Migration Alert: Pacific Northwest Habitat Conditions

Conditions across the Pacific Northwest vary, but there are certainly some bright spots. As waterfowlers take an early look at the upcoming season, there's much to be optimistic about, including a three-bird pintail limit.

Dan Smith, a waterfowl research scientist in Ducks Unlimited's Western Region Office, says, "Habitat conditions are pretty good in the Pacific Northwest, especially Oregon, and the Columbia River basin is looking pretty good."

Smith also reports that overall bird numbers are similar to last year. "As far as expected bird numbers, Alaska is down a little bit. Realistically, it has been pretty similar to last year in Oregon and Washington. Same with British Columbia—a little decline in mallard numbers but nothing significant."

Washington

Matthew Wilson, statewide waterfowl specialist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, predicts few changes from the 2024–2025 season. With eastern wetlands and the scablands plagued by drought, he says, local duck production, mostly mallards, continued its tailspin from last year. Western Washington is also drier than normal, but Wilson suggests that an early hatch may have helped locally. All eyes are on the north, as hunters hope for timely cold weather.

Despite the statewide cut in dark goose limits, local production of western Canada geese may save some hunts. Wilson notes that the typical early arrival of teal in Puget Sound and on the coast will soon be followed by wigeon and mallards. The first few snow geese have also been reported crossing the border and into the northern part of the sound.

Oregon

Brandon Reishus, migratory game bird coordinator with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, says that local mallard numbers are up a bit, unlike more worrisome reports from neighboring states. While some parts of Oregon are in an extended drought, much of the high desert escaped the driest weather, and there's water available in areas where many of the flyway's ducks travel on their way south.

Production was average on the state's wildlife management areas, Reishus notes.

This was the case around Summer Lake, but this area could attract some migrants before opening day. A few teal and wigeon are making their predicted early visit to the coastal bays. Reishus also mentions that officials will be monitoring for avian influenza in dark geese this fall. 

Idaho

Jeff Knetter, upland game and migratory game bird coordinator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, says that conditions have been drier than normal across the state, with the driest conditions in the panhandle. This has led to a statewide downturn in local production.

Some state-managed areas in eastern Idaho have low water, and Knetter reminds hunters that it is always a good idea to get a report for a specific area before traveling to hunt. Local mallards seem to be down, he believes, but Alberta's production improved from 2024, and hunters should expect a more normal season once northern birds arrive.

Knetter also mentions that the Snake River should see consistent results this fall, and that all Snake River duck hunting restrictions stemming from the threat of quagga mussels were lifted in April, following extensive treatment.