Parasites?
 

Shot my first duck (mallard) not too long ago. After years of not giving it any thought, I now understand how addictive duck hunting could be. Anyhow, got to cleaning the duck, and the entire breast was just riddled with small white worms. Disposed of the carcass, and was pretty disappointed, even though I've heard that duck meat can be an acquired taste. Is this common in ducks? We've had quite a drought here in Oklahoma, and all the ponds and lakes are getting low. Could this be a factor? Thanks for any info ya'll can give to a newbie duck hunter.

RE: Parasites?
 

It is commoly called "rice breast"

http://www.unbc.ca/nlui/wildlife_diseases_bc/sarcocystis.htm

Ron:D

RE: Parasites?
 

The GF&P say if you thoroughly cook the rice breast birds they are safe to eat.Having said that I have personally only killed ahandful of birds with this parasite and won't personally eat one, and believe me I don't wastefood. I have noticed that almost all the time when you see one of these it is usually associated with drought and low water levels.

RE: Parasites?
 

Thanks for the info. Don't think I'll take any chances with it, even if cooking does take care of the problem.