Smith: Duck numbers dip slightly but still flying high

Under generally good conditions for waterfowl, wildlife officials reported 47.3 million ducks this spring in North America, the fifth-highest total on record.

The duck estimate is 2% below 2016 but 34% above the long-term average.

Among geese, the two major Canada goose populations in the Mississippi Flyway both showed increases of at least 10%.

The information is contained in the 2017 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, a joint project of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Service. This year's data was released Tuesday by the USFWS. 

“The duck numbers remain really strong,” said Frank Rohwer, president of Delta Waterfowl, the Bismarck, North Dakota-based conservation organization. 

From a historical perspective, the last decade has seen consistently high duck and goose numbers, including a record 49.5 million ducks in 2015.

Although survey data and hunting experiences don't always agree, many U.S. waterfowl hunters claim the modern conditions are "the good old days."

In Wisconsin, for example, a generation of duck hunters has grown up knowing only six-bird daily bag limits and 60-day seasons, the most liberal format allowed by the USFWS.

"It's certainly positive to be looking forward to another 60-day season," said Don Kirby, executive director of the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association. "But I worry that losses in CRP and other habitat will cause us to pay the piper in the future and potentially shorter seasons will be hard for hunters to accept. For now, good precipitation levels are masking the habitat losses."

Federal, provincial and state agencies conduct surveys each spring to estimate the size of breeding waterfowl populations and to evaluate habitat conditions.

The work is conducted using airplanes and helicopters; the survey area covers more than 2 million square miles of the principal waterfowl breeding areas of North America.

The continental survey has been conducted annually since 1955 and provides the single best picture of waterfowl populations.

In general, habitat conditions during the 2017 Waterfowl Breeding and Population Habitat Survey were similar to or improved relative to 2016, with a few exceptions. 

The total pond estimate (Prairie Canada and U.S. combined) was 6.1 million, 22% above last year and 17% higher than the long-term average.

North Dakota was a notable exception to the generally good reports from across North America. Surveys in the Roughrider State showed an 8% drop in duck production, according to a mid-July waterfowl assessment.

The lower number of broods was linked to drier conditions this year in the Dakotas. A drought resulted in 38% fewer water bodies counted this summer, according to the North Dakota Fame and Fish Department.

Mallards were once again the most abundant species in North America, at 10.5 million (11% lower than 2016 and 34% above the long-term average).

The second-most common duck species was blue-winged teal at 7.9 million (up 18% from 2016 and 57% from the average).

Northern shovelers and scaup were tied for third at 4.4 million each. The shovelers were up 10% and 69%.

Scaup, however, are one of the few duck species showing declines. The 2017 estimate was 12% below 2016 and 13% below the long-term average.

Gadwall was next, at 4.2 million (up 13% and 111%).

Other species of note include: Green-winged teal (3.6 million, down 16% and up 70%); American wigeon (2.8 million, 19% down and 6% up); Northern pintails (2.9 million, 10% up and 27% below); Redheads (1.1 million, 13% down and 55% up); and canvasbacks (0.7 million, similar to 2016 and 25% up).

Wood ducks, typically Wisconsin's second-most abundant duck species, are not included in the annual continental survey.

Among geese, the two populations that matter most to Wisconsin hunters — Mississippi Flyway Giant and Mississippi Flyway Interior — were up 16% and 10%.

The North American survey results come on the heels of positive reports from Wisconsin.

In late June the Department of Natural Resources reported a 23% increase in ducks and a 22% increase in Canada geese this spring, according to the state's annual breeding waterfowl survey.

Regulations already have been set for the 2017 Wisconsin waterfowl hunting seasons. 

The rules include a six-duck daily bag limit and 60-day hunting seasons in all zones.

Opening day is Sept. 23 in the north zone and Sept. 30 in the south and Mississippi zones. 

The early Canada goose season will also be held from Sept. 1-15. The daily bag limit during the early season is five geese.

“The surveys indicate that wetland conditions and populations of most frequently harvested ducks remain above the long-term average, and for most species, populations were at or above those from last year,” said Tom Moorman, chief scientist for Ducks Unlimited.

“This is great news for waterfowlers who can now turn their attention to preparing habitat, tuning up dogs and relentlessly watching the weather forecasts for the onset of fall and winter weather that will push the birds on their annual southward migration."