To any waterfowler battling the elements is something you become accustom to and in some cases even look forward to, but we may be in the midst of battling the toughest element of them all, the drought. Up and down the flyways “drought” is a dreaded word. Following a winter with record setting temperatures and below average moisture we are now in the critical time for waterfowl reproduction. It is a great time for waterfowlers to examine the factors that ensure fall skies are filled with birds.
Compared with the past few years there is definitely a reduction in the number of temporary wetlands. Waterfowl species are forced to work a little bit harder this spring finding a place to nest. Early indications show the breeding mallard population is back to 1994 numbers. 1994 was the year that waterfowl hunting really began to heat up following the dry years of the eighties and early nineties. How will this effect this hunting season? The extent of the effects on hunting success remains to be determined.
In the quest for the walleye hotspot, I have had the opportunity to spend some time gauging the status of wetlands throughout the state. Overall, there are definitely fewer potholes than in the past few years, however recent rains have stabilized some bodies of water. Conservation really becomes essential at these times. The recent Farm Bill appears to be a winner for farmers, outdoorsmen and wildlife. The impact of such legislation on wildlife is no more apparent than during the dry cycle. During wet years it is easy to loose sight of the necessity of conservation. The challenges and hardships the influx of water has brought is also fresh in the minds of farmers. Many wetlands contracts, which ensure wetlands are not drained are up for renewal. Without legislation and strong support from waterfowlers and conservation organizations, we may risk losing more precious wetlands. We must communicate the importance of preserving wetlands and communicating their value. We cannot afford to lose any wetlands.
Along with the loss of precious nesting cover, small predators are also in strong supply. Over the past few years, skunks, raccoons and other fur bearers numbers are on the rise. With trapping almost non existent their numbers continue to grow. These scavengers no doubt have a dramatic effect of nesting success on the prairie. Without holding their numbers in check waterfowl face a very formable adversary. Crows and hawks are also present in strong numbers. It is difficult to drive more than a mile or two without seeing a red tailed hawk or crows, these birds are also a threat to the nesting waterfowl. I heard an interesting quote, “Kill a Crow, Save a Duck” not something that too many waterfowlers think about but it may have some merit as these scavengers raid nests. Waterfowlers should take advantage of the opportunity to harvest crows and possibly save a duck. (Check the North Dakota Small Game Proclamation for Crow Season Information)
The numbers appear to be stacked against ducks and geese this spring, but that is what makes waterfowl success even more rewarding. I can’t wait for upcoming opportunities to get out and gauge the success of this years hatch. Take some time to visit you favorite wetlands this summer and see what type of nesting success the hens have had. There is something about seeing a hen with a brood of ducklings that makes a waterfowler realize the tenacity and determination that have precluded this success. It is also a great time to determine why the hen was successful and determine what you can do to ensure that more birds enjoy the same success. Successfully hatches inevitably lead to success in the fall. As waterfowlers, we must do anything we can to ensure another nesting success story next year.
