Delta Waterfowl Releases Annual Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey

by
posted on August 11, 2016
delta_duck_report_f.jpg (1)

North America's breeding duck population has taken a slight dip in 2016, but remains well-above the long-term average, according to the annual Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey released by Delta Waterfowl.

The annual survey, which has been conducted jointly by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Service since 1955, puts the breeding duck population at 48.36 million. 2015's report indicated a record population of 49.52 million.

"The duck numbers are amazingly good," said Dr. Frank Rohwer, president of Delta Waterfowl. "Mallard numbers are especially surprising, and show why they are the most abundant duck in the world. They adapt to conditions exceptionally well.

The 2016 survey marks the highest estimates ever recorded for mallards and green-winged teal. The news was not as good for pintails, which dropped for a fifth-straight year.

"It's really clear that pintails overflew the prairies," said Rohwer, citing a 60 percent decline in breeding numbers in southern Saskatchewan. "Pintails and bluewings didn't find the seasonal and temporary wetlands they prefer for breeding, so much of the population did not settle in the prairies. When pintails overfly the prairies, production is always down."

The announcement comes on the heels of an earlier report from the organization, which forecasted a reduced fall duck flight. Indeed, fewer juveniles are expected to be in the air this season. Young ducks are generally easier to decoy and make up a significant portion of the hunter harvest.

"We'll be hunting flocks with more adult ducks in them this season, but the flights should be strong," Rohwer said.

For more information, go to DeltaWaterfowl.org.

Latest

AR Platform Rifles Becoming More Common Afield Lead
AR Platform Rifles Becoming More Common Afield Lead

AR-Platform Rifles Becoming More Common Afield

Forty-one percent of surveyed hunters used an AR-platform rifle at some time for hunting, according to the findings of research conducted by Responsive Management for the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation.   

#SundayGunday: Taurus Expedition

This week, we’re taking a closer look at the Taurus Expedition, the company’s first-ever bolt-action rifle.

Tips for Moving Your Stand During Deer Season

Hunt long enough and you’ll encounter the need to move a deer stand during the season. Here are some tips for the best ways to do so.

Behind the Bullet: .300 Savage

Having celebrated its 100th birthday in 2020, the .300 Savage remains a sound choice as a big-game cartridge—especially in the woods of the Eastern United States.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Hunting Public-Land Bucks

Perhaps the best thing a hunter can do to up their odds on public land is to cover a trail a buck uses to get to his bed at daylight. Look closely to find it, because you can be sure it won’t be covered in sign.

Ducks Unlimited to Rejuvenate Nesting Habitat in Nebraska

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) awarded grants to Ducks Unlimited (DU) for three projects in the Great Plains, including $6 million to endeavors in the heart of Nebraska’s prairie wetlands.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.