Duck Numbers Up For 2009
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in their 2009 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, the preliminary duck population grew 13% to 42 million. This year’s estimate is 25% above the 1955-2008 average and is reflective of breeding ponds being 45% above last year’s estimate among other factors.
Some highlights from the survey include:
* Pintail, Canvasback and shoveler populations were up over 20% each.
* Gadwall, Green & Blue-Winged Teal and Redheads are above their long-term averages.
* Ponds increased to 6.4 million – 45% above long-term averages
The spring surveys provide scientific basis for many management programs across the continent including the setting of hunting regulations. The Flyway Councils will meet in July to recommend and adopt the season and bag limits for 2009-10 and the individual states will follow soon thereafter.
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