OK, at the University of Washington Burke Museum the term used is forced copulation, but in reality the act is duck rape. Read on.

Although uncommon, hybrids between waterfowl species that have broadly overlapping breeding ranges are perhaps more common than are such hybrids in any other group of birds. Forced copulation, which evolved as a tactic to supplement reproductive success within species, has been suggested to be an important source of these hybrids, but the hypothesis seems not to have been critically tested.

We hope to determine whether forced copulations occurring between species are the source of these hybrids. Doing so will require genetic markers, first to identify F1 hybrids, and second, to determine which parental species was their sire.

Our prediction is that species that frequently engage in forced copulations will likely be the sires of such hybrids. Thus, we seek to determine the "father" species (using mitochondrial markers) for as many F1 hybrid ducks as we can sample.

F1 status will be assessed using nuclear genes. Note that we are not seeking Mallard x Black Duck hybrids because this is a more traditional hybrid zone associated with recent range contact.

To generate reasonable samples of hybrids, we hope to make arrangements with hunters that shoot hybrids to send us either the specimen itself or tissue samples and photos of the specimen. We would much prefer preserving hybrid specimens at the University of Washington Burke Museum as vouchers for future reference, but we understand that many hunters will want their hybrids mounted. Thus, we are accepting photos and tissue samples from hybrids that hunters wish to keep.

Either way it is important that the tissues be sampled from fresh or frozen birds because nuclear genes are difficult to amplify from degraded tissue, rendering old mounts of little use.

Arrangements for shipping whole specimens (or tissue samples in buffer) should be made through Chris Wood at 253-740-1071 or puffinus@uw.edu. Chris is one of the Ornithology Collections Managers at the Burke Museum and the contact person for acquiring these specimens.

Master Hunter open enrollment begins Jan. 1

Yes we have presented this information before, but we need to reach those hunters who are interested.

Fish and Wildlife will accept applications for its Master Hunter Permit Program from Jan. 1 through Feb. 15, 2014. The program is designed to promote safe, lawful and ethical hunting and to strengthen Washington's hunting heritage and conservation ethic.

Fish and Wildlife enlists master hunters for controlled hunts to remove problem animals that damage property. Master hunters also participate in volunteer projects involving increasing access to private lands, habitat enhancement, data collection, hunter education and landowner relations.

Applicants must demonstrate a high level of skill and be committed to lawful and ethical hunting practices to qualify for the program.

Hunters enrolling in the program must pay a $50 application fee, pass a criminal background check, pass a written test, demonstrate shooting proficiency, provide at least 20 hours of approved volunteer service and meet other qualifications.

Individuals who enroll in the program are encouraged to prepare thoroughly for the written test, because applicants are allowed only one chance to re-take the exam.

About half of the questions on the 100 question written examination that must be passed by MHPP applicants came directly from the Fish and Wildlife Hunter Education Student Manual and from Fish and Wildlife Hunting Regulation Pamphlets. Study all these materials in detail. The Hunter Education Student Manual Study Guide can be found on the Fish and Wildlife website under hunting and then hunter education.

Also each applicant is required to: Demonstrate proficiency with a bow, handgun, muzzleloader, rifle, shotgun shooting shot, shotgun shooting slugs, or crossbow. Plus, attend Crime Observation and Reporting Training (C.O.R.T.).

There are about 1,850 certified master hunters currently enrolled in the program, which is now administered by Fish and Wildlife's Wildlife Program.

Approved volunteer work conducted during 2013 will be honored for individuals applying in 2014.

Dennis note: Readers having questions about the program or fulfilling the requirements should feel free to contact me.