News Release Archives - June 2007
June 4, 2007
Spring Duck Index Down from Last Year, Above Long-Term Average
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 60th annual spring breeding duck survey showed an index of more than 3.2 million birds, down 13 percent from last year but still 51 percent above the long-term average.
The survey, conducted May 7-11, showed duck indices were down or unchanged from 2006, depending on the species. Mallards, pintail, gadwall, wigeon, scaup and ruddy ducks were about the same as last year. Green-winged teal (35 percent) and canvasback (30 percent) had the most significant decreases. However, all species except pintail remained above the 1948-2006 average.
The 2007 water index was up 39 percent from 2006 and 43 percent above long-term. Mike Johnson, game management section leader, cautions that the index is based on basins with water, and does not necessarily represent the amount of water contained in wetlands. “Our survey crews indicated that many wet basins held very little water at the time of the survey, and that a high percentage of ponds that had small amounts of water would soon be totally dry without the addition of significant precipitation,” he said.
Water levels in some semi-permanent and many permanent wetlands throughout the state are still high. In eastern and southeastern North Dakota, significant snow and spring rains have filled most wetlands. However, in the western two-thirds of the state many seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands are dry or nearly dry. That means brood-rearing habitat will be limited unless significant precipitation falls soon.
Recent rains likely improved pond conditions in some portions of the state, Johnson said, but more rain over a longer duration would be beneficial. “A few hot days with high winds would most likely negate the recent moisture,” he said.
Reports indicate South Dakota is experiencing significantly improved water conditions, due primarily to late winter and early spring precipitation. Also, reports from Canada indicate that for the third consecutive year much of the prairie pothole region and parklands continue to experience good to excellent water conditions.
The July brood survey will provide a better idea of duck production, and a better insight into what to expect this fall, Johnson said. “Our observations to date indicate that production may be reduced in much of the state due to dry conditions and reduced wetland availability for brood production,” he added. “However, fall weather always has a big impact on the success of the hunting season.”
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