The Inside Scoop on the Fall Forecast
A Field Report from Delta President Rob Olson
Rob Olson took a moment recently to respond to the many calls that are coming in to our offices from hunters wanting to know more about what the coming season might have in store for the fall flight of ducks.
Join Olson as he provides some tips on how to interpret this year's waterfowl breeding survey results. We warn you that the conditions look fairly tough overall for duck production this year. But take heart that even when conditions are tough, Delta Waterfowl's cutting edge programs never stop working towards creating better days for ducks and duck hunting.
Watch the video now
From the Breeding Grounds:
It's Dry...Real Dry...Bad Dry
BISMARCK, N.D. -- What a difference a year makes.
Last year the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's annual Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey painted a rosy picture -- Canada had the fourth-highest pond count in recorded history and five duck species were in record or near-record territory.
The 2008 breeding population survey, released this week by the Service, shows a 39 percent decline in Canadian ponds and double-digit percentage drops for 5 of the 10 most abundant species in the traditional survey area.
Read the full press release
Minnesota Hen House Project Update
Though things sound less promising in North Dakota and the Canadian prairies, the remaining wetlands in Minnesota seem to be in pretty good shape. According to the 2008 Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey, conducted in mid-May, wetland and mallard numbers in Minnesota were 32% and 34%, respectively, above their long term averages. This is good news for Minnesota duck hunters, and hopefully wetland conditions will remain good through the fall waterfowl hunting season.
Read more about the MN Hen House Project
Species of the month: Canvasback
As masthead for Delta Waterfowl, the Canvasback has been called the "aristocrat of ducks". Despite its elegant appearance, the Canvasback's Latin name valisinerie is actually taken from wild celery (Vallisneria americana) which is a preferred food outside of the breeding season.
Watch Scientific Director Frank Rohwer's audio slideshow on the canvasback
New Delta Chapters
Sallisaw, OK | Chairperson: Matthew Bennett (918) 775-8847
Holly, MI | Chairperson: Chuck Parr (248) 634-3305
Carrollton, GA | Chairperson: Sam Duke (770) 876-9095
Tallahassee, FL | Chairperson: Jimmy Morris (850) 559-2551
Buckeye, AZ | Chairperson: Ted Faro D.O. (623) 249-4162
Hot Springs, AR | Chairperson: Trey Johnson (501) 617-3151
Puxico, MO | Chairperson: John Yow (314) 640-1014
Sofia, NC | Chairperson: Ryan Dobias (336) 953-8497
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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