With duck hunting season well under way, a National Wildlife Federation Action Fund radio spot imagines a future without waterfowl due to ecosystem changes brought about by global climate change.  The ad running on radio stations in Arkansas, Indiana,Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio asks listeners to call their Senators to urge them to support clean energy legislation that would reduce the worst impacts expected from climate change.

“Shooting stationary objects like trees is not sporting, and they don’t make good food,” the announcer says with tongue firmly planted in cheek.  “Don’t take off your boots, throw them into the air, and shoot them; it’s tempting, but then you won’t have anything to wear on your feet on your walk back to the truck.”

The ad then turns more serious.

“Think the notion of duck hunting without ducks is absurd? Think again. As many duck hunters have seen over the years, climate change has caused ducks to fly in later, and the drying up of thousands of acres of wetlands could mean a drastic reduction of the duck population.”

Listen to the Arkansas Ad or right-click to download.

Listen to the Indiana Ad or right-click to download.

Listen to the Missouri Ad or right-click to download.

Listen to the Ohio Ad or right-click to download.

According to a National Wildlife Federation report, the potential consequences of global warming to waterfowl are significant because of the strong relationship between waterfowl and water conditions with human-enhanced global warming has emerged as a significant challenge to conserving waterfowl populations for current and future generations. While some localized effects may be positive, the overall impact on waterfowl populations is likely to be negative.

 “I’m ready to start killing ducks during duck season again instead of mosquitoes, it’s time for some action,” National Wildlife Federation Board Member and avid duck hunter David Carruth said. “I feel strongly that clean energy solutions are the way to go and the U.S. is in a position to be a leader. That’s why hunters and anglers want a strong climate and energy bill to pass this year.”

A 2008 National Wildlife Federation Action Fund poll of sportsmen and women found more than 80 percent believe the United States should set a bold, new vision on energy policy.

Last month, an unheard of gathering of more than 13,000 hunters and anglers participated in a virtual tall hall on the subject, and more than 20 national hunting groups recently wrote the Senate to urge passage of climate and energy legislation.  The House passed a bill earlier this year and the full Senate could take up its own version by the end of the year.