As high school graduation approaches, one Ord High School senior plans for his future and that of nature, as well. Brooks Bechtold shadowed Ben Wheeler, Wildlife Biologist with Pheasants Forever, a conservation organization. Brooks asked local waterfowl hunters to donate wings to him. Then he studied mallard ducks harvested in order to determine age and size and the ratio of males to females.
Brooks said that slightly more juveniles than males were harvested this year, which he says is not unusual, and there were “a lot more males than females.”
In addition, Brooks said that the North Loup River is important to waterfowls because it “provides corn, beans, open water, and natural springs in the winter.” Waterfowl take advantage of this during this time of year.
Brooks said that he gained valuable experience from this project as he sets his sights on college. He will be attending University of Nebraska at Lincoln, majoring in fisheries and wildlife.
