North Dakota Wetland Conditions Fair for Duck Hunting

The North Dakota Recreation and Fish Division’s annual fall wetland survey signifies honest wetland circumstances for duck searching all through the state.

Andy Dinges, Division migratory sport fowl biologist, stated the variety of duck searching wetlands are up statewide about 26% from excessive drought circumstances skilled final fall, however nonetheless 29% under the long-term common. The variety of duck searching sort wetlands counted on the survey was the sixth lowest since 2003.

He stated all areas are nonetheless under common for the variety of duck searching wetlands noticed, however the northwest (up 102%) and north central (up 51%) confirmed the best enchancment from final 12 months.

Whereas the variety of wetlands recorded within the northeast and south central areas had been just like fall 2021, Dinges stated the southeastern a part of the state noticed a couple of 30% improve within the variety of duck searching wetlands.

“Wetland circumstances had been fairly good this spring and early summer time all through a lot of the state following spring blizzards and above common rainfall by means of early summer time, however a lot of the state has acquired under common precipitation for the final two to a few months inflicting most of our ephemeral wetlands to dry up,” Dinges stated. “Nonetheless, we’re nonetheless holding on to most of our semi-permanent wetlands. Most of those remaining wetlands are in good condition, offering a promising outlook for the season. Nonetheless, some semi-permanent wetlands are actually starting to dry up and hunters ought to anticipate mud margins round some wetlands, presumably making searching tougher.”

The standard of waterfowl searching in North Dakota is basically decided by climate circumstances and migration patterns. Dinges stated honest to good copy for geese in conventional breeding areas this 12 months nonetheless makes for good fall searching alternatives.

“Hunters ought to all the time scout due to everchanging circumstances and distribution of waterfowl,” he stated. “Hunters must also be cautious driving off-trail to keep away from tender spots, and whereas encountering areas of tall vegetation that might be a fireplace hazard.”

The autumn wetland survey is performed in mid-September, simply previous to the waterfowl searching season to supply an evaluation of circumstances duck hunters can anticipate. Duck searching wetlands are categorised as seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands.