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Wetlands Extremely Dry in Central, Western Parts of State
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department's annual fall wetland survey indicates approximately 23 percent fewer wetlands available for duck hunting than last year. Mike Szymanski, migratory game bird biologist, said the number of wetlands decreased statewide, but huntable conditions persist further east in the state.
"Hunters will definitely need to get out and scout to find places to hunt," Szymanski said.
Most of the state had little spring run-off, but the northeastern and southeastern portions of the state had more water carry over from last fall, Szymanski said. Additionally, heavy rains in late September in some isolated areas further east likely improved conditions after the survey was completed.
Wetland numbers continue to decline in the central and northwestern portions of the state as drought conditions persist. "Few wetlands remain in the western two-thirds of the state, and although conditions declined statewide, the eastern one-third of the state certainly has huntable water," Szymanski said.
Wetland habitats across North Dakota have been declining in recent years due to drought. Minimal runoff because of a lack of snow, and infrequent summer rains, did not replenish wetlands any further than about 20 miles west of U.S. Highway 281, Szymanski said. "Drying of wetlands is all part of the natural cycle that they need to go through to remain productive," he added. "Unfortunately, many places that people have hunted in recent years will likely be dry again, or for the first time in many years."
The wetland survey is conducted in mid-September just prior to the waterfowl hunting season to provide an assessment of conditions duck hunters can expect.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department's annual fall wetland survey indicates approximately 23 percent fewer wetlands available for duck hunting than last year. Mike Szymanski, migratory game bird biologist, said the number of wetlands decreased statewide, but huntable conditions persist further east in the state.
"Hunters will definitely need to get out and scout to find places to hunt," Szymanski said.
Most of the state had little spring run-off, but the northeastern and southeastern portions of the state had more water carry over from last fall, Szymanski said. Additionally, heavy rains in late September in some isolated areas further east likely improved conditions after the survey was completed.
Wetland numbers continue to decline in the central and northwestern portions of the state as drought conditions persist. "Few wetlands remain in the western two-thirds of the state, and although conditions declined statewide, the eastern one-third of the state certainly has huntable water," Szymanski said.
Wetland habitats across North Dakota have been declining in recent years due to drought. Minimal runoff because of a lack of snow, and infrequent summer rains, did not replenish wetlands any further than about 20 miles west of U.S. Highway 281, Szymanski said. "Drying of wetlands is all part of the natural cycle that they need to go through to remain productive," he added. "Unfortunately, many places that people have hunted in recent years will likely be dry again, or for the first time in many years."
The wetland survey is conducted in mid-September just prior to the waterfowl hunting season to provide an assessment of conditions duck hunters can expect.
