2012 Duck Forecast

The 2012 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey was recently released, and the news doesn't get any better for duck hunters. Early spring water two years ago has resulted in the continental population of ducks being at their highest recorded levels since the survey started in 1956. 

Given the amount of breeding habitat lost in the past years, this is an amazing finding, and, as hunters and conservationists, Mother Nature helped us dodge a big bullet. However, the clock is ticking. Between dry conditions, expanded farming, and land coming out of conservation programs, pond counts are down 32% from the previous year. In short, things aren't going to get any better than right now anytime soon. 

Duck hunters need to take advantage of this lucky break and get into the swamps this fall. We'll likely not see such numbers again.