Ducks and geese are banded throughout the state. Most of the banded ducks are wood ducks, although other species are banded as well. Geese are banded in late June and early July, while in their flightless stage. Ducks are banded after ducklings have attained a size adequate for handling and attaching bands without harming the birds, usually beginning in late July and continuing until the first week in September. Yes, you can keep the band.
Many hunters like to collect their bands as momentos of their hunts.
We only ask that you report the band number, and the date and location where you harvested the bird. Washington D.C. The BBL keeps records of all migratory birds banded in North America. The BBL will send you a certificate with information about the banded bird that you recovered. For additional information regarding the hows and whys of bird banding we recommend visiting the Bird Banding Lab's site.