Aluminum -like metal bands are put on ducks to track their migratory process and where their breeding grounds are. These metal tracking bands are designed to assist waterfowl management and research. Researchers at this organization study many aspects of ducks including statistics of population, survival information, longevity, behavior and more.

The standard aluminum-like bands are fitted on the ducks leg by a person after it is caught in a trap. People can use various bait in various traps to catch the ducks without harming them. A color coded band may also be put on the duck to help identify it from a longer distance without having to first catch it. When ducks have reached their adult stage of life, they can be fitted with rewards bands. These rewards bands offer a 25 to 100 reward for catching these ducks and reporting the data found on the bands to waterfowl management and research to assist with their research.

In order to band ducks, you must obtain a federal banding permit as well as a state banding permit if required by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act; this permit ensures you know the proper handling of a duck, how to trap a duck safely and how to fit tracking bands.