Portable platforms for setting rocket nets in open-water areas

Portable platforms for setting rocket nets in open-water habitats were developed and used to capture 1116 waterfowl of seven species during September and October 1991 and 1992 in southwestern Louisiana. Incidence of mortality (1% of captured birds) and escape (3% of captured birds) was low. Rocket-netting from platforms was a reliable and efficient technique for capturing waterfowl, and should be applicable to other avian species using open-water habitats.