Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) introduced the HEN Act to significantly increase the production of mallards across the country and support the hunting community.
“Hunting is a way of life in rural Minnesota, and sportsmen and women have a long history of being strong advocates for wildlife populations. Building hen houses is a non-intrusive, voluntary, and scientifically supported approach to revitalizing falling duck populations,” said Congresswoman Fischbach (MN-07). “I am proud to introduce the HEN Act, which will refocus funds to invest in additional hen houses in the Prairie Pothole Region. This will support the efforts of local sportsmen without creating additional, unnecessary regulatory burdens on our western Minnesota farmers.”
“Waterfowl play an essential role in our wetland ecosystems, yet declining habitats, drought, and increased predation threaten their numbers. I’m glad to work with Rep. Fischbach on this bipartisan bill to boost waterfowl breeding in California and in the Prairie Pothole Region of the upper Midwest," said Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04).
Background: The HEN Act will authorize $3.5 million in competitive grant funding each year for five years for the construction, installation, and maintenance of nearly 20,000 hen houses, resulting in the production of tens of thousands of additional mallards throughout the country.
