Good sign!

[Jason Zerrer]

On the heels of those pictures that Nemont posted up the other day it looks like the ducks are likin' the water quite a bit.

North Dakota Breeding Duck Survey 2005
from DU

For the last 58 years, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department has conducted a standardized, ground-based, breeding duck survey. The results of that survey have just been released. In summary:

The 2005 water index was down 8% from 2004 but remained 21% above the 1948-2004 average. The 2005 duck index was down 4% from 2004 but exceeded the 1948-2004 average index by 100%. The 2005 index is the seventh highest on record.

Periodic rains, which began during the survey period, have continued across the state. These rains have substantially improved habitat conditions in many areas, increasing the water levels in semi-permanent basins and filling many seasonal wetlands. Typically, this scenario promotes a strong breeding effort by ducks, more aggressive re-nesting, and enhanced brood survival.

[Mark Brendemuehl]

Jason- Its been so dry the last few years here that all this water will fill in some of the potholes we used to hunt. It could be a great season. The only problem is all this water also means fields were planted late, very late in some cases, if at all. Migrating birds coming through here might be out of luck for food. We will see.
Mark

[Tony Vandemore]

That's always good to hear. Word is the snow went out as early as they can remember way up north and the conditions are very good for the most part. Hopefully the geese will respond to the conditions.

[tealtom]

Great news. It's good to hear that the birds will come farther south to get some food this year. Last year everyone got skunked because the birds didn't come down here.

[Josh A. Long]

Maybe, the south won't get short stopped again this year! Maybe!