1. WESTERN CANADA
Late summer weather in British Columbia was generally warm and dry, and varying levels of drought persisted in many areas. As a result, early fall water levels and habitat conditions were less favorable than in recent years, particularly in the Peace, interior, and south coast regions. Migration activity increased through September, and large waterfowl concentrations were observed in areas with ample surface water.
2. WESTERN BOREAL FOREST
Temperatures were above average and precipitation was variable across the Boreal region in late summer and early fall. Drought persisted across the northern prairie provinces, and extreme drought remained in the Northwest Territories. Waterfowl were on the move in late September, and large lakes and wetlands with stable water levels provided favorable habitat for staging birds.
3. PRAIRIE CANADA
Early fall habitat conditions were variable across the Canadian prairies. Much of Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba received above-average rainfall, maintaining water levels and productive upland cover. Drier conditions persisted in some areas, but many wetlands continued to hold water, providing favorable habitat for staging waterfowl and allowing birds to disperse widely across the landscape. The fall migration was under way in late September, with more waterfowl arriving daily from the north.
4. CENTRAL CANADA
Habitat conditions were generally favorable for waterfowl across central Canada heading into fall. Despite variable precipitation, water levels and wetland conditions remained relatively stable, providing good habitat for migrating waterfowl. Cooler temperatures and strong north winds in mid-September brought large flights of Canada geese from the north, and ducks were expected to follow.
5. ATLANTIC CANADA
Late summer and early fall were cooler and rainier than average in Atlantic Canada, improving water levels after last year’s drought. A good crop of wild rice in managed wetlands should provide excellent habitat for staging waterfowl. Migration observations in late September included numerous blue-winged teal, wood ducks, and American black ducks.
6. NORTH-CENTRAL US
The northern third of North Dakota and Montana received significant rainfall in September, which improved wetland conditions in many areas. Much-needed rainfall also fell in east-central portions of South Dakota. DU biologists have observed encouraging numbers of waterfowl on intact wetlands in these areas. In contrast, southeastern Montana and areas west of the Missouri River in North and South Dakota remained dry. Good numbers of pheasants and other upland birds have been observed on landscapes with sufficient upland cover.
7. GREAT LAKES AND NORTHEASTERN US
Drought continued to plague areas of the Great Lakes in late September, especially in northern Wisconsin and central Michigan. Similar conditions were present in New England and the Mid-Atlantic region. Reports indicate that early teal numbers were modest, and regular-season openers in northern zones featured a mix of local wood ducks and mallards, with a smattering of early migrant species. Significant rainfall is needed to improve habitat conditions for migrating waterfowl in many areas.
8. SOUTHERN US
Drought prevailed across much of the southern United States in early fall. In Texas and Louisiana, most of the water on the landscape during September teal seasons was pumped via wells or surface irrigation. Along the Gulf Coast, marsh conditions were near average, and reports indicate that many teal hunters had success. The lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley and the South Atlantic region were also dry heading into fall, with moderate to extreme drought persisting in these areas. More precipitation is needed to improve habitat conditions for migrating and wintering waterfowl across the South.
9. WESTERN US
Dry summer weather and a lack of runoff have impacted wetland conditions in many areas of the West, including marshes associated with the Great Salt Lake. California was a bright spot, where many managed wetlands had excellent moist-soil production this summer. Managers were working hard across the West to flood wetlands as the first fall migrants arrived.
