November/December 2019

Duck numbers are down.

That’s the bottom-line takeaway from the US Fish & Wildlife Service’s report Waterfowl Population Status, 2019. According to estimates, this past spring’s North American breeding-duck population was about 39 million, down from 2018’s total of about 41 million but still above the long-term average. Of course, different species fared better than others. Mallard, gadwall and green-winged teal numbers were all up, for example; whereas blue-winged teal, pintails, shovelers and all of the diving ducks showed declines. (More details appear on p. 28.)

At first glance, mallard hunters should be happy—and presumably most are, as the overall mallard population was up 2 percent this year—but drilling down in the USF&WS report reveals that the mallard population in the Eastern Survey area was down 2 percent. This represents a continuing trend of declining Eastern mallard numbers—with the breeding population in the Northeast down by about 36 percent since 1998.

Currently biologists are unable to determine the cause for the mallard decline, but in an effort to stabilize numbers, this year’s mallard limit in the Atlantic Flyway has been reduced from four to two, no more than one of which may be a hen.

Of course, the concern with reducing the limit of a “glamour” species like mallards is that hunter participation may decrease as a result. This would mean reduced sales of state hunting licenses as well as Federal Duck Stamps—a lot of the monies from which go toward conservation efforts and preserving habitat.

Personally, I hope this doesn’t happen, as to refrain from hunting would actually do more damage than good. Not only would revenues destined to help ducks be lost, but also the clout that hunter numbers represent would be diminished. And neither ducks nor hunters can afford to pay those prices these days.

As inspiration to “keep on duckin’,” we present our annual “waterfowl issue.” It includes features on the latest and greatest fowling guns (“Tools to Take ’Em,” p. 64) as well as techniques for connecting on ducks when the temperature plummets (“Mallards Below Zero,” p. 72). Also included are articles on gear, loads and methods that can help you enjoy more success this season.

Here’s wishing you cupped wings and close shots.

Ralph P. Stuart