| Project Name | Waterfowl banding |
| Project Number | 464 |
| Location | At two lakes accessible from the Alaska Highway |
| Dates | Weekly, July 27-Sept. 5, 2025 |
| Duration | July 27-Sept. 5, 2025 |
| Number of Volunteers Needed | 10 (2 per week) |
| Description | Assist biologists with daily banding operations at two lakes accessible from the Alaska highway. Field work involves carrying bags of grain bait, loading and unloading small boats, and wading in muddy wetlands with unpredictable footing. Dabbling ducks are captured in baited swim-in traps. Banding records are maintained by species, sex, and age. Waterfowl ID and handling experience helpful but not mandatory.
The 4 weeks starting Aug 3 - Aug 24 are the busiest and when the refuge really needs help. The first and last week there is not a critical need for volunteers.
July 27: Daily trap checks with low capture numbers
August 3: Captures begin to increase. ONE POSITION AVAILABLE.
August 10: Potential for 50 birds/day. THIS WEEK IS FILLED.
August 17: Potential for 50 birds/day, recapture rates increase. THIS WEEK IS FILLED
August 24: Captures decline; large proportion are recaptures. ONE POSITION AVAILABLE.
August 31: Last week of captures; wrapping up banding effort and start tear-down of traps
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| Skills Needed | Ability to lift 50 lb and get into and out of small boats in waste-deep water.
The banding takes place Monday - Friday. Please arrive in Tok or the campground Sunday afternoon. |
| Materials Needed | Tetlin Refuge will provide required training, Housing, Clothing, Equipment.
Cabins are available at the Refuge Headquarters in Tok, but the refuge suggests camping at Deadman LK or Lakeview campgrounds where the banding takes place. |
| Contact | Brent Jamison, brent_jamison@fws.gov, 907-940-5052 |