My buddy shot a banded ringneck yesterday morning and the band was just wore smooth. It was very thin. We have never seen anything like it. He called it in and the guy said he had never heard of it. I cannot post pics but if I could send them to someones email or phone maybe they can post it. Just wanted to see what people thought bc it definitely didn't just get there.

Lucky!

So what did you call in...the band numbers?

Yeah he has shot a few so whose her you call he talked with them. I have never shot a banded bird so I have no idea. But the guy he talked to said he had never heard of one banded with no identification #.

Sorry about typo.. he has a few bands already and he knew who to call to let them know the identification #.

I think you can send them into the place that banded them and they will determine the # then return them to you.

It's not an unmarked band. Old birds can wear off the numbers. Sometimes they can acid test the band and get the numbers if you send it in.

www.reportband.gov

When I was reporting the one I just killed, I think i remember seeing a box to click that said something about "un-readable" or "darkened" numbers. Can't remember for sure, but they can at least point him in the right direction.

Do some searching. You can acid raise the numbers yourself with acid from Lowes or HD. Shot a gadwall band a few years back that was worn smooth but never did get around to raising the numbers.

Send it in to the bird banding lab. They will do the acid etch for free and then ship the band back to you for free. Did it earlier this year.

wait about 10 years and then tell them u shot it in Austrailia

Thank y'all for the responce I will let him know

yea, it common with old banded birds to be smooth

lets see the pics.

coach

My buddy has four bands in the last two years. Two of them were completely smooth. One of which was paper thin to the point of snapping if messed with.

Love getting banded birds. But one on a ringer, Haha kinda sucks but funny in a way.

Love getting banded birds. But one on a ringer, Haha kinda sucks but funny in a way.

well i have pics of the ring but noone has asked me to send them to them so they csn post them. i cannot figure out how to post them. like hardwire said the ring was very thin.

I did this last year too. Better than trying it myself and screwing it up!

You a duck snob?

To raise the numbers off a band use Muratic acid. You will not believe how well it works. Go to the hardware store buy a small bottle of Muratic acid. I also buy a respirator, goggles and rubber gloves. Mixed the acid 50/50 with water. MAKE SURE YOU POUR THE ACID INTO THE WATER WHEN MIXING. DO NOT...DO NOT...pour the water into the acid, a chemical reaction will take place causing foaming and it is dangerous. I then put the band on a dowel rod and dipped it into the mix slowly swirling it around and lifting it out to periodically check on the progress. After a short time (3 to 5 min.) the acid will raise the numbers and you can read them. I then dip the band into a solution of Baking Soda and water to neutralize the acid and stop the etching process. Please if you attempt this wear the gloves, goggles and respirator. Make sure you pour the acid into the water (not the other way around). Do not breathe any fumes or make skin contact. Take your time and DO NOT scrub the band. Dip, swirl and check the progress repeatedly. Credit susqueduck From the Duckhunters Refuge

Ringers....love em'. Banded ringer, even sweeter. Congrats!

My man!