Duck brood numbers were up 28% from 2024, but State Game and Fish Department migratory game bird biologists expect a fall flight of ducks similar to last year.
The fall flight forecast is based on data from the May breeding duck survey and the July duck brood survey, both conducted annually by Game and Fish biologists.
According to John Palarski, migratory game bird management biologist, the department’s 78th annual breeding duck survey conducted in May indicated the 2025 duck index was the 33rd highest on record, down 8.7% from 2024, but still 7% above the 1948–2024 average.
“Spring started off dry, with winter bringing below-average snowfall and above-average temperatures in March. Mallards and pintails were seen moving through North Dakota as early as mid-March, but the lack of meltwater in temporary ponds, coupled with frozen semipermanent wetlands meant that many early migrants simply passed through without stopping,” Palarski said. “This contributed to a lower May index this year, along with a declining midcontinent duck population. Fortunately, we received enough rain in parts of the state to boost production, resulting in a fall flight forecast similar to last year.”
The number of broods observed during the department’s July brood survey was up 28% from 2024, but down 2% from the 1965–2024 average. Blue-winged teal and mallards were the most common broods recorded, accounting for 31.7% and 21.4% of all broods tallied, respectively.
Palarski noted that not all species of waterfowl showed declines in the May index. Most diving duck species showed increases, with redheads up 23% – the highest count on record. The total diver index was the highest since 2020 and the second highest in the past two decades.
Game and Fish biologists will conduct a separate survey in mid-September to assess wetland conditions heading into the waterfowl hunting season.
Comments