by Henryk Olszewski from Fotolia.com
