Waterfowl Population Status, 2010

In the traditional survey area, which includes strata 1‒18, 20‒50, and 75‒77, the total duck population estimate was 40.9 ± 0.7 [SE] million birds. This estimate was similar to last year\u27s estimate of 42.0 ± 0.7 million birds and was 21% above the long-term average (1955‒2009). Estimated mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) abundance was 8.4 ± 0.3 million birds, which was similar to the 2009 estimate of 8.5 ± 0.2 million birds and 12% above the long-term average. Estimated abundance of gadwall (A. strepera; 3.0 ± 0.2 million) was similar to the 2009 estimate and 67% above the long-term average. Estimated abundance of American wigeon (A. americana; 2.4 ± 0.1 million) was similar to 2009 and the long-term average. The estimated abundance of green-winged teal (A. crecca) was 3.5 ± 0.2 million, which was similar to the 2009 estimate and 78% above their longterm average of 1.9 ± 0.02 million. The estimate of blue-winged teal abundance (A. discors) was 6.3 ± 0.4 million, which was 14% below the 2009 estimate and 36% above their long-term average of 4.7 ± 0.04 million. The estimate for northern pintails (A. acuta; 3.5 ± 0.2 million) was similar to the 2009 estimate, and 13% below the long-term average of 4.0 ± 0.04 million. Estimates of northern shovelers (A. clypeata; 4.1 ± 0.2 million) and redheads (Aythya americana; 1.1 ± 0.1 million) were similar to their 2009 estimates and were 76% and 63% above their long-term averages of 2.3 ± 0.02 million and 0.7 ± 0.01 million, respectively. The canvasback estimate (A. valisineria; 0.6 ± 0.05 million) was similar to the 2009 estimate and to the long-term average. The scaup estimate (A. affinis and A. marila combined; 4.2 ± 0.2 million) was similar to that of 2009 and 16% below the long-term average of 5.1 ± 0.05 million. Habitat conditions during the 2010 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey were characterized by average to below-average moisture, a mild winter, and early spring across the traditional and eastern survey areas. The total pond estimate (Prairie Canada and U.S. combined) was 6.7 ± 0.2 million. This was similar to the 2009 estimate and 34% above the long-term average (1974‒2009) of 5.0 ± 0.03 million ponds. The 2010 estimate of ponds in Prairie Canada was 3.7 ± 0.2 million. This was similar to last year\u27s estimate (3.6 ± 0.1 million) and to the long-term average (1961‒2009; 3.4 ± 0.03 million). The 2010 pond estimate for the north central U.S. was 2.9 ± 0.1 million, which was similar to last year\u27s estimate (2.9 ± 0.1 million) and 87% above the long-term average (1974‒2009; 1.6 ± 0.02 million). The projected mallard fall-flight index is 10.3 ± 0.9 million birds. The eastern survey area was restratifed in 2005 and is now composed of strata 51‒72. Estimates of mallards, scaup, scoters (black [Melanitta nigra], white-winged [M. fusca], and surf [M. perspicillata]), green-winged teal, American wigeon, bufflehead (Bucephala albeola), ring-necked duck (Aythya collaris), and goldeneyes (common [B. clangula] and Barrow\u27s [B. islandica]) were all similar to their 2009 estimates and long-term averages. The merganser (red-breasted [Mergus serrator], common [M. merganser], and hooded [Lophodytes cucullatus]) estimate was 386.4 thousand, which was 15% below the 2009 estimate, and 14% below the long-term average of 450.8 thousand. The American black duck (Anas rubripes) estimate was similar to the 2009 estimate and 7% below the long-term average of 478.9 thousand

Waterfowl: Population Status, 2011

In the traditional survey area, which includes strata 1-18, 20-50, and 75-77, the total duck population estimate was 45.6 ± 0.8 [SE] million birds. This estimate represents an 11% increase over last year\u27s estimate of 40.9 ± 0.7 million birds and was 35% above the long-term average (1955-2010). Estimated mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) abundance was 9.2 ± 0.3 million birds, which was 9% above the 2010 estimate of 8.4 ± 0.3 million birds and 22% above the long-term average. Estimated abundance of gadwall (A. strepera; 3.3 ± 0.2 million) was similar to the 2010 estimate and 80% above the long-term average. Estimated abundance of American wigeon (A. americana; 2.1 ± 0.1 million) was 14% below the 2010 estimate and 20% below the long-term average. The estimated abundance of green-winged teal (A. crecca) was 2.9 ± 0.2 million, which was 17% below the 2010 estimate and 47% above their long-term average. The estimate of blue-winged teal abundance (A. discors) was 8.9 ± 0.4 million, which was 41% above the 2010 estimate and 91% above their long-term average. The estimate for northern pintails (A. acuta; 4.4 ± 0.3 million) was 26% above the 2010 estimate, and similar to the long-term average. The northern shoveler estimate (A. clypeata) was 4.6 ± 0.2 million, which was 14% above the 2010 estimate and 98% above the long-term average. Redhead abundance (Aythya americana; 1.4 ± 0.1 million) was 27% above the 2010 estimate and 106% above the long-term average. The canvasback estimate (A. valisineria; 0.7 ± 0.05 million) was similar to the 2010 estimate and 21% above the long-term average. Estimated abundance of scaup (A. affinis and A. marila combined; 4.3 ± 0.3 million) was similar to that of 2010 and 15% below the long-term average of 5.1 ± 0.05 million. Habitat conditions during the 2011 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey were characterized by average to above-average moisture and a normal winter and spring across the traditional and eastern survey areas. The exception was the west-central portion of the traditional survey area that received below-average moisture. The total pond estimate (Prairie Canada and U.S. combined) was 8.1 ± 0.2 million. This was 22% above the 2010 estimate and 62% above the long-term average (1974-2010) of 5.0 ± 0.03 million ponds. The 2011 estimate of ponds in Prairie Canada was 4.9 ± 0.2 million. This was 31% above last year\u27s estimate (3.7 ± 0.2 million) and 43% above the long-term average (1961-2010; 3.4 ± 0.03 million). The 2011 pond estimate for the north-central U.S. was 3.2 ± 0.1 million, which was similar to last year\u27s estimate (2.9 ± 0.1 million) and 102% above the long-term average (1974-2010; 1.6 ± 0.02 million). The projected mallard fall-flight index is 11.9 ± 1.1 million birds. The eastern survey area was restratified in 2005 and is now composed of strata 51-72. Estimated abundance of mallards in the eastern survey area was 0.4 ± 0.1 million, which was similar to the 2010 estimate and the long-term average (1990-2010). Abundance estimates of green-winged teal, ring-necked duck (A. collaris), goldeneyes (common [Bucephala clangula] and Barrow\u27s [B. islandica]), and mergansers (red-breasted [Mergus serrator], common [M. merganser], and hooded [Lophodytes cucullatus]) were all similar to their 2010 estimates and long-term averages. The American black duck (Anas rubripes) estimate was 0.55 ± 0.04 million, which was similar to the 2010 estimate and 13% below the long-term average of 0.63 million

Waterfowl Population Status, 2012

In the traditional survey area, which includes strata 1‒18, 20‒50, and 75‒77, the total duck population estimate was 48.6 ± 0.8 [SE] million birds. This estimate represents a 7% increase over last year\u27s estimate of 45.6 ± 0.8 million birds and was 43% above the long-term average (1955‒2011). Estimated mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) abundance was 10.6 ± 0.3 million birds, which was 15% above the 2011 estimate of 9.2 ± 0.3 million birds and 40% above the longterm average. Estimated abundance of gadwall (A. strepera; 3.6 ± 0.2 million) was similar to the 2011 estimate and 96% above the long-term average. Estimated abundance of American wigeon (A. americana; 2.1 ± 0.1 million) was similar to the 2011 estimate and 17% below the long-term average. The estimated abundance of green-winged teal (A. crecca) was 3.5 ± 0.2 million, which was 20% above the 2011 estimate and 74% above their long-term average. The estimate of bluewinged teal abundance (A. discors) was 9.2 ± 0.4 million, which was similar to the 2011 estimate and 94% above their long-term average. The estimate for northern pintails (A. acuta; 3.5 ± 0.2 million) was 22% below the 2011 estimate, and 14% below the long-term average. The northern shoveler estimate (A. clypeata) was 5.0 ± 0.3 million, which was similar to the 2011 estimate and 111% above the long-term average. Redhead abundance (Aythya americana; 1.3 ± 0.1 million) was similar to the 2011 estimate and 89% above the long-term average. The canvasback estimate (A. valisineria; 0.8 ± 0.07 million) was similar to the 2011 estimate and 33% above the long-term average. Estimated abundance of scaup (A. affinis and A. marila combined; 5.2 ± 0.3 million) was 21% above the 2011 estimate and similar to the long-term average. Habitat conditions during the 2012 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey were characterized by average to below average moisture, a mild winter, and an early spring across the southern portion of the traditional and eastern survey areas. Northern habitats of the survey areas generally received average moisture and temperatures. The total pond estimate (Prairie Canada and U.S. combined) was 5.5 ± 0.2 million. This was 32% below the 2011 estimate and 9% above the long-term average (1974‒2011) of 5.1± 0.03 million ponds. The 2012 estimate of ponds in Prairie Canada was 3.9 ± 0.1 million. This was 21% below last year\u27s estimate (4.9 ± 0.2 million) and 13% above the long-term average (1961‒2011; 3.4 ± 0.03 million). The 2012 pond estimate for the north-central U.S. was 1.7 ± 0.1 million, which was 49% below last year\u27s estimate (3.2 ± 0.1 million) and similar to the long-term (1974‒2011) average. The projected mallard fall-flight index is 12.7 ± 1.2 million birds. The eastern survey area was restratifed in 2005 and is now composed of strata 51‒72. However, estimates are presented for only a portion of the eastern survey area and include data from strata 51, 52, 63, 64, 66‒68, and 70‒72. The American black duck (Anas rubripes) estimate was 0.6 ± 0.04 million, which was 11% higher than the 2011 estimate and similar to the long-term average (1990‒2011). Estimated abundance of mallards in the eastern survey area was 0.4 ± 0.1 million, which was similar to the 2011 estimate and the long-term average. Abundance estimates of green-winged teal, ring-necked ducks (Aythya collaris), goldeneyes (common [Bucephala clangula] and Barrow\u27s [B. islandica] combined), and mergansers (red-breasted [Mergus serrator], common [M. merganser], and hooded [Lophodytes cucullatus] combined) were all similar to their 2011 estimates and long-term averages

Waterfowl Population Status, 2008

In the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey traditional survey area (strata 1‒18, 20‒50, and 75‒77), the total duck population estimate was 37.3 ± 0.6 [SE] million birds. This was 9% lower than last year\u27s estimate of 41.2 ± 0.7 million birds, but 11% above the 1955-2007 long-term average. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) abundance was 7.7 ± 0.3 million birds, similar to last year\u27s estimate of 8.3 ± 0.3 million birds and to the long-term average. Blue-winged teal (A. discors) estimated abundance was 6.6 ± 0.3 million birds similar to last year\u27s estimate of 6.7 ± 0.4 million birds, and 45% above the long-term average. Estimated abundances of gadwall (A. strepera; 2.7 ± 0.2 million) and northern shovelers (A. clypeata; 3.5 ± 0.2 million) were lower than those of last year (‒19% and ‒23%, respectively), but both remained 56% above their long-term averages. Estimated abundance of American wigeon (A. americana; 2.5 ± 0.2 million) was similar to the 2007 estimate and the long-term average. Estimated abundances of green-winged teal (A. crecca; 3.0 ± 0.2 million) and redheads (Aythya americana; 1.1 ± 0.1 million) were similar to last year\u27s, but were each \u3e50% above their long-term averages. The redhead and green-winged teal estimates were the highest and the second highest ever for the traditional survey area. The canvasback (A. valisineria) estimate of 0.5 ± 0.05 million was down 44% relative to 2007\u27s record high, and 14% below the long-term average. Northern pintails (Anas acuta; 2.6 ± 0.1 million) were 22% below last year\u27s estimate and 36% below their long-term average. The scaup (Aythya anis and A. marila combined; 3.7 ± 0.2 million) estimate was similar to that of 2007, and remained 27% below the long-term average. Habitat conditions during the 2008 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey were characterized in many areas by a delayed spring compared to several preceding years. Drought in many parts of the traditional survey area contrasted sharply with record snow and rainfall in the eastern survey area. The total pond estimate (Prairie Canada and U.S. combined) was 4.4 ± 0.2 million ponds, 37% below last year\u27s estimate of 7.0 ± 0.3 million ponds and 10% lower than the long-term average of 4.9 ± 0.03 million ponds. The 2008 estimate of ponds in Prairie Canada was 3.1 ± 0.1 million. This was a 39% decrease from last year\u27s estimate (5.0 ± 0.3 million), and 11% below the 1955-2007 average (3.4 ± 0.03 million). The 2008 pond estimate for the north-central U.S. (1.4 ± 0.1 million) was 30% lower than last year\u27s estimate (2.0 ± 0.1 million) and 11% below the long-term average (1.5 ± 0.02 million). The projected mallard fall-flight index was 9.2 ± 0.8 million, similar to the 2007 estimate of 10.9 ± 1.0 million birds. The eastern survey area was restratified in 2005 and is now composed of strata 51-72. Estimates of mallards, scaup, scoters (black [Melanitta nigra], white-winged [M. fusca], and surf [M. perspicillata]), green-winged teal, American wigeon, buehead (B. albeola), American black duck (A. rubripes), ring-necked duck (Aythya collaris), mergansers (red-breasted [Mergus serrator], common [M. merganser], and hooded [Lophodytes cucullatus]), and goldeneye (common [Bucephala clangula] and Barrow\u27s [B. islandica]) all were similar to their 2007 estimates and long-term averages

Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, 1955-2008

This report summarizes information about the status of duck populations and wetland habitats during spring 2008, focusing on areas encompassed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) and Canadian Wildlife Services\u27 (CWS) Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey. This report does not include information from surveys conducted by state or provincial agencies. In the traditional survey area, which includes strata 1-18, 20-50, and 75-77 (Figure 1), the total duck population estimate (excluding scoters [Melanitta spp.], eiders [Somateria and Polysticta spp.], long-tailed ducks [Clangula hyemalis], mergansers [Mergus and Lophodytes spp.], and wood ducks [Aix sponsa]) was 37.3 ± 0.6 [SE] million birds. This estimate represents a 9% decline over last year\u27s estimate of 41.2 ± 0.7 million birds, but remains 11% above the 1955-2007 long-term averagea (Table 1). Estimated mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) abundance was 7.7 ± 0.3 million birds, which was similar to last year\u27s estimate of 8.3 ± 0.3 million birds and the long-term average (Table 2). Blue-winged teal (A. discors) abundance was 6.6 ± 0.3 million birds. This value is similar to last year\u27s estimate of 6.7 ± 0.4 million birds and 45% above the long-term average. Estimated abundances of gadwall (A. strepera; 2.7 ± 0.2 million) and Northern shovelers (A. clypeata; 3.5 ± 0.2 million) were below 2007 estimates (-19% and -23%, respectively) but remain well above their long-term averages (+56% and +56%, respectively). Estimated abundances of green-winged teal (A. crecca; 3.0 ± 0.2 million) and redheads (Aythya americana; 1.1 ± 0.1 million) were similar to last year\u27s and were \u3e50% above their long-term averages. Estimates of canvasbacks (A. valisineria; 0.5 ± 0.05 million) were 44% below the 2007 estimate (0.9 ± 0.09 million) and 14% below the long-term average. The estimate for Northern pintails (Anas acuta) was 2.6 ± 0.1 million, which was 22% below the 2007 estimate of 3.3 ± 0.2 million, and 36% below the long-term average. The scaup estimate (Aythya affinis and A. marila combined; 3.7 ± 0.2 million) was similar to 2007, and remained 27% below the long-term average of 5.1 ± 0.2 million

Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, 1955-2010

This report summarizes information about the status of duck populations and wetland habitats during spring 2010, focusing on areas encompassed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) and Canadian Wildlife Services\u27 (CWS) Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey. We do not include information from surveys conducted by state or provincial agencies. In the traditional survey area, which includes strata 1-18, 20-50, and 75-77 (Figure 1), the total duck population estimate (excluding scoters [Melanitta spp.], eiders [Somateria spp. and Polysticta stelleri], long-tailed ducks [Clangula hyemalis], mergansers [Mergus spp. and Lophodytes cucullatus], and wood ducks [Aix sponsa]) was 40.9 ± 0.7 [SE] million birds. This estimate was similar to last year\u27s estimate of 42.0 ± 0.7 million birds and was 21% above the long-term averagea (1955{2009; Table 1). Estimated mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) abundance was 8.4 ± 0.3 million birds, which was similar to the 2009 estimate of 8.5 ± 0.2 million birds and 12% above the long-term average (Table 2). Estimated abundance of gadwall (A. strepera; 3.0 ± 0.2 million) was similar to the 2009 estimate and 67% above the long-term average (Table 3). Estimated abundance of American wigeon (A. americana; 2.4 ± 0.1 million) was similar to 2009 and the long-term average (Table 4). The estimated abundance of green-winged teal (A. crecca) was 3.5 ± 0.2 million, which was similar to the 2009 estimate and 78% above their long-term average of 1.9 ± 0.2 million (Table 5). The estimate of blue-winged teal abundance (A. discors) was 6.3 ± 0.4 million, which was 14% below the 2009 estimate and 36% above their long-term average of 4.7 ± 0.4 million (Table 6). The estimate for northern pintails (A. acuta; 3.5 ± 0.2 million) was similar to the 2009 estimate, and 13% below the long-term average of 4.0 ± 0.4 million (Table 7). Estimates of northern shovelers (A. clypeata; 4.1 ± 0.2 million) and redheads (Aythya americana; 1.1 ± 0.1 million) were similar to their 2009 estimates and were 76% and 63% above their long-term averages of 2.3 ± 0.02 million and 0.7 ± 0.01 million, respectively (Tables 8 and 9). The canvasback estimate (A. valisineria; 0.6 ± 0.05 million) was similar the 2009 estimate and to the long-term average (Table 10). The scaup estimate (A. affinis and A. marila combined; 4.2 ± 0.2 million) was similar to that of 2009 and 16% below the long-term average of 5.1 ± 0.05 million (Table 11)

Waterfowl Population Status, 2009

In the traditional survey area, which includes strata 1‒18, 20‒50, and 75‒77, the total duck population estimate was 42.0 ± 0.7 [SE] million birds. This estimate represents a 13% increase over last year\u27s estimate of 37.3 ± 0.6 million birds and was 25% above the long-term average (1955‒ 2008). Estimated mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) abundance was 8.5 ± 0.2 million birds, which was a 10% increase over last year\u27s estimate of 7.7 ± 0.3 million birds and 13% above the long-term average. Estimated abundance of gadwall (A. strepera; 3.1 ± 0.2 million) was similar to the 2008 estimate and 73% above the long-term average. Estimated American wigeon abundance (A. americana; 2.5 ± 0.1 million) was similar to 2008 and the long-term average. Estimated abundances of green-winged teal (A. crecca; 3.4 ± 0.2 million) and blue-winged teal (A. discors; 7.4 ± 0.4 million) were similar to last year\u27s estimates and well above their long-term averages (+79% and +60%, respectively). Northern shovelers (A. clypeata; 4.4 ± 0.2 million) were 25% above the 2008 estimate and remain well above their long-term average (+92%). The estimate for northern pintails (A. acuta) was 3.2 ± 0.2 million, which was 23% above the 2008 estimate of 2.6 ± 0.1 million, and 20% below the long-term average. Estimated abundance of redheads (Aythya americana; 1.0 ± 0.1 million) was similar to last year and 62% above the long-term average. The canvasback estimate (A. valisineria; 0.7 ± 0.06 million) was 35% above the 2008 estimate (0.5 ± 0.05 million) and similar to the long-term average. The scaup estimate (A. affinis and A. marila combined; 4.2 ± 0.2 million) was similar to that of 2008 and 18% below the long-term average of 5.1 ± 0.05 million. Habitat conditions during the 2009 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey were characterized by above-average moisture across the southern portions of the traditional survey area, good habitat in the eastern survey area, and late spring conditions across northern survey areas. The total pond estimate (prairie Canada and U.S. combined) was 6.4 ± 0.2 million. This was 45% above last year\u27s estimate of 4.4 ± 0.2 million ponds and 31% above the long-term average of 4.9 ± 0.03 million ponds. The 2009 estimate of ponds in prairie Canada was 3.6 ± 0.1 million. This was a 17% increase from last year\u27s estimate (3.1 ± 0.1 million) and was similar to the long-term average (3.4 ± 0.03 million). The 2009 pond estimate for the north central U.S. of 2.9 ± 0.1 million was 108% above last year\u27s estimate (1.4 ± 0.07 million) and 87% above the long-term average (1.5 ± 0.02 million). The projected mallard fall-flight index was 10.3 ± 0.9 million. The eastern survey area was restratifed in 2005 and is now composed of strata 51‒72. Estimates of mallards, scaup, scoters (black [Melanitta nigra], white-winged [M. fusca], and surf [M. perspicillata]), green-winged teal, American wigeon, bufflehead (Bucephala albeola), American black duck (Anas rubripes), ring-necked duck (Aythya collaris), mergansers (red-breasted [Mergus serrator], common [M. merganser], and hooded [Lophodytes cucullatus]), and goldeneye (common [B. clangula] and Barrow\u27s [B. islandica]) were all similar to their 2008 estimates and long-term averages

Trends in Duck Breeding Populations 1955-2012

This report summarizes information about the status of duck populations and wetland habitats during spring 2012, focusing on areas encompassed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife (USFWS) and Canadian Wildlife Services\u27 (CWS) Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey. We do not include information from surveys conducted by state or provincial agencies. In the traditional survey area, which includes strata 1-18, 20-50, and 75-77 (Figure 1), the total duck population estimate (excluding scoters [Melanitta spp.], eiders [Somateria spp. and Polysticta stelleri ], long- tailed ducks [Clangula hyemalis], mergansers [Mergus spp. and Lophodytes cucullatus], and wood ducks [Aix sponsa]) was 48.6 ± 0.8 [SE] million birds (Figure 3, Appendix A). This represents a 7% increase over last year\u27s estimate of 45.6 ± 0.8 million, and is 43% higher than the long-term averagea (1955-2011; Table 1). Estimated mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) abundance was 10.6 ± 0.3 million, which was 15% above the 2011 estimate of 9.2 ± 0.3 million, and 40% above the long-term average of 7.6 ± 0.04 million (Table 2). Estimated abundance of gadwall (A. strepera; 3.6 ± 0.2 million) was similar to the 2011 estimate and 96% above the long-term average (1.8 ± 0.02 million; Table 3). The estimate for American wigeon (A. americana; 2.1 ± 0.1 million) was similar to the 2011 estimate and 17% below the long-term average of 2.6 ± 0.02 million (Table 4). The estimated abundance of green-winged teal (A. crecca) was 3.5 ± 0.2 million, which was 20% above the 2011 estimate and 74% above the long-term average (2.0 ± 0.02 million; Table 5). The estimates of blue-winged teal (A. discors; 9.2 ± 0.4 million) and northern shoveler (A. clypeata; 5.0 ± 0.3 million) were similar to their 2011 estimates and 94% and 111% above the long-term averages of 4.8 ± 0.04 million (Table 6) and 2.4 ± 0.02 million (Table 7), respectively. The estimate for northern pintails (A. acuta; 3.5 ± 0.2 million) was 22% below the 2011 estimate of 4.4 ± 0.3 million and 14% below the long-term average of 4.0 ± 0.04 million (Table 8). The estimated abundance for redheads (Aythya americana; 1.3 ± 0.1 million) and canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria; 0.8 ± 0.07 million) were similar to their 2011 estimates and were 89% and 33% above their long- term averages of 0.7 ± 0.01 million (Table 9) and 0.6 ± 0.01 million (Table 10), respectively. Estimated abundance of scaup (A. affinis and A. marila combined; 5.2 ± 0.3 million) was 21% above the 2011 estimate and similar to the long-term average of 5.0 ± 0.05 million (Table 11)

Waterfowl Population Status, 2012

In North America the process of establishing hunting regulations for waterfowl is conducted annually. In the United States the process involves a number of scheduled meetings in which information regarding the status of waterfowl is presented to individuals within the agencies responsible for setting hunting regulations. In addition, the proposed regulations are published in the Federal Register to allow public comment. This report includes the most current breeding population and production information available for waterfowl in North America and is a result of cooperative efforts by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), various state and provincial conservation agencies, and private conservation organizations. This report is intended to aid the development of waterfowl harvest regulations in the United States for the 2012–2013 hunting season. Cover: 2012–2013 Duck stamp. A lone Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) by Joseph Hautman, winner of the 2011 federal duck stamp design competition