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A Field Report From John Devney
I certainly relish the days I can get out of the office and into the field. I had one of those rare opportunities last week and was able to travel to our Cando, ND trap site and have a look at breeding habitat conditions along the way.
While past trips have revealed dry conditions, I was struck by how water conditions have deteriorated in just a few short weeks. While most small wetlands were dry a couple of weeks ago, now many large permanent wetlands are bone dry or significantly receding. Also, the loss of CRP cover continues to be very apparent.
Play video of John's trip to Cando, ND
The good news is Delta continues to support great young researchers doing wonderful work. I had the chance to tag along as they were netting mallards and doing nest checks and as always seeing their dedication and commitment to waterfowl science. Watch the video and see a living journal of my day in the field!
Conditions Mixed, Update on Predator Management Work - Joel Brice Reports
 Through our predator management program each spring, Delta Waterfowl targets specific areas of the Prairie Pothole Region that contain very high populations of breeding ducks. Yet, in each of these areas, we predict high nest predation rates.
To "level the playing field," we hire professional trappers to treat these areas, and our research results over the years have been impressive: a consistent doubling of nest success.
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Spring Survey Field Report by Cam Meuckon
 In early May when the breeding season is in full swing, waterfowl biologists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) head afield to estimate breeding populations for ducks and geese. These surveys are done annually and are used to monitor population status and determine annual hunting regulations across North America. I've been fortunate enough to be involved with these annual air / ground surveys for the last 5 years, originally as a student technician with CWS and this year contributing to the survey on behalf of Delta Waterfowl.
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Burford, ON | Chairperson: Martin Kurnac (519) 449-1336
Hibbing, MN | Chairperson: Scott Sterbenz (218) 969-5004
Winsted, CT | Chairperson: Robert H. Nichols Jr. (860) 307-2861
Salisbury, MO | Chairperson: Shawn Beck (660) 414-5247
For more information on starting or joining a Delta Waterfowl Chapter in your area please call Delta's Bismarck North Dakota office at 888-987-3695 or visit Delta's Chapter page.
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