Where Have All the Ducks Gone? A Call for Smarter Conservation
The Decline of Duck Numbers: Is It Time for Change?
For the past two decades, hunters have debated the decline in duck numbers, pointing to a range of possible causes. Some blame the expansion of refuges, while others argue that shifting flyways and Missouri holding too many birds have altered migration patterns. Unpredictable weather, increasing hunting pressure, and private clubs feeding ducks to keep them in one place have also been cited as contributing factors. While all of these issues play a role, the undeniable truth remains: the ducks simply arenโt there. Year after year, hunters witness declining numbers in the field, yet hunting regulations have not changed to reflect the reality before us.
This problem didnโt appear overnight. It can be traced back to the implementation of the Adaptive Harvest Management Plan (AHMP) by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). While intended to ensure sustainable duck populations, many hunters believe the model it relies on is deeply flawed.
The Problem with the Current Model
One of the biggest concerns is the assumption that duck populations can thrive under a continuous liberal season structure. For 25 years, the waterfowl community has operated under a 60-day season with a 6-duck daily limitโregardless of environmental changes, habitat loss, or shifting migration patterns. However, nature doesnโt adhere to rigid formulas, and outdated policies fail to account for the evolving challenges facing waterfowl populations.
What hunters see in the field often does not align with the data being used to justify these extended seasons. Despite visible declines, bag limits and season lengths have remained unchanged. The reality is that ducks need time to recover, and without proactive conservation efforts, we risk long-term damage to their populations.
A Call for Action
The question now is: what can we do to reverse the decline before itโs too late? A more conservative approach, such as a 30-day season with a 3-duck limit, could provide the breathing room waterfowl populations desperately need. While such a change may not be popular among all hunters, those who prioritize the future of the sport understand that short-term sacrifice is necessary for long-term sustainability.
Hunters have always played a critical role in conservation, and now more than ever, we must step up to advocate for responsible management. That means demanding better data-driven policies, acknowledging the realities we see in the field, and pushing for adjustments that will ensure the survival of the waterfowl we cherish.
The future of waterfowling is in our hands. Itโs time to make the tough decisions today to secure the sportโand the wildlifeโfor generations to come.
Yep. Lifetime North Dakota resdient here. The 3 year drought up here has dried up so much water the ducks do not nest up here like they used to.
Combine that with the millions of CRP lost over the last 20 years, deer, ducks, and even pheasants, especially in the eastern part of the state have totally plummeted, despite what you tube and ND game and fish try and say otherwise.
Back in the early 2000s and late 90s, water and ducks everywhere. No problem shooting the birds. Now, so few birds in way fewer places, but so many people still hunting them relentlessly until all the birds just raft out in thr middle of the water and wonโt come near the shore in any direction.
Last year, I counted 15 vehicles driving down the gravel road across from our private family land while hunting pheasants on our stuff in less than a half an hour. One of them stopped and tried to talk to me while I was actively hunting with my dogs. Annoying.
Totally agree. The 2025 Teal season for the Central Flyway has been reduced to 9 days but without a change in daily bag limit. Letโs reduce the bag limit to either 3 or 4 birds as well. I am all in favor of a restrictive season with a 3 bird limit for the next 5 years. Harvest would be reduced and bird numbers should rebound.. if we do this we will need the cooperation of our northern and southern neighbors.
Ban duck hunting on any agricultural field that has had a crop on it of any kind that year. For some reason itโs not considered baiting if you bring water to a food sourceโฆ
Iโve been in this camp for years now. We need drastic improvements, and that takes drastic change. 30 days, 3 ducks. 2 mallards, no mallard hens. If you think thatโs too drastic, you havenโt been doing it long enough.
Thank you Ft. Thompsonโs for making the issue known.
100% completely agree! Was just talking to a buddy today about how our kids may not get to do it like we did.