The S.C. Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the South Carolina State Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and the South Carolina Department of Corrections, will continue the construction and distribution of wood duck boxes this winter. Applications are available online and will be accepted until Nov. 1, 2014. Approximately 1,000 boxes will be available for distribution. Ducks Unlimited has contributed approximately 50% of the cost for construction and distribution and The Wateree Correctional Institute will assemble the predator shields and construct the boxes. Each unit will consist of a treated pole, a predator shield and assembled box.

The wood duck is the most important waterfowl species in South Carolina and is the only duck that breeding habitat can be managed effectively throughout all geographic regions of the state. The Project supplements natural production in tree cavities of forested wetlands by providing artificial nesting sites. Fewer natural cavities are available today because of the impacts of human activity upon bottomland hardwoods.

Private land owners wishing to obtain wood duck boxes can download an application. For additional information contact the Statewide Wood Duck Box Project at (843) 844-8957. Up to 5 boxes per applicant (or property) will be available for distribution throughout the State. The application deadline is Nov. 1, 2014.

The statewide project for construction and distribution of nest box units to requesting landowners began in 1982. Since 1982, over 33,000 nest box units have been issued to over 4,500 co-operators. The project provides nest boxes, poles and predator guards to landowners having suitable wood duck production and brood-rearing habitat.