That is what bugged me Stew.  Also, it was pretty lightly colored.  It sure looked exactly like a Mottled duck which I have held in my hands before, except for the classic Mallard white bars. Also, mottled would be crazy rare in SK. I leaned toward Black/Mallard hybrid.  Pattern of black, but wing spec of mallard, lighter colors like Mallard. I reached out to Delta Waterfowl and will see what they have to say.  
have you guys that killed Blacks seen them lighter colored like this bird?  Hen Black duck maybe?  
Thanks for all your thoughts guys.