Hey Memphis I see this question wasn't directed to me, here's a link that might help explain these migratory game bird laws.
http://lula.law.cornell.edu/cfr/cfr.php ... t&value=20
According to this, a wanton waste violation doesn't have anything to do with the method of cleaning your ducks. I may be wrong about this, but I have always heard that a Wanton waste viloation typically occurs in conjunction with a shooting over the limit violation. For example, a warden catches a viloator who "stashed" birds in the field to be picked up later because he was over the limit that morning. Those boys in AR that you were referring to probably got a ticket for transporting duck breasts which are totatlly unidentifiable. A wing or head must be attached to the bird while it's in "transit".
Unfortunantly, the possesion limit is just that. I too have the same worries every time I go to AR (which is generally for 3 or more days at a time)
They are not going to come check your home for the possesion limit, but the Wardens do check duck camps on a regular basis over in AR. And I hear that it is happening more here in MS too. It's best to try to give away anything over your possesion limit while out of town.
Have a good trip!!!
driven every kind of rig that's ever been made, driven the backroads so I wouldn't get weighed. - Lowell George