Frequently asked questions

DuckTracks is a social platform for tracking physical rubber ducks around the world. Users scan QR codes on rubber ducks, claim them, document their journey with photos and messages, then pass them along for others to discover. It's like geocaching but with rubber ducks!

• Create a free account on DuckTracks
• Look for rubber ducks with QR codes at events, cruises, Jeep meetups, or public places
• Scan the QR code with our app to claim the duck
• Take photos and add your story
• Pass the duck to a new location for the next person to find

Ducks are commonly found at:

• Cruise ships and ports
• Jeep meetups and off-road events
• Shopping malls and public spaces
• Tourist attractions and landmarks
• Community events and festivals
• Anywhere adventurous people gather!

No! You can start by finding ducks that others have placed. When you want to launch your own, pick up QR tags, starter kits, or ready-to-go ducks in the DuckTracks shop.

When you scan a duck's QR code, you'll see its complete journey history including all previous locations, photos, and messages from other hunters. You can then "claim" the duck, add your own photos and message, and choose where to pass it next.

There's no strict time limit, but the spirit of duck tracking is to pass them along so others can enjoy the adventure too. Most people keep a duck for a few days to a few weeks before passing it to a new location.

Yes! Once you've interacted with a duck, you can follow its journey and see where it goes next. You'll get notifications when someone new finds your duck and can see all the new photos and messages added to its story.

If a duck's QR code is damaged or won't scan, contact us with a photo of the duck and its tag and we'll help get its story back on track.

Yes! You can follow other users to see their duck hunting adventures, and they can follow you back. This creates a social network of duck tracking enthusiasts sharing their journeys.

Yes! There are 25 badges to earn, like finding your first duck, passing ducks along, sending a duck across the country, and more. Every badge is on your badge wall from day one, and locked ones show exactly how to earn them.

Write positive, encouraging messages! Share what the duck meant to you, where you found it, or wishes for its next adventure. Keep messages family-friendly and consider that people of all ages participate in duck tracking.

You need internet to fully interact with ducks (view history, post updates), but you can scan QR codes offline and sync your activity when you're back online.

DuckTracks works on most smartphones with camera and internet access. We support both iOS and Android devices, as well as a web browser version for desktop use.

Your location is recorded when you activate, find, or pass a duck, so we can map its journey. Other people only ever see an approximate location (your city, or a spot rounded to about 2 km, a little over a mile), never your exact GPS coordinates, and you can turn off location access in your phone's settings at any time. See our privacy policy for the details.

Duck tracking is generally very safe, but use common sense. Only place or retrieve ducks in public, safe locations. Don't trespass on private property or put yourself in dangerous situations. Trust your instincts and prioritize safety over finding a duck.

• Keep all content family-friendly
• Respect private property
• Don't place ducks in dangerous or inappropriate locations
• Be kind and encouraging in your messages
• Report any inappropriate content or behavior
• Follow local laws and regulations

While we encourage passing ducks along, there's no penalty for keeping one. Some people collect ducks, and that's okay too! The community is built on trust and the joy of sharing adventures.