Duck survey

[12341234]

They are estimating 48 million breading ducks this year. Sounds low to me if you figure there are a million duck hunters and they kill an average of 48 birds a year then there are 0 left. What exactly is the numbers they talk about and how do they come up with them?

[Rubberhead*]

Breeding ducks usually have babies. Most folks killed the babies and adults survive to breed again...

[YoungBuckTX]

And that doesnt account for the tamie population. Glad to know I'm slightly above the average duck hunter

[Duckman#1]

Ha I know a bunch guys that don't kill 48 a season.

[BRR]

Ha I know a bunch guys that don't kill 48 a season.

Bet you know a couple that kill 300+ as well.

[SouthernWake]

Ha I know a bunch guys that don't kill 48 a season.

It's tough to fit 16 Wood duck hunts in a season

[Duckkiller]

I'd bet half the duck hunting people on this site kill less than 20 a season.

[codeman216]

Mergansers also weren't counted in the survey...just saying


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[willyworm]

What exactly is the numbers they talk about and how do they come up with them?

It's a calculated estimation. I'm no expert but the way I understand it is that they perform extensive flyovers and ground counts at critical breeding grounds, count the pairs then crunch the numbers.

Funny thing is the status of the Prarie Pothole Region can be staunchly different than that of wetlands in the Great Lakes Region and the eastern Canadian provinces (Quebec, PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland) where many of the ducks we get are bred.

The count they provide is a general status of the total duck population on the continent. I don't really lose any sleep over it. Obviously a bad report means bad news for ducks, good reports still may not mean good harvests for us.

[marsh chicken]

It's a calculated estimation. I'm no expert but the way I understand it is that they perform extensive flyovers and ground counts at critical breeding grounds, count the pairs then crunch the numbers.

Funny thing is the status of the Prarie Pothole Region can be staunchly different than that of wetlands in the Great Lakes Region and the eastern Canadian provinces (Quebec, PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland) where many of the ducks we get are bred.

The count they provide is a general status of the total duck population on the continent. I don't really lose any sleep over it. Obviously a bad report means bad news for ducks, good reports still may not mean good harvests for us.

Agreed... It's an overall estimate on the health of the population. I think some people take it too literally. Too many other factors will determine just how successful a season is. Weather, food sources, water, etc play as much of a factor or more in having a good season.

[Sportin' Woodies]

Looking pretty bleak as far as duck numbers go in the prairie potholes. Hopefully they bounce back next year

[Duckman#1]

I'll have a report on water and ducks in Northern Sask in 3 weeks.

[willyworm]

Keep us posted D

[Duckman#1]

Northern Sask. Water looks good. Numbers look goods. Frost yesterday morn and speck seen moving into the area.

[GobblerHntr]

Ha I know a bunch guys that don't kill 48 a season.

This right 'cheer

[marsh chicken]

Northern Sask. Water looks good. Numbers look goods. Frost yesterday morn and speck seen moving into the area.

Damn I'm jealous!! Good luck