Conditions observed across the U.S. and Canadian survey areas during the 2016 survey were generally poorer than in 2015. The total pond estimate was 21 percent below 2015, but similar to the long-term average.
“In light of the dry conditions that were observed across much of the northern breeding grounds during the survey period, it is reassuring to see that the breeding population counts were little changed from last year,’’ said Scott Yaich, chief scientist for Ducks Unlimited, a conservation group.
“What’s not reflected in the report is that there was fairly significant improvement in habitat conditions after the surveys were completed,’’said Yaich. “In some key production areas, heavy June and July rains greatly improved wetland conditions. This could benefit brood rearing and the success of late-nesting species, as well as give a boost to overall production through re-nesting by early-nesting species.’’
Yaich said waterfowl habitat and populations vary over time.
“They always have and they always will,’’ he said.
Individual states set their specific hunting seasons with a federal framework of season length, bag limits and dates.
Washington’s duck-hunting season will be Oct. 15 to 19 and Oct. 22 to Jan. 29. There is a youth-only hunt on Sept. 17 and 18.
