duckBismarck (CSi)  The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s annual fall wetland survey indicates good to excellent wetland conditions for duck hunting throughout most of the state.

Mike Szymanski, migratory game bird biologist, said the northwest has a near-record number of wetlands, while the rest of the state has wetland numbers similar to, or above the 2003-13 average.

“Most areas have fairly similar conditions compared to last year, with improvements
in the central part of the state,” Szymanski said.  “Really, we seem to have pretty
good numbers of wetlands holding water statewide. The western half of the state is
the wettest, but other than a few smaller isolated areas, hunters across the state
shouldn’t have issues finding wetlands holding water.”

The western half of the state received significant rainfall in August. Hunters
should be cautious driving off-trail to avoid soft spots and areas like tall
vegetation that could be a fire hazard.

The quality of waterfowl hunting in North Dakota is predicated on weather conditions
and patterns. Szymanski said strong reproduction for ducks in breeding areas both in
and outside of North Dakota makes for good fall hunting potential.

“Hunters should always scout because of ever changing conditions and distribution of
waterfowl,” Szymanski said.

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.