Will The Mallard Become Arkansas’ Official State Duck?

Arkansas is home to many official state symbols but if a recent legislative bill is passed, the mallard duck could become the official duck of Arkansas. The bill has already been given a "do pass" from the House’s State and Governmental Affairs Committee so now it's up to the Senate Committee to pass the bill.

Will The Mallard Duck Become The Official Duck of Arkansas?

KARK-TV is reporting that House Bill 1417 was filed on February 5, if the bill passes the mallard duck would join the "Mockingbird" along with a list of other state symbols that represent the natural state. Just so you know, Stuggart located 45 miles southeast Arkansas is already named the "Duck Hunting Capital of the World."

According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, at least two dozen duck species can be found in the state including the most common duck, the mallard. The AGFC says more than 100,000 waterfowl hunters flock to the state's timber and rice fields each year. For the record, I've seen the mallard duck featured on state license plates and Arkansas U.S. postal stamps so making it the official duck of Arkansas is a no-brainer. If you live in a neighborhood where ducks are present or land in your backyard pool, here's what to do if they become a nuisance.

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About The Mallard Duck

Mallard Ducks are found throughout North America and typically migrate and breed in the northern United States and Canada and fly south for the winter months. Mallards can fly up to 60 miles per hour and travel 800 miles for an eight-hour flight. The mallard duck is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act established in 1918.

I say pass the bill, let's give Arkansas something to quack about!