Spring Waterfowl Survey Results Show Good Production

Wisconsin’s spring 2017 waterfowl population surveys indicate increased numbers of breeding waterfowl pairs and relatively good wetland conditions, which should result in increased waterfowl production this year across the state.

The Wisconsin breeding duck population estimate of 479,099 represents an increase of 23 percent compared to 2016, and 9 percent above the long-term (44-year) average.

Of the species-specific population estimates for the three top breeding ducks in Wisconsin, (mallard, blue-winged teal and wood duck) the blue-winged teal, showed the largest increase from 2016.

This survey information, along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continental duck survey and the Ontario Canada goose survey provides information regarding yearly waterfowl breeding conditions and is used to determine the fall season structure for Wisconsin.

For all surveyed waterfowl species, population counts showed increased numbers from the 2016 estimates. To view the full survey results for 2017, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “waterfowl.”