Breeding duck population up 23% in Wisconsin
An annual Wisconsin breeding waterfowl survey found a 23% increase in ducks and a 22% increase in Canada geese this spring, according to the Department of Natural Resources.
Combined with relatively good pond conditions, the stage is set for increased waterfowl production in the Badger State, according to the agency.
The DNR estimated the state's breeding duck population at 479,099 for 2017, a sharp rise from last year and 9% above the 44year mean.
The three most abundant breeding duck species in the state all showed an increase this spring: Mallards were estimated at 180,930, up 10% from 2016 and right at the longterm mean; wood ducks were estimated at 102,397, a 14% increase from last year and 28% above the historical average; and blue-winged teal were estimated at 85,526, up 125% from 2016 but 20% below the long-term mean.
All other duck species were combined and estimated at 110,246, up 12% from 2016 and 72% over the long-term mean. Species observed this year included common goldeneye, hooded and common merganser, green-winged teal, ruddy duck, pintail, hooded merganser, common merganser and northern shoveler.
Black ducks were absent from this year's survey.
The statewide breeding Canada goose population estimate of 158,023 is up 22% from 2016 and 64% above the 31-year mean.
The bird counts for the Wisconsin breeding survey, now in its 44th year, were conducted between April 24 and May 7 by DNR and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel in aircraft and on the ground.
The Wisconsin Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey is modeled after the continental survey performed by federal officials in the U.S. and Canada.
The in-state work provides a long-term measure of waterfowl breeding trends; the data are used at the national and state level for monitoring waterfowl populations and making management decisions.
A very mild winter in 2016-'17 combined with above normal rainfall in March and April led to wet conditions throughout Wisconsin, according to the DNR.
Rainfall in May following the survey helped Wisconsin remain at above average wetland conditions for the year during the important brood-rearing period, and Wisconsin is expected to see good duck production in 2017, the DNR said.
Approximately 70% of mallards taken by hunters in Wisconsin are state-reared birds, according to DNR figures.
The DNR has advocated continued efforts to control mallard harvest (one hen daily bag limit, for example) and support for grassland nesting habitat conservation are important to the future of Wisconsin's local mallard population.
Continental breeding waterfowl population estimates from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey are expected to arrive in July.
Regulations already haven been set for the 2017 Wisconsin waterfowl hunting seasons.
The rules include a six-duck daily bag limit and 60-day hunting seasons in all zones.
Opening day is Sept. 23 in the north zone and Sept. 30 in the south and Mississippi zons.
Sharptail season canceled: As a result of recent declines in the number of sharp-tailed grouse counted in spring surveys, the DNR will offer no permits for the fall 2017 hunting season.
Each year, the Sharptailed Grouse Advisory Committee, which consists of DNR wildlife biologists and interested conservation groups, uses spring dancing ground surveys to recommend permit levels for the sharp-tailed grouse hunting season.
The decision to prohibit hunting comes after the 2017 spring survey showed an 18% decline in sharpies observed.
By state law, sharptailed grouse will retain their status as a game species. DNR staff is hopeful the population will respond positively to ongoing focused habitat management efforts.