7/30/2007

Waterfowl Breeding Population Surveys: Good News

Jackson- This year, breeding population survey numbers have increased for nine of the ten most abundant duck species surveyed, and overall, breeding duck populations rose 14 percent from last year to 41 million birds.  The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Service annually conduct waterfowl population surveys on the breeding grounds to monitor waterfowl populations and help set hunting season frameworks.

The 2007 May pond count was 7 million ponds, an increase of 15 percent over the 2006 count of 6.1 million ponds.  "Wet conditions on the breeding grounds in conjunction with large blocks of nesting habitat are key components to waterfowl production" said Kevin Brunke, Migratory Game Bird Program Biologist for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP).  "Many species of waterfowl seem to have responded well to the improved habitat conditions this year."

Mallard numbers increased to just over 8 million birds, up 10 percent from 2006 estimates.  Gadwalls increased 19 percent to about 3.4 million birds, which is 96 percent above the long-term average from 1955 to 2006.

Additionally, both blue-winged and green-winged teal populations increased to near record highs.  These good habitat conditions and increased blue-winged teal numbers will allow Mississippi waterfowl hunters the opportunity to hunt 16 days during the early teal season which starts September 15^th and ends September 30^th.

Overall, this year's population estimates and habitat conditions are promising.  However, many factors contribute to a good hunting season for Mississippi waterfowl hunters.  Fall and winter weather conditions play a large role in the migration of ducks. 

"If we don't get very cold temperatures in the northern U. S. and in Canada, Mississippi hunters still run the risk of not seeing the benefits of increasing populations" said Scott Baker, MDWFP Migratory Game Bird Program Leader.  "Also, in Mississippi we are largely dependant on rainfall to supply adequate water for wintering waterfowl habitat, so hunters should be cautiously optimistic."

"Our Wildlife Management Area managers and staff have been working hard to create and improve quality habitats for wintering waterfowl" said Houston Havens, MDWFP Migratory Game Bird Program Biologist.  "We have a responsibility to take care of the birds during this important time in their annual cycle by 'setting the table' through habitat management and monitoring."  "MDWFP will continue to do its part to meet the habitat requirements of wintering waterfowl and to provide quality hunting opportunities for Mississippi duck hunters."