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| Late summer roadside counts during July
and August provide information on pheasant population reproductive
success, and give a clearer indication of pheasant numbers for
the fall hunting season. Spring Duck Index Remains High The number of breeding ducks in North Dakota continues to remain high, according to the recent spring breeding duck survey conducted annually by the State Game and Fish Department. The 2003 duck index is down 27 percent from last year's index, but is still 99 percent above the long-term average. However, the 2002 figure was probably not an accurate representation of breeding duck numbers, according to Mike Johnson, North Dakota Game and Fish Department waterfowl biologist. "It was clear from our data that the 2002 index was comprised of a large number of ducks that were not settled at the time of the survey," Johnson said. "Thus, large numbers of migrants [ducks that were still en route to other breeding grounds] were likely represented in the record high index of 2002." The 56th annual spring survey, conducted May 11-16, showed an index of more than 3.9 million birds. "We have been riding a remarkable high since 1995," Johnson said. "Overall, duck populations remain high, and the Dakotas have produced large numbers of ducks in recent years." Duck indices for all species, except scaup which had a record high, were down from 2002. However, all species, except green-winged teal and canvasback, remain above the 1948-2002 average. The index for mallards was up 187 percent from the long-term average, and the fourth highest on record. Green-winged teal was down 11 percent, and canvasback was down eight percent. The survey is conducted by biologists driving more than 1,800 miles on eight routes spread across the state running from Canada to South Dakota. Observers count all ducks and water areas within 220 yards of the roadway, Johnson said. "This large sample gives indices from which we can compare year-to-year changes and the long-term trends of habitat conditions and waterfowl numbers." The 2003 water index was up 42 percent from last year and 58 percent above the 1948-2002 average. Water indices were up on all eight transects, Johnson said, with better water conditions noted in the northern portion of the state, especially the northwest. "Water conditions in many of the larger semi-permanent and permanent wetlands remain high," he added. "Many temporary, seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands had dried since last spring, but rains just prior to the survey resulted in some increases in water area numbers, especially roadside ditches and temporary wetlands. "Nesting cover in the state is in good shape," Johnson continued, "with more than 3 million acres of CRP. However, there are serious concerns about the effects new CRP haying and grazing rules will have on nesting waterfowl and other upland nesting birds." Reports indicate that South Dakota has generally good water conditions and duck numbers. A bright spot, according to Johnson, is that the prairies of western Saskatchewan and Alberta have received above normal precipitation during the past few months and water conditions are now good to very good in much of these important duck production areas. "The July brood survey will give us a better idea of duck production, and a better insight into what to expect this fall," Johnson said. "From what we have seen, production should be above average." Despite large populations and prospects for a good production year, fall weather always has a big impact on the success of the hunting season, Johnson said. "We will just have to wait and see what October brings." Spring Ruffed Grouse Population Shows Substantial Increase North Dakota's spring ruffed grouse survey indicated a 106 percent population increase statewide compared to 2002, but that doesn't mean birds will be plentiful during the hunting season, according to John W. Schulz, private land section leader for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Sunrise counts taken on 215 miles of survey routes this spring showed a 143 percent increase in male grouse drumming activity in the Turtle Mountains compared to last year, a 113 percent increase in the Pembina Hills, and a 29 percent decrease in McHenry County (J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge). "Don't let the percentages fool you," Schulz said. "Ruffed grouse populations are still at a relatively low level following the apparent cyclic low in 2002." Ruffed grouse populations run in 10-year cycles, Schulz said. The last population peak |
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