Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana, along with Senator John Boozman of Arkansas and five other Republican senators, has urged Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to continue efforts addressing the decline in North America’s waterfowl population. The senators expressed concern that this trend is affecting hunting seasons and rural economies in states along the Mississippi Flyway, including Louisiana.
The senators attributed the downturn in duck populations primarily to droughts in the Prairie Pothole Region of the Great Plains. They highlighted that this situation has led to disruptions for hunters and local economies dependent on hunting activities.
“We are . . . increasingly concerned about continued declines in duck populations and strongly urge continued stewardship of the National Wildlife Refuge System—particularly USFWS conservation easements in the Prairie Pothole Region—as the foundation for long-term population recovery,” wrote the senators in their letter to Secretary Burgum.
They referenced recent data: “The USFWS 2025 Waterfowl Population Status Report estimates 34 million breeding ducks, a figure below the long-term average and well below highs.”
The letter further stated, “This decline can be attributed to drought conditions in the Prairie Pothole Region, where pond counts have fallen below average in three of the last four years.”
“If these conditions persist, hunters could face shorter seasons and reduced limits. These outcomes would diminish hunting opportunities and harm rural economies, especially in Mississippi Flyway states such as Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi,” they added.
“For generations, hunters and conservationists have invested in the National Wildlife Refuge System to sustain waterfowl populations and preserve America’s hunting heritage. As Secretary of the Interior and Chair of the MBCC, we encourage you to continue stewarding these investments—particularly Prairie Pothole Region easements—to support waterfowl, rural economies, and the future of duck hunting,” concluded their statement.
Other signatories included Senators Bill Cassidy (Louisiana), Tom Cotton (Arkansas), Cindy Hyde-Smith (Mississippi), Roger Wicker (Mississippi), and Marsha Blackburn (Tennessee).
Senator Kennedy has consistently advocated for Louisiana’s hunters as concerns over declining duck numbers grow. In January 2026, he called on federal wildlife officials to examine how certain legal baiting practices may disadvantage states like Louisiana.
Kennedy serves all constituents across Louisiana through multiple district offices located throughout Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans and Shreveport according to his official website. He also engages residents via newsletters, town halls and public events. Kennedy’s legislative work includes supporting veterans, farmers and small businesses as well as serving on key Senate committees such as Appropriations; Budget; Energy and Natural Resources; Banking; Housing; Urban Affairs; among others (source).
For more information or to view a copy of the full letter sent by these senators regarding waterfowl conservation efforts visit Senator Kennedy’s official website.
