Save the Hens accomplishes its goal by creating predator management landscapes. Each predator management landscape is a well-defined area of Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) habitat. Areas targeted attract 20 – 60 breeding pairs of ducks per square mile. Using GIS mapping and a GPS system, that helps us blend nesting structures, predator management and habitat enhancement for improved nesting success. Additionally, Save the Hens will locate and restore natural nesting islands that attract huge breeding densities of Gadwalls and Mallards. All of these actions will work to create a better duck producing landscape all around.
Currently, there are fewer habitats and an expanded population of predators. On average, 93 out of 100 duck hens fail at reproducing. 0 out of a 100 is common in many areas. Add to this the fact that hens often lose their life trying to hatch a brood, and you have “habitat” producing a net loss of ducks. 
Removing the imbalance of predators by trapping in existing habitat has proven highly effective, often raising duck nest success in an area from 0, 1%, or 2% to over 40%.
The focus of our program is on creating predator free nesting. While trapping is a huge part of this, it is not the only answer. We must continue to enhance the existing habitat. This involves removing trees from waterfowl habitats and managing the grass acres we have. For natural reproduction, ducks require at least 40% of the landscape be grass. Even with the Agriculture Departments Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) we are not getting this number widespread; I know of many CRP fields that fail to produce any ducks. Lots of wetlands have 0 grass cover.
As duck producers we must accomplish two goals. First it is crucial to increase production in the most cost effective way possible. Secondly, we must be accepted into rural communities. Save the Hens aims to build a positive relationship with the people in the PPR. Save the Hens will work with landowners to decrease crop-destroying predators thereby increasing their yield. Fewer predators mean fewer grass acres will be needed for successful waterfowl production. Save the Hens will
then be raising ducks in the farmed PPR habitats. These farmed habitats need our help.
Another way in which Save the Hens works to be a cooperative partner to rural communities is in hiring local people. Working locally benefits the waterfowl and their habitat, but also improves the rural economies that support duck production. By working with these rural communities and not trying to constantly acquire their land we can make a difference.
