The Wisconsin Waterfowl Strategic Plan

Duck Population Status

Duck Population Status

Wisconsin has a long history of being an important state for waterfowl populations and waterfowl management. It has been nearly 140 years since the first waterfowl harvest limits were established, ushering in waterfowl management in Wisconsin. Since these beginnings, our human population has grown, we have lost 50% of our original 10 million acres of wetlands, and waterfowl management has evolved while we have continued to maintain a strong waterfowl hunting heritage. A review of our past and present conditions provides this picture of our current status:

• Waterfowl breeding populations in Wisconsin are at their highest levels since estimates were first attempted in the 50’s and 60’s and systematic surveys began in 1973.
• Over 10 years of 60 day/6 duck daily bag seasons combined with over 100 days of Canada goose hunting in most of these years, representing the highest combined hunting days and bag limits for Wisconsin waterfowl hunting opportunity in 60 years and hunters are generally satisfied with the regulations.
• While threats to waterfowl habitat continue, excellent programs are in place to continue a diligent system of acquisition, restoration and enhancement at the state and regional level. However, reductions in staffing and budgets on state and federal lands limit the ability to maintain quality habitat and conduct restorations, while state level private land policies and potential changes to national programs in the Farm Bill could significantly reduced private land habitat work.
• Waterfowl harvest levels are average to high compared with historical levels.
• Over 60% of the fall duck harvest consists of mallards, wood ducks and blue-winged teal, which are also our top three breeding ducks in Wisconsin.
• Waterfowl hunter numbers are average compared to historical levels in Wisconsin and high compared with other states. Enthusiasm for the sport continues to be high in Wisconsin.
• There is a lack of information in Wisconsin on populations of waterfowl during migration and a lack of current information on waterfowl hunting pressure and activity at the local level.
• Despite long seasons and apparent high waterfowl populations, 30 – 60% of Wisconsin’s duck hunters have not had their expectations met during recent hunting experiences.
• The most important variables for improving the waterfowl hunting experience for Wisconsin duck hunters are providing opportunities/locations for duck hunters to see more ducks and experience less hunter crowding.

With this evaluation we present 6 primary objectives and associated strategies for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource’s waterfowl management program:

• Objective 1: Continue to provide and expand habitats and management necessary to meet the year round ecological needs of Wisconsin’s diverse waterfowl community and other wetland species with recognition given to the state's role as a waterfowl production state and its waterfowl hunting heritage.
• Objective 2: Monitor and evaluate waterfowl populations in Wisconsin across seasons and locations. Existing data provides a long term picture of Wisconsin breeding waterfowl populations, however, adequate data is lacking at a statewide and local scale for fall waterfowl numbers and distribution.
• Objective 3: Improve the overall waterfowl hunting experience and the measures of waterfowl hunter satisfaction at the state level. Public input has consistently identified that the quality of the waterfowl hunting experience is affected by interactions (positive and negative) with other hunters as well as seeing and harvesting birds.
• Objective 4: Manage resident Canada goose populations at a level that balances conflicting societal perspectives. One segment of society values our resident Canada geese for hunting and wildlife viewing while another segment considers them a nuisance or a source of damage to agricultural interests.
• Objective 5: Strengthen and maintain Wisconsin’s long waterfowl hunting heritage by developing new strategies for waterfowl hunting education and recruitment and by building upon existing Department programs. Waterfowl hunter numbers in Wisconsin appear stable over the last 25 years while other groups of hunters (gun deer, small game etc.) have shown different trends from increasing to decreasing over this period. Education on waterfowl hunting techniques, opportunities and ethics can improve the overall hunting experience.
• Objective 6: Through continued research, refine and better understand the variables that affect resident breeding and migration populations of waterfowl and apply this knowledge to management strategies.

Issue Identification and Planning

Winter 2004/2005 - Established Migratory Game Bird Committee with representatives from partner agencies and waterfowl groups. Solicited ideas for the planning process.

March 2005 - Public Input session as part of the Wisconsin Waterfowl Hunter’s Workshop. This workshop was attended by 170 waterfowl hunters from around the state.

June 2005 - Conducted public open houses in 5 locations around the state to seek additional information from waterfowl hunters on issues, desires and strategies for waterfowl management in Wisconsin.

Data Collection and Coordination with Other Flyway and National Efforts

2005 through 2006 – Department staff participation in related Flyway planning efforts and National Waterfowl Hunting Strategy Team.

Summer 2005 – Assist in development of National and Wisconsin Duck Hunter Mail Survey

Fall 2005 – Survey mailed to a random sample of 1300 duck hunters and results summarized.

February 2006 – Results of Duck Hunter Survey released.

Spring 2006 – Analysis and presentation of Duck Hunter Survey results, feedback from March Waterfowl Hunters Conference and advisory committee of results for plan development.

Summer/Fall 2006 – Department staff work with Upper Mississippi Great Lakes Joint Venture in development and review of regional waterfowl habitat plan that drives Wisconsin’s objectives.

Fall/Winter 2006 – Work with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Mississippi Flyway to chart new direction on Management of Canada geese.

Plan Development

Winter 2006/2007 – Draft plan development.

Winter 2006/2007 - Coordination with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service waterfowl property plans in Wisconsin.

Draft Plan: Public Presentation and Review

March 2007 – Presentation of draft plan objectives at March Waterfowl Hunters Conference.

April 2007 – Draft plan for internal and Migratory Game Bird Committee review.

May 2007 – Discussion of plan at Migratory Game Bird Committee meeting.

June-August 2007 – Public review period.

Fall/Winter 2007 – Plan completion and presentation to Natural Resources Board.