The sport of waterfowl hunting is enjoying unprecedented popularity throughout the area served by Southern States. And thanks to financial assistance from government programs such as the Wetland Reserve Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program Conservation Reserve and EQIP, more landowners are developing habitat for waterfowl.

One of the most innovative waterfowl-development programs, the Frost Release System™, helps landowners develop nontraditional areas such as fields and pastures into ideal hunting areas.

"The Frost system uses scientifically raised birds, coupled with animal husbandry behavior modification and a waterfowl habitat development plan, to create a hunting experience equal to hunting naturally raised ducks," explains Jim Hills, director of the Frost Waterfowl Trust, Georgetown, S.C.

The Frost Waterfowl Trust program has won praise from several conservation organizations including the South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama and Georgia Waterfowl associations.

The Frost system's step-by-step program includes a recommended feed and Frost Waterfowl Release Kit™ (such as temporary enclosures) available from Southern States, notes Mike Royal, manager for waterfowl feeds for the co-op.

The program begins by releasing the Frost-bred ducks in a release pond with a temporary enclosure that supplies Southern States feed, protection and fresh water for a limited time. The protective enclosure is removed, and birds are weaned from supplemental feeding as hunting season nears. At the same time, behavior modification begins, and a nearby habitat with food is developed and readied for flooding prior to duck season. The birds are harassed and disturbed to instill a fear of man as they migrate to the flooded impoundment. This program complies with all federal and state waterfowl regulations. After being hunted, the ducks react just as their naturally raised counterparts do.

Southern States is proud to be a part of this innovative program. "Teaming our products with this technology is a winning combination for bird hunters and landowners who want to expand the hunting potential of their land for sport or added income," Royal notes. "It's one example of how our complete line of wildlife feeds helps customers enhance recreational and income opportunities from wildlife."