Waterfowl Report - 11-20-06

REFUGES OFFER LATE UPLAND BIRD HUNTS

From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS
Nov. 20, 2006 

Ten National Wildlife Refuges in North Dakota will open all or portions of their lands on Monday, Nov. 27 for late upland bird hunting seasons. Hunters may take Hungarian partridge, sharp-tailed grouse and pheasant in most of these late hunts, but some refuges hold a pheasant-only season and another offers a season for the other two species. The late opening date follows the closure of the state’s deer gun season and the departure of most waterfowl.

Hunters are not allowed to use or possess lead shot while hunting on a Refuge, and must follow all state regulations including those on bag limits. The season closes Jan. 7, 2007.

The Refuges and their locations, species included, outlook and phone numbers:

-Arrowwood NWR, Pingree, N.D. Pheasant, grouse and partridge. Fair numbers of pheasants, a very good grouse population, but very few partridge. Good cover. Good access. Hunters must park at the Refuge boundary and walk in. The headquarters area is closed. Information is available at headquarters and in a kiosk at the state of the auto tour route, just east of the headquarters turnoff. 701-285-3341.

-Audubon NWR, Coleharbor, N.D. Pheasant, grouse and partridge. Excellent pheasant numbers, but grouse and partridge are spotty. Park at one of the five parking areas along the Refuge boundary. Three closed areas. Consult information sheets and maps, available at headquarters and parking lot kiosks. 701-442-5474.

-Des Lacs NWR, Kenmare, N.D. Pheasant, grouse and partridge. Fair to good numbers of pheasants in some areas. Good numbers of grouse and fair partridge population. Maps showing the closed area are available at Refuge headquarters. 701-385-4046.

-Lake Alice NWR, Penn, N.D. Pheasant only. A few have been seen around the area, but the Refuge is almost totally under water and opportunities will be limited. 701-662-8611. 

-Lake Zahl NWR, Zahl, N.D. Pheasant, grouse and partridge. Good numbers of pheasants. Better than average grouse numbers. Spotty for partridge. Walk-in only. Tear sheet maps are available at a kiosk on the Refuge, at the Zahl elevator, the Crosby offices of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and online at http://lostwood.fws.gov/crb.htm 701-965-6488.

-Long Lake NWR, Moffit, N.D. Pheasant, grouse and partridge. Very good numbers of pheasants and grouse, but only a few scattered groups of partridge. Good cover. Portions of the Refuge near the headquarters are closed. Hunters should stop and get a map and leaflet. 701-387-4397.

-Lostwood NWR, Stanley, N.D. Grouse and partridge. Fair to good numbers of grouse, but they are skittish. Very few partridge. Hunters must park at the Refuge boundary. Headquarters area is closed. Maps and leaflets are available at Refuge headquarters. 701-848-2722.

-J. Clark Salyer NWR, Upham, N.D. Pheasant, grouse and partridge. Pheasant numbers are up slightly, grouse populations are much better, and partridge numbers remain low. Headquarters area is closed. Maps and leaflets can be found at headquarters. 701-768-2548.

-Tewaukon NWR, Cayuga, N.D. Pheasant only. Outlook is good. Lots of cover. Hunters must walk in. The area near the office/visitor center is closed. Maps and leaflets are available at headquarters and at kiosks, or by e-mailing kristine_askerooth@fws.gov 701-724-3598.

-Upper Souris NWR, Foxholm, N.D. Pheasant, grouse and partridge. The area from Lake Darling Dam to Carter Dam reopens. The portion of Refuge lands north of Carter Dam remains open. Refuge lands south of Lake Darling Dam remain closed. The outlook for pheasant and grouse is very good, but there are few partridge. Hunters must walk in. Maps and brochures are available outside headquarters, at the information pull-off just southwest of Lake Darling Dam, and at the Mouse River County Park. 701-468-5467.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, log on to www.fws.gov

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SOME WATERFOWL REMAIN IN STATE, SAYS USFWS
 
From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS
Nov. 15, 2006 

Waterfowl continue to migrate out of North Dakota, but some ducks and geese are extending their stay to take advantage of above-normal temperatures and open water. In its final weekly report of the season, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says hunters in the southern part of the state could have successful outings.

Some nice sized flocks of snow geese and Canada geese, as well as some mallards are being seen in southeastern North Dakota. Biologist Kristine Askerooth of Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge believes it’s the last of the waterfowl migration. She reports the large bodies of water are still open, and suggests hunters try southern Richland County and western Sargent County. Askerooth notes 90 percent of the corn crop has been harvested.

Open water at Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge attracted large numbers of waterfowl early this week, and neighboring Foster County also saw increases. Biologist Paulette Scherr says the Refuge was holding 20,000 Canada geese, about 28,000 snow geese, some 20,000 ducks and 1,000 tundra swans. She reports nearly all the ducks were mallards. In Foster County, Scherr saw more than 6,000 Canada geese in flocks of 200 or so, about 30,000 snow geese in huge flocks and 35,000 mallards, also in huge flocks.

Some huntable populations of snow geese can still be found in the Chase Lake Wetland Management District. Biologist Chris Flann reports seeing large flocks of snow geese in southern Stutsman and northern Logan counties, along with some ducks. He reports most wetlands are frozen over.

Some large flocks of snow geese are scattered across southeast-central North Dakota. Project leader Mick Erickson of the Kulm Wetland Management District says the area also has some Canada geese and a few mallards near large bodies of water.

Several thousand Canada geese and very few ducks and snow geese remain at Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Biologist Cheryl Jacobs also reports seeing some scattered flocks of Canada geese and some large flocks of snow geese in Kidder County, fewer geese in northern and central Burleigh County and scattered small groups of Canada geese in Emmons County. She adds ducks are scarce throughout the three counties.

Most snow geese and mallards have left northeastern North Dakota. Biologist Cami Dixon of the Devils Lake Wetland Management District says hunters are still finding some Canada geese in harvested fields, although they seem to be pulling out, too. She notes that good numbers of scaup and other diving ducks are still being reported on Devils Lake.

At Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge near Minot, Lake Darling opened up last week and attracted 7,000 Canada geese, 100 tundra swans and a few ducks. Officer Shawn Tripp says the birds may stick around as long as food and water are available.

Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge still holds about 2,000 Canada geese. Refuge manager Dan Severson says the birds are spread out from Kenmare to the Canadian border. He believes the geese will stay for at least a few more days.

About 500 mallards and 200 Canada geese found open water near Crosby early this week. Refuge manager Tim Kessler of the Crosby Wetland Management District also reports Canada geese from Boundary Dam near Estevan, Sask. have been feeding in northern Divide and Burke counties.

The few remaining waterfowl hunting opportunities in Mountrail County are on Lake Sakakawea. Biologist Cory Lawson of the Lostwood Wetland Management District says all other wetlands are iced over.

A few Canada geese are holding on at J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge in north-central North Dakota. Biologist Dan Duchscherer says a couple groups of up to 500 geese were out on the ice at mid-week. He also reports seeing some Canada geese north of Rugby, but says the snow geese and ducks are all gone.

Audubon National Wildlife Refuge continues to hold 2,000 snow geese, up to 5,000 Canada geese and as many as 4,000 ducks. Wetland manager Mike Goos says larger wetlands in McLean, Sheridan and Ward counties also have some Canada geese and mallards, but the peak of the migration is past.

The lakes and wetlands at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern South Dakota are still open. On Tuesday, biologist Bill Schultze estimated the Refuge held 8,000 Canada geese, about 230,000 snow geese, some 200,000 ducks and 1,000 tundra swans. He notes the snow goose population on the Refuge has dropped from 410,000 last week, but adds that many snow geese are occupying other wetlands in the area.

Hunters using Waterfowl Production Areas are reminded that motor vehicles may not be used off established roads or trails, and upland bird hunters using WPAs are restricted to nontoxic shot and must use shotguns capable of holding no more than three shells.

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov

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STILL SOME GOOD WATERFOWL HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES, SAYS USFWS

From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS
Nov. 8, 2006 

Recent warm temperatures have allowed some ducks and geese to stick around North Dakota beyond their expected departure date, but a return to colder weather could chase most remaining waterfowl out of the state. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists say the best opportunities for hunters are in the southern one-third of the state.

Many wetlands in southeastern North Dakota have re-opened, and hunters are finding fairly good concentrations of mallards and Canada geese, along with some bigger flocks of 2,000 or more snow geese. Biologist Kristine Askerooth of Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge says Kraft Slough and southern Richland County are good places for hunters to try, but she warns that scouting will still be needed. She adds that the birds are starting to feed in harvested corn fields.

Warm temperatures have re-opened Long Lake and many surrounding wetlands. Biologist Gregg Knutsen of Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge says the Refuge was holding 40,000 snow geese and several thousand Canada geese, although very few ducks remained at mid-week. He adds that scattered large concentrations of more than 30,000 snow geese can be found in portions of Kidder and Emmons counties, with lesser numbers in northern and central Burleigh County. Knutsen adds that duck numbers are generally low in the three counties.

At mid-week, Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge was still holding 10,000 Canada geese, 25,000 snow geese, more than 1,100 tundra swans and 30,000 ducks. Biologist Paulette Scherr says nearly all the ducks were mallards. She warns that many of those birds appear ready to leave.

Quite a few snow geese and Canada geese moved into southeast-central North Dakota last week. However, deputy refuge manager Travis Carpenter of the Kulm Wetland Management District says their stay could be short. He notes that most ducks have gone south, but hunters could still find a few. Carpenter adds that even some of the larger wetlands still have ice.

Stutsman County still had quite a few pockets of snow geese at mid-week. Manager Tomi Buskness of the Chase Lake Wetland Management District says the area also had some Canada geese and ducks.

The snow goose population is up and Canada goose numbers are holding steady in east-central North Dakota. Manager Ed Meendering of the Valley City Wetland Management District says the area still holds some mallards and diving ducks on larger wetlands, but he notes that even the big lakes have some ice.

Goose hunters in northeastern North Dakota may still have some success field hunting, but biologist Cami Dixon of the Devils Lake Wetland Management District says most birds have left the area. Exceptions may include Benson County, where large flocks of snow geese were reported, and Devils Lake, which is holding large numbers of scaup.

Warm temperatures have melted some of the ice at J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, and the Refuge was holding about 1,000 Canada geese and 200 ducks at mid-week. Project leader Tedd Gutzke watched some snow geese moving south from Canada early this week, but he says none stopped.

Lake Darling has started to open again, and waterfowl activity is up. Officer Shawn Tripp of Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge estimated 2,000 Canada geese on the Refuge early this week, along with some mallards and bufflehead ducks. He also reported seeing small numbers of snow geese moving out of Canada. Tripp says there are pockets of geese near Greene and Grano.

Several hundred Canada geese moved onto Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge early this week. Refuge manager Dan Severson says most of the geese were near Kenmare. He watched migrant flocks of snow geese flying south over the area last weekend. Severson notes that most fields are open, but most area wetlands remain iced over.

Nearly all the wetlands in Mountrail County are ice-covered, but Lake Sakakawea reportedly still has good numbers of Canada geese and mallards. Biologist Cory Lawson of the Lostwood Wetland Management District says other hunting opportunities are very limited.

Some wetlands in northwestern North Dakota are starting to open up again, but the waterfowl have already migrated. Refuge manager Tim Kessler of the Crosby Wetland Management District says he doesn’t expect to see any more ducks or geese in the area.

Despite recent warm temperatures, only the largest wetlands in McLean, Sheridan and Ward counties have open water. Groups of a few thousand snow geese and Canada geese are continuing to use those open areas, according to Audubon National Wildlife Refuge wetland manager Mike Goos. He says waterfowl numbers on the Refuge vary from day to day, ranging up to 10,000 Canada geese, up to 30,000 snow geese and up to 5,000 mallards.

In northeastern South Dakota, waterfowl populations at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge have seen a large increase. At mid-week, the Refuge was holding 410,000 snow geese, about 6,000 Canada geese, some 300,000 ducks and 1,500 tundra swans. Biologist Bill Schultze says the lakes and wetlands on the Refuge and in the surrounding area re-opened last weekend. An aerial survey showed 200,000 snow geese and large numbers of mallards on Putney Slough, another 25,000 snow geese on Scatterwood Lake and 34,000 snow geese plus many ducks on Elm Lake. Schultze notes that some of the smaller, private wetlands west of Sand Lake were also holding snow geese.

Waterfowl hunters will have company in the field this weekend, as North Dakota’s deer gun season opens Friday.

Officers remind hunters they must leave one fully feathered wing or head on all waterfowl during transportation.

Hunters using Waterfowl Production Areas must note that motor vehicles may not be used off established roads or trails, and upland bird hunters using WPAs are restricted to nontoxic shot and must use shotguns capable of holding no more than three shells.

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov

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STORM, COLD MOVE MOST WATERFOWL, SAYS USFWS 

From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS
Nov. 1, 2006

Monday’s storm chased nearly all the waterfowl out of northern North Dakota, but good hunting opportunities still exist in many other areas. However, according to the weekly report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, continued cold temperatures could cause more departures.

Large numbers of ducks and geese have begun moving into southeastern North Dakota. Biologist Kristine Askerooth of Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge reports mallards and small flocks of about 500 snow geese are arriving. She says western Sargent County is hosting large numbers of birds, with Kraft Slough a “hot spot” for mallards. Askerooth adds all but the largest wetlands have a thin sheet of ice, and the corn harvest is progressing slowly.

Snow geese and Canada geese have been moving into Barnes County. Valley City Wetland Management District manager Ed Meendering says he has also seen good numbers of tundra swans and scattered large concentrations of ducks this week. However, he notes that ice covers all but the largest wetlands.

More snow geese and migrant Canada geese have reached southeast-central North Dakota. Deputy refuge manager Travis Carpenter of the Kulm Wetland Management District says there are still quite a few ducks around, but that could change because even the larger wetlands are starting to freeze over.

Fair numbers of waterfowl are still being reported at Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge, north of Jamestown. Biologist Paulette Scherr says the Refuge was holding 12,000 ducks, at least 4,000 snow geese, almost 100 Canada geese and about 150 white-fronted geese early this week. She adds most of the 10,000 puddle ducks were mallards, and the 2,000 diving ducks were a mix of many species. Scherr notes some of the Refuge pools are developing ice, while nearly all wetlands in the surrounding areas are either dry or frozen over.

Hunters may still have some opportunities in Stutsman and Wells counties. Chase Lake Wetland Management District manager Tomi Buskness says most wetlands are frozen over, but she is still seeing some geese and tundra swans, as well as a few ducks.

Large numbers of snow geese moved over northeastern North Dakota early this week, most without stopping. Biologist Cami Dixon of the Devils Lake Wetland Management District says hunters may still have some success field hunting for snow geese and Canada geese, and duck hunters can find lots of scaup on big water, but all the semi-permanent wetlands are iced over. She warns big-water hunters to be especially careful since water temperatures are very cold.

Snow geese continue to move in and out of Audubon National Wildlife Refuge. Wetland manager Mike Goos says numbers have fluctuated from 5,000 to 25,000 this week, while the Canada goose population has ranged from 5,000 to 10,000. About 2,500 ducks continue to use the Refuge. Goos reports some snow geese, Canada geese and a few mallards on bigger wetlands in the surrounding area, as well as a slow increase in the number of Canada geese on the Missouri River system.

About 85,000 snow geese and 6,000 Canada geese were using the remaining ice-free areas of Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge at mid-week. Biologist Gregg Knutsen says the geese are taking advantage of the fact that harvested fields in the area have very little snow. The few remaining ducks on the Refuge are mallards and a variety of diving ducks. Knutsen
notes there are large concentrations of snow geese and Canada geese scattered throughout the three counties, roosting on large, deep wetlands and feeding in recently harvested corn fields.

An 8-inch snowfall and cold temperatures early this week have effectively ended waterfowl hunting for the year in northwestern North Dakota. Refuge manager Tim Kessler of the Crosby Wetland Management District reported a constant stream of snow geese heading south on Monday and Tuesday. He reports just a few stragglers on the ice near Crosby on Tuesday.

This week’s snow and cold have driven most waterfowl out of Mountrail County. Biologist Cory Lawson of the Lostwood Wetland Management District says Lostwood refuge was still holding about 500 Canada geese and an equal number of snow geese at mid-week.

Nearly all the snow geese have pulled out of Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Kenmare. Manager Dan Severson watched large flocks of snow geese leaving the Refuge’s upper lake on Tuesday, and he reported others flying over on Monday evening. On Tuesday, the Refuge still had pockets of open water near Kenmare, which were holding about 500 tundra swans, Canada geese and some ducks, but most were gone by Wednesday.

The Oct. 30 storm pushed out nearly all the waterfowl that reached Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge last week. Over the weekend, the refuge northwest of Minot was holding more than 100,000 snow geese. However, deputy refuge manager Tom Pabian reported nearly all of them disappeared after the five-inch snowfall and cold temperatures that froze some of the pools on the lower end of the refuge. He said a few small bunches of Canada geese and some ducks remained on Wednesday, but he did not consider them “huntable” numbers. Pabian reported watching a steady stream of migrating waterfowl on Tuesday.

Snow and cold temperatures have put an end to hunting opportunities around J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge in north-central North Dakota. Assistant refuge manager Gary Erickson says the Refuge is completely iced over and snow covers most food supplies.

Waterfowl populations have fluctuated with the weather this week at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern South Dakota. Biologist Bill Schultze says the Refuge held 150,000 snow geese and 200,000 ducks early this week, but dropped to 85,000 snow geese and 160,000 ducks at mid-week. Schultze says most of the ducks are mallards concentrated in the small open-water areas of Mud Lake and Sand Lake, and feeding in adjacent harvested corn fields. Another 960 tundra swans were sitting on the ice in both those lakes. Schultze notes that three whooping cranes spent four days near Sand Lake last week before apparently departing on Sunday. He believes the low temperatures predicted for the area will freeze up the remaining open water.

Hunters are reminded they must leave one fully feathered wing or head on all waterfowl during transportation.

Hunters using Waterfowl Production Areas must note that motor vehicles may not be used off established roads or trails, and upland bird hunters using WPAs are restricted to nontoxic shot and must use shotguns capable of holding no more than three shells.

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov

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WATERFOWL MIGRATION PROGRESSING; MORE BIRDS ARRIVING, SAYS USFWS

From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS
Oct. 25, 2006

Large numbers of snow geese have moved into many parts of North Dakota in the past few days. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service observers report increases in other species, as well.

Flocks of snow geese arrived at Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge just in time for GooseFest at nearby Kenmare. Refuge manager Dan Severson says the movement began last weekend, and about 60,000 snow geese were present at mid-week. More than 5,000 Canada geese, 20,000 mallards and 800 tundra swans were also occupying the Refuge. Severson reports warm daytime temperatures and the large numbers of birds help keep water open. He believes moderate weather expected for the next week should help keep waterfowl in the area.

Ducks, Canada geese, snow geese and sandhill cranes have been moving through northwestern North Dakota for the past week. Refuge manager Tim Kessler of the Crosby Wetland Management District reports about 20,000 snow geese near Crosby, but says they scatter in response to hunting pressure. He notes the same area is holding about 1,000 Canada geese and 500 diving ducks, but very few mallards.

Waterfowl remain hard to find in Mountrail County. Biologist Cory Lawson of the Lostwood Wetland Management District says all the wetlands have frozen over. He adds that Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge had 500 Canada geese, 500 mallards and 500 swans at mid-week.

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge has posted the largest numbers of snow geese this week. Biologist Duane Anderson says Lake Darling was holding about 100,000 snow geese at mid-week. However, he reports the duck population has dropped to 10,000 due to the freezing of wetlands and ponds. At mid-week, about 75 percent of Lake Darling had a thin covering of ice, but Anderson believes most of that will open up with warmer temperatures forecast for this weekend.

Low water levels and cold temperatures have combined to make J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge in north-central North Dakota unattractive for waterfowl. Assistant manager Gary Erickson says the Refuge has very little open water and virtually no waterfowl, although he has seen geese on larger wetlands to the east. He suggests hunters look for open water in Pierce and Rolette counties.

A major waterfowl movement through Ward, McLean and Sheridan counties began Saturday. Wetland manager Mike Goos of Audubon National Wildlife Refuge says bird numbers vary on a day-to-day basis, and only the largest wetlands have remained ice-free. At mid-week, the Refuge and surrounding area was holding up to 20,000 Canada geese, 5,000 snow geese and scattered bunches of 50-100 mallards. Goos reports groups of 500-1,000 geese on many of the larger lakes in the three counties.

The snow goose migration has moved into northeastern North Dakota. Biologist Cami Dixon of the Devils Lake Wetland Management District says there are good numbers of snow geese throughout the area. She reports migrant Canada geese are also moving in, and plenty of diving ducks have arrived. However, Dixon notes little movement of mallards. She says corn harvesting has begun, and field hunters should have good opportunities.

Hunting opportunities remain available but limited in Kidder, Burleigh and Emmons counties. Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge project leader Paul Van Ningen says he has noticed a much greater movement of waterfowl into and through the area over the past week. He reports small concentrations of snow geese and white-fronted geese as well as additional migrant Canada geese. Van Ningen adds that more migrant ducks have also moved in, but hunting opportunities are limited because of the low number of wetlands holding water. He says most large, deep wetlands have diving ducks and the small, shallow wetlands that freeze each night attract some puddle ducks when they re-open.

Stutsman and Wells counties have yet to see much waterfowl migration. However, biologist Chris Flann of the Chase Lake Wetland Management District reports seeing some larger groups of scaup in southern Stutsman County, good concentrations of Canada geese in eastern Stutsman County and good numbers of sandhill cranes near the Stutsman-Kidder County line. Flann says the corn harvest is getting started, and that should help hold and concentrate waterfowl.

Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge has attracted a lot of waterfowl this week. Biologist Paulette Scherr says ice-free areas of the Refuge are holding 3,000 Canada geese, about 6,000 snow geese, 1,300 tundra swans and almost 20,000 ducks–most of which are mallards. She notes that feeding flocks of birds seem to be fairly small.

More snow geese are moving through southeast-central North Dakota. Mick Erickson, project leader of the Kulm Wetland Management District, also reports noticing a few tundra swans in the area. He says there are no large concentrations of ducks, although smaller flocks are scattered over the area, along with some flocks of Canada geese on the larger lakes.

Duck numbers are down but more geese have moved into east-central North Dakota. Ed Meendering, wetland manager for the Valley City Wetland Management District, says most of the remaining ducks are divers and mallards, although he has seen some gadwall. He has also noticed more migrant Canada geese, some small flocks of snow geese and more tundra swans.

The waterfowl migration is starting slowly in southeastern North Dakota. Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge biologist Kristine Askerooth says some snow geese, diving ducks, mallards and tundra swans are showing up, but no large numbers yet. She reports the corn crop is coming off slowly, and waterfowl are feeding in bean stubble.

Waterfowl populations have increased at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern South Dakota. Biologist Bill Schultze says snow goose numbers have jumped to 24,000 from 2,500 last week, the duck population has reached 125,000 and the Refuge now has 3,200 Canada geese and 700 tundra swans. He reports most of the ducks are mallards and green-winged teal, although the teal numbers are starting to drop.

Hunters pursuing waterfowl in North Dakota need to be aware of the “hunter’s choice” bag limit. The daily limit is five ducks, with these restrictions: two scaup, two redhead and two wood duck; and only one from the following group: hen mallard, pintail and canvasback. The “hunter’s choice” regulation is being tested in the Dakotas and three other states in the Central Flyway to see if it can reduce the harvest of affected birds with minimal restrictions on hunters.

Successful tundra swan hunters are urged to make their bird available for testing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. For more information, they should check the materials included with their swan license..

Hunters using Waterfowl Production Areas are reminded that motor vehicles may not be used off established roads or trails, and upland bird hunters using WPAs are restricted to nontoxic shot and must use shotguns capable of holding no more than three shells..

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov

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U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE MORE GEESE ARRIVING; DUCK NUMBERS STEADY, SAYS USFWS

From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS
Oct. 18, 2006 

Larger numbers of snow geese and migrant Canada geese are being reported in parts of North Dakota. However, the weekly report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows no big change in the duck population.

Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Kenmare was holding up to 20,000 snow geese at mid-week, but manager Dan Severson says the numbers are constantly changing. The Refuge also had about 4,000 Canada geese and 20,000 mallards. Severson reports recent cold weather drove most local ducks out of the area, and concentrated the mallards on the Refuge, which also has 750 tundra swans.

Lake Sakakawea has attracted most of Mountrail County’s resident Canada geese and some migrants. Biologist Cory Lawson of Lostwood Wetland Management District says small numbers of sandhill cranes and tundra swans are scattered around the county, but ducks are hard to find. He adds Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge was holding 500 Canada geese, 500 mallards, 100 tundra swans and some sandhill cranes at mid-week.

Most of the 30,000 snow geese that spent the weekend near Crosby moved on early this week. Toby Placek of the Crosby Wetland Management District says last week’s wintry weather didn’t result in a gain in duck numbers for northwestern North Dakota, but he says waterfowl hunters shouldn’t give up. He believes the bulk of the waterfowl remain in Canada.

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge near Minot has posted a healthy gain in snow geese. Officer Shawn Tripp says the birds are scattered from Tolley to Carpio. He reports duck numbers have increased from last week’s estimate of 20,000. Tripp says some wetlands have been icing up.

More snow geese have moved into north-central North Dakota. Biologist Gary Eslinger says J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge was holding about 20,000 snow geese at mid-week. He reports little change in duck and Canada goose numbers, but believes that could change in the next week or so.

Snow geese are moving into northeastern North Dakota. Biologist Cami Dixon of the Devils Lake Wetland Management District says most of them are in the northern portions of the District. She says hunters are also reporting quite a few scaup, but the big mallard migration has not happened yet. Hunters willing to do lots of scouting are reportedly doing well on ducks and Canada geese.

Migrant Canada geese continue to gather at Audubon National Wildlife Refuge near Coleharbor. Wetland manager Mike Goos says the Refuge was holding up to 10,000 Canada geese and 2,000 ducks early this week, with a few more diving ducks arriving. He believes the ducks will be moving to larger wetlands, and cold-tolerant species like scaup will be more common. He does not feel this week’s blast of wintry weather will bring an end to waterfowl hunting opportunities.

Hunters will have to do their scouting to find the scattered concentrations of mallards in harvested corn fields in Burleigh and Kidder counties. Biologist Gregg Knutsen of Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge reports a small increase in the number of migrant Canada geese in the northern part of the area. The Refuge is holding a modest concentration of ducks, mostly shovelers and gadwalls. The Canada goose population on the Refuge is holding steady, and the sandhill crane population of 1,500 is down from last week.

Central McIntosh and Logan counties continue to hold quite a few ducks. Deputy refuge manager Travis Carpenter of the Kulm Wetland Mangement District says he has not seen any large movement of ducks or geese, although a few snow geese have moved in.

Many ducks and geese left Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge near Jamestown last week, but “replacements”were starting to arrive at mid-week. Biologist Paulette Scherr says the 6,000 ducks on the Refuge are half mallards and half diving ducks. The mid-week arrivals included quite a few Canada geese. The Refuge is also holding about 100 Canada geese and 700 tundra swans.

More migrant waterfowl have reached Stutsman and Wells counties. Chase Lake Wetland Management District manager Tomi Buskness says she is seeing more Canada geese, swans, mallards and a few pockets of snow geese and white-fronted geese.

Good numbers of Canada geese moved into east-central North Dakota last weekend. Wetland manager Ed Meendering of the Valley City Wetland Management District reports the area still has fair numbers of mallards and diving ducks, although some may have left late last week.

Ducks, geese and swans are trickling into southeastern North Dakota. Biologist Kristine Askerooth of Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge says some migrant Canada geese, a few tundra swans and a few diving ducks have reached the area, although gadwalls make up a large portion of the ducks being hunted. At mid-week, she reported that birds were congregating in southern Richland County. Askerooth adds that the bean harvest is wrapping up, and the corn crop is starting to come off.

The first snow geese and quite a few more ducks have reached northeastern South Dakota. Biologist Bill Schultze says Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge is holding 2,500 snow geese, 90,000 ducks and 2,300 Canada geese. He reports a build-up of mallards and green-winged teal over the past week. Schultze adds that recent precipitation has slowed the area’s corn harvest.

Violations of the “hunter’s choice” bag limit are still being reported. The daily limit is five ducks, with these restrictions: two scaup, two redhead and two wood duck; and only one from the following group: hen mallard, pintail and canvasback. Officers say the best way for hunters to avoid “mistakes” is to make positive identification of their target before pulling the trigger. 

Successful tundra swan hunters are urged to make their bird available for testing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. For more information, they should check the materials included with their swan license..

Upland bird hunters are reminded they can possess only nontoxic shot while hunting on waterfowl production areas.

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov

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U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE:  NOT MUCH WATERFOWL MOVEMENT YET, SAYS USFWS  

From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS
Oct. 11, 2006

Waterfowl hunters are hoping forecast cold temperatures and snow will bring more birds into the state, but that doesn’t seem to be the case yet. According to the weekly report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, waterfowl numbers seem to be down in many parts of North Dakota.

In northeastern North Dakota, many of the local ducks have grouped together and few migrants have arrived, so hunters will have to do their scouting. Biologist Cami Dixon of the Devils Lake Wetland Management District reports seeing fewer mallards and more diving ducks this week. She adds that a few more migrant Canada geese have arrived, but there are no large numbers of snow geese yet.

Waterfowl numbers have dropped at Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge, north of Jamestown. Biologist Paulette Scherr says the duck population has dipped to 20,000, with about half of them mallards and the rest a good mix including 1,500 diving ducks. The Refuge is also holding 2,000 Canada geese and 300 tundra swans. Some small flocks of both migrant and resident Canada geese are being seen in the surrounding area, with larger wetlands holding good numbers of diving ducks.

Some migrant ducks are expected to arrive in southeastern North Dakota after the cold front pushes through, but teal and local birds are moving out. Biologist Kristine Askerooth of Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge says the area still has good pockets of ducks and Canada geese, but hunters will have to work harder. She reports the bean harvest is progressing rapidly, and corn harvesting has started.

East-central North Dakota’s duck population is on the increase. Wetland manager Ed Meendering of the Valley City Wetland Management District says he has seen quite a few more mallards this week, plus an increase in Canada geese. On the other hand, Meendering says he has not yet seen any migrant Canada geese, snow geese or sandhill cranes.

Waterfowl populations seem to be holding steady in southeast-central North Dakota. Mick Erickson of the Kulm Wetland Management District says the area still has good numbers of local mallards and gadwalls, and larger flocks of resident Canada geese are being reported. However, most teal have departed. He reports the best water conditions are in eastern Logan and McIntosh counties.

More diving ducks have moved into Stutsman and Wells counties. Chase Lake Wetland Management District manager Tomi Buskness reports some of the local ducks have moved out, but there are still some mallards, Canada geese and sandhill cranes in the area.

Cold temperatures have iced over many wetlands and driven much of the waterfowl out of northwestern North Dakota. Refuge manager Tim Kessler of the Crosby Wetland Management District says several days of warmer weather will be needed to open up the wetlands. He reports there are lots of ducks and geese remaining in southern Saskatchewan.

Many of Mountrail County’s remaining small wetlands have iced over and local ducks have moved on. However, operations specialist Chad Zorn of Lostwood Wetland Management District says some migrant mallards in flocks of 20-40 birds appear to have moved in. He reports seeing very few snow geese.

More waterfowl have reached Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Kenmare. Manager Dan Severson says the Refuge is holding 1,500 snow geese, about 2,500 Canada geese and 20,000 ducks. Most of the snow geese are on the north end of the Refuge, the Canada geese are a mixture of residents and migrants, and mallards make up about half the duck numbers, with local gadwalls, teal and pintails well represented. Severson says he is seeing about 900 tundra swans, a much higher number than normal. He cautions that cold weather could quickly and drastically change the situation.

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge near Minot was holding about 20,000 ducks over the weekend. Deputy refuge manager Tom Pabian says the ducks are scattered, but most are concentrated on the north end. The Refuge is also holding about 2,000 Canada geese, but only a few small flocks of snow geese. Pabian says hunters will need to do some driving to find the western Ward County wetlands holding water, because many of them have ducks.

A few more ducks have reached J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge in north-central North Dakota. Project leader Tedd Gutzke believes the Refuge is holding about 10,000 mallards, but only about 500 snow geese in groups of 25-50 on the north end. Also, some 2,000 Canada geese are scattered throughout the Refuge. Gutzke reports the five-county area is dry, with Rolette and northern Pierce counties offering the best water conditions. He says hunters should be able to find ducks where there is water.

Up to 5,000 Canada geese and 3,000 ducks are using Audubon National Wildlife Refuge near Coleharbor. Wetland manager Mike Goos reports a significant migration of sandhill cranes last weekend and early this week. He has also observed a gradual increase in the number of migrant Canada geese. In the surrounding areas, hunters will need to scout, as ducks have been hard to find. He believes the forecast cold temperatures could bring in more migrant Canada geese and ice over many wetlands, further concentrating waterfowl.

Duck hunters in Burleigh, Kidder and Emmons counties will probably notice the exodus of birds that has taken place over the past week. Biologist Gregg Knutsen of Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge reports seeing many empty wetlands at mid-week. He says the Refuge is holding a modest concentration of ducks, mostly shovelers and gadwalls. Knutsen adds the Refuge’s sandhill crane population has dropped to 2,500, and Canada goose numbers are at about 1,500.

Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern South Dakota has recorded increases in the numbers of Canada geese and ducks. The Refuge is holding 2,000 Canada geese and 60,000 ducks. Biologist Bill Schultze says mallard and green-winged teal populations are up, and ruddy ducks and lesser scaup are also showing up. He reports the area’s corn harvest is just beginning, but many farmers have completed their soybean harvest.

Field checks continue to find violations of the “hunter’s choice”bag limit. The daily limit is five ducks, with these restrictions: two scaup, two redhead and two wood duck; and only one from the following group: hen mallard, pintail and canvasback. Officers say the best way for hunters to avoid “mistakes” is to make positive identification of their target before pulling the trigger.

In addition, some hunters have not had the required “duck stamp” in their possession, and others are failing to sign the stamp.

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE NEWS RELEASE - WATERFOWL MIGRATION SLOW; SCOUTING NEEDED, SAYS USFWS

From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS (701-355-8528)
Oct. 4, 2006

Local ducks continue to provide most of the opportunities for waterfowl hunters in North Dakota, but the weekly report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows that some migrant ducks and geese are starting to show up.

Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Kenmare is holding about 2,000 Canada geese, 500 snow geese and 20,000 ducks. Refuge manager Dan Severson says the Canada geese are a mix of local and migrant birds. He adds that mallards make up about half the total duck numbers, with many local gadwalls, teal and pintails, plus a recent movement of diving ducks including canvasbacks and scaup. Severson reports the refuge tundra swan population is well above average at 350, possibly due to the lack of water in the surrounding area.

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge near Minot continues to hold 4,000 ducks, about 1,000 Canada geese and 100 snow geese. Officer Shawn Tripp says most of the waterfowl are concentrated on the remaining large wetlands and on Lake Darling. He reports a fairly broad range in duck species, but notes that hunting pressure is relatively low.

More sandhill cranes are pushing into Mountrail County. Biologist Cory Lawson of the Lostwood Wetland Management District says some lesser Canada geese are starting to trickle through the area, but teal and gadwall are beginning to move out. He notes Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge is holding about 300 Canada geese, including a few migrants. Lawson reports hunter success has been varied.

Field hunters should have the most success in northwestern North Dakota, but not unless they do their scouting first. Biologist Toby Placek of the Crosby Wetland Management District reports pockets of ducks on large wetlands, along with some white-fronted geese in the northern part of the area, scattered small flocks of snow geese, and good numbers of sandhill cranes near Crosby.

Waterfowl numbers remain low in north-central North Dakota. Tedd Gutzke, project leader at J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, says there hasn’t been much movement in the past week. He reports about 300 snow geese and 1,000 sandhill cranes on the north end of the refuge. He adds the refuge is holding quite a few tundra swans, but no big numbers of ducks.

The waterfowl migration is slow in northeastern North Dakota. Refuge manager Neil Shook of the Devils Lake Wetland Management District reports seeing no big movement of birds this week, but adds that the local birds seem a little more scarce. The only snow geese he has seen are small, scouter flocks. Shook says hunters will have to do their scouting if they want to be successful.

More redheads and other diving ducks are showing up around Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge. Dave Azure, refuge manager, believes that represents the start of migration. He says hunting has been hit-and-miss, depending on water conditions. Azure reports seeing good flocks of mallards in southeastern Stutsman County.

Some hunters are doing very well, but the outlook remains just fair for southeast-central North Dakota. Deputy refuge manager Travis Carpenter of the Kulm Wetland Management District says he is seeing green-winged teal, mallards and pintails in hunters’ bags, but most of the blue-winged teal have migrated out of the area. Carpenter reports only a few small groups of lesser Canada geese.

Duck numbers are down around Valley City. Wetland manager Ed Meendering of the Valley City Wetland Management District says the diving ducks he saw in good numbers a week ago seem to have moved on. He reports fair numbers of resident Canada geese remain, and a few snow geese have been seen around Lake Ashtabula. Meendering believes the best duck hunting opportunities are in Griggs County.

Not much waterfowl movement has taken place over the past week in southeastern North Dakota. Jack Lalor, deputy refuge manager at Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge, says he hasn’t seen many new birds, but none seem to be departing. He adds gadwalls make up a good share of the local population, but there are good numbers of mallards and wood ducks. Lalor also reports a slow buildup of lesser Canada geese. He warns hunters that many fields are very soft.

The fall waterfowl migration is slow in Stutsman and Wells counties. Chase Lake Wetland Management District manager Tomi Buskness says the area still has some ducks, resident Canada geese, sandhill cranes and tundra swans, and hunters in southern Stutsman County are having fair success.

Good concentrations of ducks are being found on some wetlands in northern Burleigh and Kidder counties. Biologist Gregg Knutsen of Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge says the refuge is holding 6,000 sandhill cranes and 2,000 Canada geese. He reports a few small groups of snow geese and white-fronted geese, and some scattered groups of tundra swans are showing up.

Local ducks are bunching up on larger wetlands in McLean, Sheridan and Ward counties. Wetland manager Mike Goos of Audubon National Wildlife Refuge reports a slow buildup of lesser Canada geese and sandhill cranes, but no big numbers of snow geese or migrant ducks.

More mallards and northern shovelers have reached Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern South Dakota, raising the total duck population from 20,000 last week to 34,000. Biologist Bill Schultze says the duck mix also includes several small flocks of canvasbacks. He reports the 1,600 Canada geese are evenly distributed throughout the refuge.

Field checks show that some hunters are having difficulty understanding the “hunter’s choice”bag limit. The daily limit is five ducks, with these restrictions: two scaup, two redhead and two wood duck; and only one from the following group: hen mallard, pintail and canvasback

In addition, some hunters have been found in possession of lead shot while in the field. The possession or use of anything other than nontoxic shot is prohibited while hunting ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, tundra swans, mergansers, snipe and coot. And upland bird hunters need to remember they are restricted to nontoxic shot while on Waterfowl Production Areas.

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov 

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U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE NEWS RELEASE - MIGRATION SLOW AS NONRESIDENTS JOIN N.D. WATERFOWLERS

From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS (701-355-8528)
Sept. 27, 2006

Nonresident waterfowl hunters join their North Dakota counterparts in the field this weekend, but bird numbers aren’t much improved from last week, and neither are wetland conditions. The weekly update from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports the waterfowl migration is moving very slowly, and potholes continue to dry up.

Ducks and geese are scattered on many small wetlands in southeastern North Dakota, but scouting will be needed because not all wetlands have birds. Biologist Kristine Askerooth of Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge says hunters are still finding some blue-winged teal and green-winged teal. She adds that most birds are locals, but a few lesser Canada geese have arrived. Askerooth notes that recent rains have left fields and roads muddy.

Good numbers of diving ducks have reached some of the larger wetlands in southern Barnes County. Ed Meendering, wetland manager of the Valley City Wetland Management District, says duck populations seem to be about average in other parts of the five counties, and hunters are finding small groups of local Canada geese and a few tundra swans.

The duck population at Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge near Jamestown has jumped from 5,000 last week to 50,000. Biologist Paulette Scherr says the big majority of those are puddle ducks, and most of those are mallards. The Refuge is also holding 4,000 Canada geese and about 50 tundra swans. Surrounding wetlands continue to dry up, but that is concentrating the ducks, with most of them on larger wetlands. Scherr notes that the first of the lesser Canada geese have begun moving in.

Waterfowl movement has been minimal in Stutsman and Wells counties. Chase Lake Wetland Management District manager Tomi Buskness reports some sandhill cranes have moved into northern Stutsman County, but the best duck hunting opportunities are in the southern part of the county.

Hunters are finding some pockets of mallards and pintails in southeast-central North Dakota. Mick Erickson of the Kulm Wetland Management District says eastern Logan and McIntosh counties have the best water conditions, but he warns hunters that recent rains could mean muddy fields and roads. Erickson reports little change in waterfowl numbers from last week.

Scouting remains mandatory for successful hunting in northeastern North Dakota. Biologist Cami Dixon of the Devils Lake Wetland Management District says field hunters in northern Ramsey County have been doing well, but there are additional hot spots. The first few snow geese have reached the northern part of the District, but not much other migration has been reported.

North-central North Dakota wetlands continue to vanish. Gary Erickson, assistant refuge manager at J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, says hunters will have to be willing to move around to find waterfowl. He reports the teal seem to be heading out, but there hasn’t been much other change in bird numbers. Erickson says low water levels continue to provide attractive habitat for sandhill cranes.

Local birds continue to provide much of the action for hunters in McLean, Sheridan and Ward counties. Audubon National Wildlife Refuge wetland manager Mike Goos says the area enjoyed good local production, and dry conditions have concentrated birds on the remaining wetlands with water. Some more small bunches of lesser Canada geese have moved in, and a few sandhill cranes are being reported.

The sandhill crane and Canada goose populations at Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge have shown modest increases in the past week. Biologist Gregg Knutsen says the best water conditions and duck numbers are in northern Burleigh and Kidder counties, but hunters will need to scout in order to find the scattered concentrations of mallards. Knutsen notes that the first confirmed sightings of migrating whooping cranes in North Dakota were reported this week.

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge near Minot has not seen much change in waterfowl numbers. Biologist Duane Anderson says most of last week’s 5,000 ducks and 1,000 Canada geese remain on the northern part of the Refuge.

Good numbers of local ducks have gathered on Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Kenmare. Refuge operations specialist Chad Zorn says there are some fair-sized groups of Canada geese in the area, but very few snow geese.

Central and southern Mountrail County continue to offer some opportunities for waterfowl hunters. Biologist Cory Lawson of the Lostwood Wetland Management District notes that scattered sandhill cranes and tundra swans are starting to show up throughout the county. Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge was holding about 300 resident Canada geese and 100 tundra swans early this week.

A fair movement of sandhill cranes is being reported in Divide, Williams and Burke counties. Crosby Wetland Management District refuge manager Tim Kessler says the local ducks are concentrated on the remaining large wetlands with water. He adds that most local Canada geese haven’t migrated yet, and about 200 snow geese have reached the Crosby area.

Waterfowl numbers remain steady at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern South Dakota. Biologist Bill Schultze says the Refuge continues to hold 20,000 ducks and 900 Canada geese. He believes the best hunting opportunities are east of the Refuge.

Field checks during the first days of waterfowl season found that some hunters neglected to replace the plugs in their shotguns after the spring light goose season. Only shotguns capable of holding no more than three shells can be used

Hunters are reminded they must register each year with the Harvest Information Program. HIP registration is available by calling 888-634-4798. Information gathered from a brief survey helps with the management of migratory birds.

Another reminder about the “hunter’s choice”bag limit. The daily limit is five ducks, with these restrictions: two scaup, two redhead and two wood duck; and only one from the following group: hen mallard, pintail and canvasback

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov

–USFWS–

Media Contact: For more information, call the managers and biologists listed.