I was just down to la crosse wis this weekend for easter. And dicieded to goto the river and try to find some driftwood. and what i found was a dead drake blue bill with great color. And just yesterday i found out that there are alot of blu bills dying in the area from some kind of parasite or something i didn't take it but if you find something like that can you call the fish and wildlife ser to get a permit therewas also a dead coot in the same area. anyone else ever seen this before? it would have made a awsome mount what a waste hope everyone had a great easter
brian k
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The birds probably died from a strain of avian botulism that has been hitting ducks and seagulls in the Lake Erie region for the last three years. Once a bird gets infected they die quickly but it spreads quickly through the food chain when the seagulls and crows feed on the dead ducks.
I don't think you could get a permit from the DNR as all infected birds are supposed to be incinerated. And you're right, it is a terrible waste.
Many beginners are always looking for animals, since the laws varie from state to state check them out.
The Wisconsin DNR has discovered that these ducks are dying from two different types of parasites. This is the third year now that this has happened. I would not advise just taking a duck found dead, as they are protected under Federal laws. It wouldn't hurt to find a DNR crew collecting the ducks and seeing if you can obtain one from them with a permit from the DNR. At least you won't get into any trouble. Hope this helps.