The impact will be fewer young birds in the fall flight.” If Drought Continues, Future Seasons and Limits Could Be Cut By Halfĭespite concern that fewer ducks may come south this fall, hunters can still expect long seasons and high bag limits this year. “When pond numbers are low, we see a decline in brood numbers,” says Adair, “Adult ducks don’t die during a drought, but they don’t breed. Some will stay in the prairie pothole region while others may spend the season farther north in the boreal forest, but in either case they won’t breed as much. With similar dry conditions present across the border, the duck factory will have a hard time producing more birds.
![population count of the mountain duck population count of the mountain duck](https://img.hoodline.com/uploads/story/image/20967/IMG_8781.jpg)
South Dakota and Alberta aren’t as dry, according the NOAA’s drought monitor, but both show well below average rainfall. Although there are no surveys taking place on the Canadian side of the border, Adair says field reports indicate severe drought conditions in southern Manitoba and parts of Saskatchewan.
![population count of the mountain duck population count of the mountain duck](https://i.etsystatic.com/iap/712627/2631918349/iap_300x300.2631918349_33nanjji.jpg)
We’ll have to temper our expectations for the fall flight,” he says. “It’s unfortunate not have data from Canada right now with the region in drought. It’s a bad time to be flying partially blind, according to Ducks Unlimited’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Little Data and Less Water Means a Shaky Duck Hunting Forecast If the drought parching the prairie pothole region continues, however, shortened seasons and lower limits could be on the horizon for 2022-23 and beyond. Still, waterfowlers can still expect a long season and high limits for the 2021-2022 season.
![population count of the mountain duck population count of the mountain duck](https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/wild-ducks-swimming-cold-water-60929357.jpg)
Based on those results, it appears this year’s flight may be down significantly compared to last year. With the USFWS annual surveys canceled for a second year in a row due to covid, waterfowl managers have to rely on North Dakota’s spring survey to speculate about the fall duck flight. The news out of North Dakota isn’t good for ducks or for duck hunters.