The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported that overall duck numbers remain high. Total populations were estimated at 47.3 million breeding ducks in the traditional survey area, which is similar to last year’s estimate of 48.4 million and is 34 percent above the 1955-2016 long-term average. The projected mallard fall flight index is 12.9 million birds, similar to the 2016 estimate of 13.5 million.
The determining factor for duck breeding success is wetland and upland habitat conditions in the key breeding landscapes of the prairies and the boreal forest. Conditions observed across the U.S. and Canadian survey areas during the 2017 breeding population survey were generally similar to last year with a few exceptions. The total pond estimate for the United States and Canada combined was 6.1 million, which is 22% above the 2016 estimate of 5.0 million and 17% above the long-term average of 5.2 million.
Although most migratory game bird populations remain abundant, when and where birds will be encountered depends on many factors. Food availability, habitat and weather conditions, and other factors all influence local bird abundance, distribution, behavior and, ultimately, hunter success.
The spring surveys provide the scientific basis for many management programs across the continent, including hunting regulations. Individual states set their hunting seasons within a federal framework of season length, bag limits and dates. Hunters should check the rules in their states for final dates and bag limits.
Species estimates are:
Mallards: 10.5 million, 11% lower than 2016 and 34% above Long Term Average; Gadwall: 4.2 million, 13% above 2016 and 111% above LTA; American wigeon: 2.8 million, 19% below 2016 and 6% above LTA; Green-winged teal: 3.6 million, 16% below 2016 and 70% above LTA; Blue-winged teal: 7.9 million, 18% above 2016 and 57% above LTA ; Northern shovelers: 4.4 million, 10% above 2016 and 69% above LTA; Northern pintails: 2.9 million, 10% above 2016 and 27% below LTA; Redheads: 1.1 million, 13% below 2016 and 55% above LTA; Canvasbacks: 0.7 million, similar to 2016 and 25% above LTA; Scaup: 4.4 million, 12% below 2016 and 13% below LTA