North Dakota Outdoors and beyond

Fall Wetland Survey Conducted

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s annual fall wetland survey indicates fair wetland conditions statewide for duck hunting. However, hunters will need to plan ahead because most areas of the state are substantially drier than last year.

Wetland counts were down by about one-half in the northern tier of the state, and about two-thirds in the southern tier. However, waterfowl biologist Mike Szymanski said perception is everything. “Last year’s moisture level was one for the record books,” Szymanski said. “We are left with numbers of wetlands slightly lower than in 2005 and 2009, despite very dry conditions.”

Hunters may find shallow wetlands they hunted last year to be dry.  However, deeper semi-permanent wetlands will likely be holding water. “Most semi-permanent wetlands will also have a mud-margin between cover and the water’s edge,” Szymanski said. “That margin will vary a lot depending on the shape of the wetland, but should not be a major hindrance to hunters in most cases.”

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.

Opening day for North Dakota residents was Sept. 22 for ducks, coots, mergansers and geese. Nonresidents may begin hunting waterfowl in North Dakota Sept. 29.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s May and July waterfowl surveys indicate hunters can expect another large fall flight. Opening day for North Dakota residents is Sept. 22 for ducks, coots, mergansers and geese. Nonresidents may begin hunting waterfowl in North Dakota Sept. 29.

Mike Johnson, game management section leader, said North Dakota’s fall flight – breeding ducks and the young they produce in the state – is based on data from the May breeding duck survey and the July brood survey. “This year’s production was up from last year, and there are strong indications for a good fall flight this year,” Johnson said. “However, late summer has been dry and hunters should scout their favorite areas to check water conditions prior to the opener.”

The brood index from the Game and Fish Department’s annual mid-July survey was up 110 percent from 2011 and exceeded the long-term average by 155 percent. Average brood size was 6.9 ducklings, down 0.8 from last year. The long term average is 7.1 ducklings per brood. The water index observed during the survey was down 48 percent from last year, but still 10 percent above long-term.

Results from the May breeding duck survey indicated the duck index was up 16 percent from 2011 and exceeded the long-term average by 112 percent. Water conditions in May were down 57 percent from 2011 and 6 percent from the long-term average.

Resident hunters must possess a general game and habitat license and a fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate. In addition, hunters age 16 and older must have a small game license and federal duck stamp.

Nonresidents must purchase a nonresident waterfowl license, including the general game and habitat license, and certificate. Hunters age 16 and older must possess a federal duck stamp. Nonresident youth hunters from states that provide a reciprocal licensing agreement for North Dakota residents, qualify for North Dakota resident licenses. See the 2012 North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting Guide for details.

All migratory bird hunters are reminded to register with the Harvest Information Program prior to hunting. Hunters who purchase a license through the state Game and Fish Department website (gf.nd.gov) or instant licensing telephone number (800-406-6409) can easily get HIP certified.

Otherwise, hunters must call (888) 634-4798, or access the department’s website, and record the HIP number on their fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate. Those who registered to hunt the spring light goose season or the early Canada goose season in North Dakota do not have to register with HIP again, as it is required only once per year in each state hunted.

Hunters should refer to the waterfowl hunting guide for season regulations including licensing requirements, dates, bag limits, season zones and nonresident hunting zones.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s May and July waterfowl surveys indicate hunters can expect another large fall flight. Opening day for North Dakota residents is Sept. 22 for ducks, coots, mergansers and geese. Nonresidents may begin hunting waterfowl in North Dakota Sept. 29.

Mike Johnson, game management section leader, said North Dakota’s fall flight – breeding ducks and the young they produce in the state – is based on data from the May breeding duck survey and the July brood survey. “This year’s production was up from last year, and there are strong indications for a good fall flight this year,” Johnson said. “However, late summer has been dry and hunters should scout their favorite areas to check water conditions prior to the opener.”

The brood index from the Game and Fish Department’s annual mid-July survey was up 110 percent from 2011 and exceeded the long-term average by 155 percent.Average brood size was 6.9 ducklings, down 0.8 from last year. The long‑term average is 7.1 ducklings per brood. The water index observed during the survey was down 48 percent from last year, but still 10 percent above long-term.

Results from the May breeding duck survey indicated the duck index was up 16 percent from 2011 and exceeded the long-term average by 112 percent. Water conditions in May were down 57 percent from 2011 and 6 percent from the long-term average.

Resident hunters must possess a general game and habitat license and a fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate. In addition, hunters age 16 and older must have a small game license and federal duck stamp.

Nonresidents must purchase a nonresident waterfowl license, including the general game and habitat license, and certificate. Hunters age 16 and older must possess a federal duck stamp. Nonresident youth hunters from states that provide a reciprocal licensing agreement for North Dakota residents, qualify for North Dakota resident licenses. See the 2012 North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting Guide for details.

All migratory bird hunters are reminded to register with the Harvest Information Program prior to hunting. Hunters who purchase a licensethrough the state Game and Fish Department website (gf.nd.gov) or instant licensing telephone number (800-406-6409) can easily get HIP certified.

Otherwise, hunters must call (888) 634-4798, or access the department’s website, and record the HIP number on their fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate. Those who registered to hunt the spring light goose season or the early Canada goose season in North Dakota do not have to register with HIP again, as it is required only once per year in each state hunted.

Hunters should refer to the waterfowl hunting guide for season regulations including licensing requirements, dates, bag limits, season zones and nonresident hunting zones.

North Dakota’s 2012 fall duck flight is expected to have twice as many birds as last year.

Mike Johnson, game management section leader for the State Game and Fish Department, said the fall flight estimate is a combination of the breeding duck survey and the brood survey.

Results from the breeding duck survey in May indicated the duck index was up 16 percent from 2011 and exceeded the long-term average by 112 percent.

May water conditions were down 57 percent from 2011 and 6 percent from the long-term average.

The mid-July waterfowl production survey revealed the duck brood index was up 110 percent from 2011 and 155 percent above the long-term average. Average brood size was 6.9 ducklings, down 0.8 from last year. The long‑term average is 7.1 ducklings per brood.

The water index in mid-July was down 48 percent from last year, but still 10 percent above the long-term average.

The index does not count every water body or duckling in the state. Instead, representative transects across the state are sampled each year. Over time, survey results provide biologists with trend information that allows annual comparisons of waterfowl production in the state.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s annual spring breeding duck survey showed an index of 4.8 million birds, up 16 percent from last year and 112 percent above the long-term average (1948-2011). The 2012 index is the third highest on record.

All species were well above the long-term average. Wigeon (+88 percent) and green-winged teal (+221 percent) were at record highs. Mallards, gadwall, blue-winged teal, shovelers, redheads and ruddy ducks exceeded the long-term average by more than 100 percent.

Only pintails, shovelers and canvasbacks were down more than 10 percent from last year, and mallards were essentially unchanged. Blue-winged teal were at their highest level since 2001, missing the record high by less than 1 percent.

“Excellent production last summer brought many breeding pairs back to the state,” said Mike Szymanski, waterfowl biologist. “Fortunately, there was still enough habitat to attract them to North Dakota.”

The spring water index was down 57 percent from 2011 and 6 percent from the long-term average. Compared to last year, Szymanski said water indices observed on individual transects were all down 50-65 percent. The water index is based on basins with water, and does not necessarily represent the amount of water contained in wetlands.

“Water conditions were good in larger wetlands, but the lack of snow this past winter and the lack of significant spring rains reduced the number of temporary and seasonal wetlands,” Szymanski said. “Undoubtedly, many wetlands dried up within days of completing the survey.”

Additionally, nesting cover in North Dakota continues to decline. During the survey, Szymanski noted many large tracts of grassland and Conservation Reserve Program land had been converted to cropland since last year. “North Dakota currently has about 2.3 million acres of CRP, which is down about 30 percent from 2007,” Szymanski added. “Projections are that more than 650,000 acres will be lost in 2012, and an additional 1.1 million acres will be lost in 2013-14. The loss of critical nesting cover will be disastrous for breeding ducks, other nesting birds and hunting opportunities in the future.”

The July brood survey will provide a better idea of duck production and insight into expectations for this fall. Observations to date indicate prospects for good production across the state given abundant breeding pairs and average wetland conditions.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s annual spring breeding duck survey showed an index of more than 4.1 million birds, down slightly (-9 percent) from last year but 85 percent above the long-term average (1948-2010). The 2011 index is the ninth highest on record.

Wigeon (+15 percent), blue-winged teal (+12 percent) and pintails (+4 percent and the highest since 1970) were the only ducks to show an increase from last year. However, all species except scaup were well above the long-term average.

Shovelers were down 13 percent from last year’s record high. Mallards were down 4 percent, but had the sixth highest count on record. Indices for all other species were below that of 2010, with the most significant decreases for ruddy ducks (-62 percent), lesser scaup (-58 percent) and redhead (-33 percent).

“Redheads and ruddy ducks were at record highs last year, and scaup numbers were also well-above average,” said Mike Johnson, game management section leader. “So their decline was not surprising.”

The spring water index was up 31 percent from 2010 and 128 percent above the long-term average. It was the second highest in survey history and the highest since 1999. The water index is based on basins with water, and does not necessarily represent the amount of water contained in wetlands.

“Water conditions were exceptional throughout the state, with abundant snow cover and significant spring rains filling most basins,” Johnson said.

Additionally, reports indicate that all of the Prairie Pothole Region in the United States and Canada (from Iowa to Alberta) has excellent water conditions this year. “To our knowledge this is an unprecedented occurrence, at least since surveys have been conducted,” Johnson said.

However, nesting cover in North Dakota continues to decline. During the survey, Johnson noted many large tracts of grassland and Conservation Reserve Program land that had been converted to cropland since last year, or were in the process of being plowed. “North Dakota currently has about 2.6 million acres of CRP, which is down about 22 percent from 2007,” Johnson added. “Projections are that nearly 400,000 acres will be lost in 2011, and an additional 1 million acres will be lost in 2012-13. The loss of critical nesting cover will be disastrous for breeding ducks and hunting opportunities in the future.”

The July brood survey will provide a better idea of duck production and insight into expectations for this fall. Observations to date indicate prospects for high production across the state due to excellent water conditions and increased wetland availability for brood production.

love to write about the outdoors, almost as much as being outdoors. In fact, a short trip on the other side of the window, regardless of whether I bring home any game or fish, often generates a bag limit of stories and discussion topics.

From fishing in the spring and summer to fall hunts and winter excursions, there’s no real downtime. Each year my spring columns tend to focus on lakes, rivers, fish management and biology, plus we’ll sprinkle in some discussions on habitat issues like the Conservation Reserve Program or updates on threats like aquatic nuisance species.

Fall hunting prospects and population assessments are as predictable as Vikings fans thinking Super Bowl in September, but similar to the Vikings, the true test of accurate predictions plays out in the weeks ahead.

This holiday season, it’s time for a shopping list for North Dakota’s outdoors in 2011. Some of the items might be a little on the optimistic side, but in a virtual hypothetical world, it can’t hurt to ask, right?

I’ll begin with the weather. Most deer and pheasant hunters would welcome less snow, shorter cold snaps and a winter which gives up the fight with spring even earlier than last year.

While the 2009-10 winter wasn’t as harsh or long as the year before, it was still on the difficult side, and it stressed wildlife populations, likely reduced winter survival and in some cases led to lower reproductive success on big game animals like mule deer and pronghorn.

Keep in mind that even if the rest of this winter turns toward the mild side, these stretched populations aren’t going to heal immediately, but they would begin the recovery process, a development welcomed by everyone.

Most people agree that snow in November lasts longer than snow in April. Essentially, the earlier it starts the more it stresses wildlife and humans alike. Because of where we live we know that winter will come, but if snow and extreme cold don’t arrive until January, that’s usually preferred by all but the skiing and snowmobile crowd.

This year, while we don’t have to dream of a white Christmas, an extended January thaw would be nice.

My wish also some more CRP. North Dakota has lost nearly one-third  of its CRP in the past few years, and combined with the winters we’ve had, that gap in habitat inhibits recovery. It also restricts population growth for species like ducks. While ducks benefit from the snow once it melts and accumulates in wetlands in spring, species that nest in the uplands like mallards and pintails may not find as much grassland cover for nesting.

Suffice it to say our past two winters of snow and cold need an equalizer if we expect to grow our pheasant population. North Dakota is at the northern fringe of pheasant territory and the loss of CRP is untimely. While there is no good time to wipe heavy cover off the map, when it happens in conjunction with tough winters, the result is evident across the prairie.

Even at its highest point of 3.4 million acres in North Dakota, CRP wouldn’t prevent mortality during a difficult winter, but it sure would enhance recovery potential.

To end on a positive note, the moisture contained in the snow is good for our fishing waters as well as waterfowl. Because of that, much of the state has had good fish production the last two years and some of those fish will start reaching keeper size this year.

So I also wouldn’t mind a new fishing rod under the tree.

Leier is a biologist with the Game & Fish Department. He can be reached by email:dleier@nd.gov

Wetland Conditions Favor Duck Hunters

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s annual fall wetland survey indicates approximately 43 percent more wetlands available for duck hunting than last year.

Mike Szymanski, migratory game bird biologist, said wetland conditions are looking good statewide. “Hunters will need to scout because the birds may be spread out with all the water and potential places to hunt,” Szymanski said.

Wetland conditions have rebounded extremely well from the dry conditions of 2008, when much of the state had virtually no wetlands with water. Szymanski said the drying cycle was important to reset food webs within wetlands, and many wetlands in the state now have abundant food resources for waterfowl.

“Back-to-back winters with significant snowfall refilled wetlands, and considerable rainfall this past summer has maintained water levels in more temporary-type wetlands,” Szymanski said.

Soft ground conditions might greet hunters in many areas of the state, so Szymanski urges caution when driving in or across fields this fall. “As always, the quality of the waterfowl hunting season in North Dakota is predicated on weather conditions,” he added. “But strong reproduction for both ducks and geese, and excellent wetland conditions point toward a good fall.”

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.

Opening day for North Dakota residents is Sept. 25 for ducks, coots, mergansers and geese. Nonresidents may begin hunting waterfowl in North Dakota Oct. 2.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s May and July waterfowl surveys indicate the upcoming waterfowl season should be improved over last year, according to Mike Johnson, game management section leader. Opening day for North Dakota residents is Sept. 25 for ducks, coots, mergansers and geese. Nonresidents may begin hunting waterfowl in North Dakota Oct. 2.

Johnson said the fall flight of ducks from North Dakota is expected to be up about 20 percent from 2009. The brood index from the Game and Fish Department’s annual mid-July survey was up 14 percent from 2009 and 63 percent above the long-term average. The water index observed during the survey was down 14 percent from last year, but still 28 percent above long-term.

“Prospects for the continental fall duck flight are good, with North Dakota’s contribution well-above the long-term average,” Johnson said. “Also, the continental estimates of May breeding duck numbers indicated that most species were in good shape going into the breeding season. The number of ducks that migrate through North Dakota should be above average.”

In addition, snow goose and Canada goose populations remain high, Johnson mentioned, with large numbers expected to migrate through the state this fall. “Of course, the success of this year’s waterfowl season is highly dependent upon our fall weather and habitat conditions, and the migration patterns they produce,” he said.

Hunters can find additional information on the status of ducks, geese and swans at the Internet website, flyways.us.

Resident hunters must possess a general game and habitat license and a fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate. In addition, hunters age 16 and older must have a small game license and federal duck stamp.

Nonresidents must purchase a nonresident waterfowl license, including the general game and habitat license, and certificate. Hunters age 16 and older must possess a federal duck stamp. Nonresident youth hunters from states that provide a reciprocal licensing agreement for North Dakota residents, qualify for North Dakota resident licenses. See the 2010 North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting Guide for details.

All migratory bird hunters are reminded to register with the Harvest Information Program prior to hunting. Hunters who purchase a license through the state Game and Fish Department website (gf.nd.gov) or instant licensing telephone number (800-406-6409) can easily get HIP certified.

Otherwise, hunters must call (888) 634-4798, or access the department’s website, and record the HIP number on their fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate. Those who registered to hunt the spring light goose season or the early Canada goose season in North Dakota do not have to register with HIP again, as it is required only once per year in each state hunted.

Hunters should refer to the waterfowl hunting guide for season regulations including licensing requirements, dates, bag limits, season zones and nonresident hunting zones.

Waterfowl season dates and limits, including significant changes designed to allow hunters to harvest more Canada geese, have been established for the fall season, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Additional details on the duck, goose and migratory bird hunting seasons will be available in the 2010 Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations, which will be available at DNR license agents and online later this month.

Duck Season

The regular waterfowl season will open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2, and continue through Tuesday, Nov. 30. The daily bag limit remains at six ducks, which may include no more than one hen mallard, one black duck, one canvasback, two pintail, two wood ducks, two redheads and two scaup. Possession limits remain at twice the daily bag limits.

Except for opening day, when shooting hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., shooting hours will be from one-half hour before sunrise to 4 p.m. daily through Saturday, Oct. 9, and from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset beginning Sunday, Oct. 10, through the end of duck season.

Motorized decoys or other motorized devices designed to attract migratory birds may not be used from the opening day of duck season through Saturday, Oct. 9. Motorized decoys or other motorized devices designed to attract migratory birds may not be used at any time during the season on water bodies and lands fully contained within state wildlife management area (WMA) boundaries.

Youth Waterfowl Day

Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day will be held Saturday, Sept. 18. Hunters younger than 16 may take regular season bag limits when accompanied by a nonhunting adult (age 18 and older, no license required). Canada geese, mergansers, coots and moorhens may be taken from one half-hour before sunrise to 4 p.m. As of this year, all youth hunters are now required to obtain a free hunting license, including youth participating in the youth waterfowl hunt.

Regular Canada Goose Seasons

Minnesota goose hunters will note some significant changes in goose hunting regulations this year. The daily bag limit has been raised to three Canada geese statewide this year; the season length has been extended throughout the state; most goose hunting zones have been eliminated and there will no longer be a special December season.

“We’re attempting to provide additional hunting opportunity aimed at resident giant Canada geese,” said Steve Cordts, DNR waterfowl specialist.

Historically, Minnesota goose hunters were very dependent on the Eastern Prairie Population (EPP) of Canada geese. These geese nest along the west shores of Hudson Bay and migrate into western Minnesota, especially around Lac qui Parle WMA.

Minnesota has a long history of using special regulations, including goose zones, quotas, smaller bag limits and shorter seasons, to minimize harvest of EPP Canada geese in western Minnesota. But EPP goose numbers are as high as they’ve ever been and more than 90 percent of the state’s Canada goose harvest now is comprised of giant Canada geese.

“Since our resident giant Canada goose population remains high, this is a good time to expand hunting opportunity,” Cordts said. “Minnesota has not had a Canada goose bag limit of three during the regular waterfowl season since 1941 so this is fairly exciting and should be well-received by goose hunters.”

As a result of these changes, the West Central and West goose zones have been eliminated so goose seasons in those areas will be the same as the rest of the state.

At Lac qui Parle WMA, waterfowl hunters still will be required to obtain a daily permit for a blind (via reservation or daily drawing) from Oct. 21 to Nov. 30. From Dec. 1 until the end of goose season, hunters still can use designated hunting blinds but access will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hunters should consult the 2010 Waterfowl Regulations for additional information or contact Lac qui Parle WMA for further details.

Minnesota’s regular goose season will open statewide in conjunction with duck season on Saturday, Oct. 2, and close on Saturday, Dec. 25, except for the Rochester goose zone.

Canada goose season dates in the Rochester zone will be Saturday, Oct. 2, through Tuesday, Dec. 7. The season will reopen Thursday, Dec. 16, and conclude Sunday, Jan. 2.

“The Rochester goose zone will use the same boundaries as deer permit area 343 so hunters should be familiar with that,” Cordts said. “During our public input meetings, goose hunters around Rochester wanted to maintain some sort of split in the goose season but also extend the season a little later so this should accommodate those desires.”

Early Canada Goose Season

The early Canada goose season will open statewide on Saturday, Sept. 4, and conclude on Wednesday, Sept. 22. Bag limits for Canada geese will be five per day.

A $4 permit is required for goose hunters during the September season. Permits are available wherever hunting and angling licenses are sold and online.

The restriction prohibiting hunting within 100 yards of surface water remains in effect in the northwestern Minnesota, Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area and an area surrounding Swan Lake in Nicollet County.

Early season goose hunters should consult the 2010 Waterfowl Hunting Regulations Supplement for details.

Sandhill Crane Season

A sandhill crane hunting season will open in northwestern Minnesota on Saturday, Sept. 4, and conclude Sunday, Oct. 10.

All hunters are required to obtain a mandatory sandhill crane hunting permit, available from any DNR license agent or online for $3.50. No other licenses, permits or stamps are required.

No crane hunting is allowed within 100 yards of surface water through Wednesday, Sept. 22. This same restriction applies to Canada goose hunters in this zone.

Bag limits are two sandhill cranes per day. Shooting hours are one half hour before sunrise until sunset until duck season opens, when shooting hours for sandhill cranes are the same as for waterfowl.

Plugged shotguns and non-toxic shot are required for sandhill crane hunting.

Sandhill crane hunters should consult the 2010 Waterfowl Hunting Regulations for additional details.