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We are changing our regulations on release and take of captive-reared mallards. We propose to prohibit the release of free-flying captive-reared mallards except on authorized shooting preserves or for dog training or field trial operations. If properly marked captive-reared mallards are released on shooting preserves in a free-flying condition to be shot at a later date and allowed to free-range with wild ducks, the take of these birds will be regulated in accordance with hunting regulations governing the take of mallard ducks from the wild. We propose to continue to allow shooting preserves to take captive-reared mallards that are properly marked, in any number, at any time, provided that such birds are released using a flighted method and are shot immediately after release. These proposed changes to the regulations will help to protect the health of wild mallard populations and the development and enforcement of migratory bird hunting regulations.