The following report is a compilation of state and federal wildlife manager reports and waterfowl surveys from across Minnesota. This is the first report for 2015.
Reports will be compiled weekly throughout the hunting season and should be available by Thursday afternoon each week. The Conservation Officer Report, available on the DNR web site, also contains information about waterfowl hunter success across the state.
General: 24 September 2015
Duck hunters should have a good opening weekend across the state based on reports from state and federal wildlife managers. Blue-winged teal, wood ducks, and mallards should dominate hunters’ bags in most areas; ring-necked ducks and green-winged teal should also be fairly common in many areas.
The number of breeding ducks in Minnesota this spring was similar to last year and slightly below the long-term average. The number of breeding ducks based on continental surveys was very high for most duck species and well above the long-term average. Waterfowl production (number of young hatched) was expected to be good in Minnesota and elsewhere with favorable wetland conditions reported from most areas this summer.
Water levels are near average across most of the state for this time of the year. Wild rice production was very good this year and should provide good waterfowl foraging habitat this fall.
The number of breeding Canada geese in the state remains high but similar to last year. Canada goose numbers have increased in many areas since early September as more molt migrant geese have returned to the state. Goose hunting success during the August and September seasons was fair. Goose hunter numbers during the early season this year were 27,100 based on goose permit sales, which was the lowest number on record.
Temperatures are expected to be above average on opening weekend with highs in the mid 70s in most of the state with south winds and no precipitation.
The following is a summary of pre-season waterfowl habitat and hunting conditions from various reporting stations across the state.
[attached PDF]