Duck Hunters: Your Passion is at Risk – Why Climate Change Demands Your Attention in Wisconsin

Dean Muller, President,

For generations, the crisp autumn air, the symphony of duck calls, and the thrill of the chase have defined duck hunting in Wisconsin. It's a tradition deeply woven into the state's outdoor heritage, connecting hunters to the landscape and its vibrant waterfowl populations. But this cherished pastime is increasingly threatened by a silent, pervasive force: climate change, primarily driven by our reliance on fossil fuels.

The link between fossil fuels, a changing climate, and the future of duck hunting in Wisconsin is undeniable. The burning of coal, oil, and natural gas releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which trap heat and alter weather patterns. In Wisconsin, this translates to tangible impacts on the very ecosystems that support our migratory waterfowl.

Disrupting the Migration Flyway: Perhaps one of the most immediate concerns for duck hunters is the disruption of migratory patterns. Warmer winters in Wisconsin and further north in the breeding grounds mean less ice and snow cover. Historically, these harsh conditions would push ducks south, funneling them into traditional hunting grounds. However, with milder winters, ducks are increasingly "short-stopping" their migrations, staying further north where open water and food sources remain available. Studies have shown species like mallards and American black ducks are flying shorter distances or staying put, leading to fewer birds arriving in Wisconsin during peak hunting season. This isn't just an anecdotal observation; research indicates a significant northward shift in the "center of distribution" for many duck species.

Threatening Vital Wetland Habitats: Beyond migration, the very foundation of duck habitat – wetlands – is under siege. Wisconsin has already lost an estimated half of its historic wetlands since the 1800s, and climate change is exacerbating this loss. Wetlands are crucial for ducks, providing breeding grounds, food sources, and resting areas during migration.

Climate change impacts wetlands in multiple ways:

• Altered Precipitation: Wisconsin is experiencing more intense rainfall events interspersed with periods of drought. Both extremes are detrimental. Droughts can dry out crucial wetland areas, reducing available habitat and food. Conversely, extreme flooding can scour wetlands, alter vegetation, and reduce natural food sources.

• Water Quality Degradation: Increased runoff from intense storms, often a consequence of a changing climate, carries pollutants and sediments into waterways and wetlands. This can lead to harmful algal blooms, reduce oxygen levels, and degrade water quality, making wetlands less hospitable for ducks and the invertebrates they feed on.

• Invasive Species: Changes in water levels and temperatures can create conditions favorable for invasive species, which can outcompete native plants and further diminish habitat quality.

The Fossil Fuel Connection: The combustion of fossil fuels for energy generation, transportation, and industry is the primary driver of these climate impacts. Wisconsin, despite efforts to transition, still relies heavily on fossil fuels for its electricity, with natural gas and coal dominating the energy mix. This reliance contributes directly to the greenhouse gas emissions that are warming our planet and altering Wisconsin's climate.

Furthermore, the infrastructure associated with fossil fuels can directly impact wetlands. Power plants, pipelines, and other energy infrastructure often require the filling or draining of wetlands during construction, further reducing critical habitat. Air pollutants from these facilities can also deposit into water bodies, contributing to acidification and eutrophication, which harm aquatic ecosystems.

What Can Duck Hunters Do? For duck hunters, caring about climate change isn't a political statement; it's a matter of preserving a deeply held tradition and the natural resources it depends on. Here's why hunters should be at the forefront of this issue:

• Advocate for Renewable Energy: Support policies and initiatives that promote a rapid transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Wisconsin has set a goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050, and hunters can play a role in advocating for this transition.

• Support Wetland Conservation: Engage with and support organizations dedicated to wetland protection and restoration. These efforts are crucial for building resilience against climate change impacts and ensuring ducks have healthy places to thrive.

• Promote Sustainable Land Use: Advocate for land management practices that protect natural areas, reduce runoff, and enhance water quality – all of which benefit wetlands and waterfowl.

• Educate Others: Share your concerns with fellow hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Help them understand the tangible links between climate change, fossil fuel use, and the future of their shared passion.

The call to action for Wisconsin duck hunters is clear. The ducks and the wetlands they depend on are facing unprecedented challenges from a changing climate. By understanding the profound connection to our fossil fuel consumption and advocating for a cleaner energy future, hunters can become powerful stewards of the very traditions they cherish, ensuring that the sound of ducks in a Wisconsin marsh echoes for generations to come.