U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - News Release

Nov. 15, 2006

SOME WATERFOWL REMAIN IN STATE, SAYS USFWS

Waterfowl continue to migrate out of North Dakota, but some ducks and geese are extending their stay to take advantage of above-normal temperatures and open water. In its final weekly report of the season, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says hunters in the southern part of the state could have successful outings.

Some nice sized flocks of snow geese and Canada geese, as well as some mallards are being seen in southeastern North Dakota. Biologist Kristine Askerooth of Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge believes it’s the last of the waterfowl migration. She reports the large bodies of water are still open, and suggests hunters try southern Richland County and western Sargent County. Askerooth notes 90 percent of the corn crop has been harvested.

Open water at Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge attracted large numbers of waterfowl early this week, and neighboring Foster County also saw increases. Biologist Paulette Scherr says the Refuge was holding 20,000 Canada geese, about 28,000 snow geese, some 20,000 ducks and 1,000 tundra swans. She reports nearly all the ducks were mallards. In Foster County, Scherr saw more than 6,000 Canada geese in flocks of 200 or so, about 30,000 snow geese in huge flocks and 35,000 mallards, also in huge flocks.

Some huntable populations of snow geese can still be found in the Chase Lake Wetland Management District. Biologist Chris Flann reports seeing large flocks of snow geese in southern Stutsman and northern Logan counties, along with some ducks. He reports most wetlands are frozen over.

Some large flocks of snow geese are scattered across southeast-central North Dakota. Project leader Mick Erickson of the Kulm Wetland Management District says the area also has some Canada geese and a few mallards near large bodies of water.

Several thousand Canada geese and very few ducks and snow geese remain at Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Biologist Cheryl Jacobs also reports seeing some scattered flocks of Canada geese and some large flocks of snow geese in Kidder County, fewer geese in northern and central Burleigh County and scattered small groups of Canada geese in Emmons County. She adds ducks are scarce throughout the three counties.

Most snow geese and mallards have left northeastern North Dakota. Biologist Cami Dixon of the Devils Lake Wetland Management District says hunters are still finding some Canada geese in harvested fields, although they seem to be pulling out, too. She notes that good numbers of scaup and other diving ducks are still being reported on Devils Lake.

At Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge near Minot, Lake Darling opened up last week and attracted 7,000 Canada geese, 100 tundra swans and a few ducks. Officer Shawn Tripp says the birds may stick around as long as food and water are available.

Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge still holds about 2,000 Canada geese. Refuge manager Dan Severson says the birds are spread out from Kenmare to the Canadian border. He believes the geese will stay for at least a few more days.

About 500 mallards and 200 Canada geese found open water near Crosby early this week. Refuge manager Tim Kessler of the Crosby Wetland Management District also reports Canada geese from Boundary Dam near Estevan, Sask. have been feeding in northern Divide and Burke counties.

The few remaining waterfowl hunting opportunities in Mountrail County are on Lake Sakakawea. Biologist Cory Lawson of the Lostwood Wetland Management District says all other wetlands are iced over.

A few Canada geese are holding on at J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge in north-central North Dakota. Biologist Dan Duchscherer says a couple groups of up to 500 geese were out on the ice at mid-week. He also reports seeing some Canada geese north of Rugby, but says the snow geese and ducks are all gone.

Audubon National Wildlife Refuge continues to hold 2,000 snow geese, up to 5,000 Canada geese and as many as 4,000 ducks. Wetland manager Mike Goos says larger wetlands in McLean, Sheridan and Ward counties also have some Canada geese and mallards, but the peak of the migration is past.

The lakes and wetlands at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern South Dakota are still open. On Tuesday, biologist Bill Schultze estimated the Refuge held 8,000 Canada geese, about 230,000 snow geese, some 200,000 ducks and 1,000 tundra swans. He notes the snow goose population on the Refuge has dropped from 410,000 last week, but adds that many snow geese are occupying other wetlands in the area.

Hunters using Waterfowl Production Areas are reminded that motor vehicles may not be used off established roads or trails, and upland bird hunters using WPAs are restricted to nontoxic shot and must use shotguns capable of holding no more than three shells.

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov