Arkansas has long been called the “Duck Capital of the World,” but in recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the duck population. This is a growing concern because many businesses and industries in the state rely on duck hunting for their livelihoods. Steps need to be taken to bring ducks back to Arkansas and help restore their migration patterns.

As of January 22, 2025, fewer than 1 million ducks remain in Arkansas, which is 63% below the average from the last 20 years. Mallard populations have dropped by 50% in just the last 6-7 years. This is due to several factors, including habitat loss, drought, and over-hunting. Over-hunting increases hunting pressure, which makes ducks more wary and causes them to fly less. Instead of migrating to Arkansas, they are seeking out places where hunting pressure is lower. Climate change also plays a role, as warmer northern temperatures give ducks less reason to travel south. They can now stay in places like Nebraska and Kansas, which have shorter hunting seasons and more conservation efforts.

If these issues aren’t addressed soon, Arkansas could see a further decline in both duck populations and the economy tied to duck hunting. In 2022, hunters spent $44.5 billion on duck hunting, and less duck hunting means less money spent in local businesses. This includes guides, hotels, and other services that depend on hunters coming to the state.

While there have been efforts to restore wetlands and conserve water, hunting regulations haven’t been adjusted enough. One issue is the number of out-of-state hunting tags allowed in Arkansas. The state lets too many out-of-state hunters in, which increases the pressure on the ducks. Tightening regulations on these out-of-state tags could help limit over-hunting and give the ducks a better chance to recover.

Climate change is a huge challenge, and it’s tough to get everyone on board with making big changes to protect the environment. However, if people realize the impact climate change has on wildlife, including ducks, there may be more push for action in the future.

Duck hunting is an important part of Arkansas’ economy, and if the state doesn’t act soon, the industry will continue to decline. There are fewer ducks each year and less habitat for them to survive. The Arkansas government needs to step in and take action to fix this before it gets worse.