The results of the 2009 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey have been published, and the results are nothing short of outstanding and a reason to celebrate. Pond counts within the survey area were up 45% over 2008 and 31% above the long-term average. Waterfowl numbers are up 13% over 2008 and 25% above the long-term average.
Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
With the exception of Widgeon and Redheads all other species experienced double-digit increases over 2008 survey results – with mallards up 10%, Pintail 23% and Canvasback 35%.
While Redhead numbers are down 1% for 2008, they remain 62% above the long-term average along with the other top contenders, with Gadwall at 73%, Green-winged Teal at 79%, Blue-winged teal at 60% and Northern Shoveler at 92% above the long term average.
The struggling Northern Pintail population experienced a welcomed 23% increase over 2008, bringing them to 20% below the long-term average. Scaup numbers jumped 13% over 2008, and 25% above the long-term average.
Of course, there are ongoing habitat and breeding concerns for various species but let’s take a week and wallow in the moment. It was a long, cold winter that lingered well into late spring. If the price to pay for the extended misery of sub-zero temperatures, ice, snow, slush and flooding from spring run-off is a boon in the duck population, we’ll take it. In fact, if this migration update included a streaming live webcam in the WFC office, you’d see us dancing on the tables right now.
Based on the survey results, waterfowl hunters across the U.S. should expect a liberal season framework in all four flyways. The rebound on Canvasback numbers should be more than enough to have the season open again this year and the Scaup increase could be enough to relax the extremist season-within-a-season structure – we hope.
While increased duck numbers don’t equate to a banner duck season for every hunter that heads to the field, it does offer hope and the chance for increased opportunity – and that is enough. When the steel gray skies of autumn descend over the marsh and you strain your eyes to catch a glimpse of a passing flock, or turn your ear towards the whistle of wings, you do it with hope because that is what duck hunting is; you hope to see a few ducks, you hope they work the decoys, you hope you shoot straight, you hope the dog performs well and you hope your friends and family have a good time to. Yep, there ain’t no hope like a duck hunters hope, and that said, we hope you see your share of ducks this season, ‘cuz there’s gonna be a lot of them.’
Until our next report, get on those plans and get ready to fix those blinds. The early teal and goose seasons are just around the corner.
