PACIFIC FLYWAY
~
WATERFOWL
REPORT
'-'U(J
~&
No. 79
May 1978
PACIFIC FLYWAY WATERFOWL REPORT
Number 79
May 1978
Prepared by:
Pacific Flyway Study Committee
Compiled by:
James C. Bartonek
Pacific Flyway Representative
(Printed February 1979)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Members of Pacific Flyway Council. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Members of Pacific Flyway Study Committee. . . . . . . .
Minutes of Pacific Flyway Study Committee.--C. E. Kebbe.
.
Pacific Flyway winter waterfowl survey--1978.--J. C. Bartonek.
Alaska - no report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arizona - no report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
California Pacific Flyway report.--F. M. Kozlik. . . .
Idaho Pacific Flyway report.--0. Norell. . . . . . . .
Pacific Flyway report, State of Nevada.--L. Barngrover
Oregon Pacific Flyway report.--C. E. Kebbe . . .
Utah Pacific Flyway report.--A. F. Regenthal . .
Washington Pacific Flyway report.--R. C. Parker. . . .
ii
iii
iv
1
9
25
25
26
40
54
63
75
83
MEMBERS OF PACIFIC FLYWAY COUI'CIL
ALASKA
Ronald 0. Skoog, Connnissioner
Alaska Dept. of Fish &Game
Subport Building
Juneau, A1aska 99801
907-465-4100
(FTS thru Seattle: 399-0150)
NEVADA
Glen K. Griffith, Director
Nevada Dept. of Fish &Game
Box 10678
1100 Valley Road
Reno, Nevada 89520
702-784-6214
(FTS thru Reno 470-5911)
ARIZONA
*Robert A. Jantzen, Director
Arizona Game & Fish Dept.
2222 West Greenway Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85023
602-942-3000
(FTS thru Phoenix: 261-3900)
OREGON
John R. Donaldson, Director
Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife
506 S.W. Mill Street
P.O. Box 3503
Portland, Oregon 97208
503-229-5406
(FTS thru Portland: 423-4111)
CALIFORNIA
E. C. Fullerton, Director
Calif. Dept. of Fish & Game
1416 Ninth Street
Sacramento, California 95814
916-445-3535
(FTS: 465-3535)
UTAH
Donald A. Smith, Director
Utah State Div. of Wildlife Resources
1596 W. North Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
801-533-9333
(FTS thru Salt Lake: 588-5500)
IDAHO
WASHINGTON
Ralph W. Larson, Director
Washington Department of Game
600 North Capitol Way
Olympia, Washington 98504
206-753-5710
(FTS: 434-5700)
Joseph C. Greenley, Director
Idaho Dept. of Fish & Game
600 S. Walnut
Boise, Idaho 83707
208-964-3771
(FTS: 554-3771 )
*Chairman unttl October 1 • 1978
iii
MB-1BERS OF PACIFIC FLYWAY STUDY· COMMITTEE
ALASKA
Daniel E. Timm
Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game
333 Rasberry Road
Anchorage, Alaska 99502
907-344-0541
(FTS thru Seattle 399-0150)
ARIZONA
Don Berl inski
Arizona Game &fish Dept.
2222 West Greenway Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85023
602-942-3000
(FTS thru Phoenix 261-3900)
CALIFORNIA
Frank M. Kozlik
Calif. Dept. of Fish & Game
1416 Ninth Street
Sacramento, California 95814
916-445-6896
(FTS direct 465-6896)
IDAHO
Dick Norell
Idaho Dept. of Fish &Game
600 So. Walnut
P.0. Box 25
Boise, Idaho 83707
208-384-2920
(FTS direct 554-2920)
NEVADA
Larry Barngrover
Nevada Dept. of Fish & Game
P.O. Box 10678
1100 Valley Road
Reno, Nevada 89510
702-784-6214
(FTS thru Reno 470-5911)
OREGON
*Chester E. Kebbe
Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife
506 S.W. Mill St.
P.O. Box 3503
Portland, Oregon 97208
503-229-5452
(FTS thru Portland 423-4111)
UTAH
**Albert F. Regenthal
Utah State Div. of Wildlife Resources
1596 W. North Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
801-533-9333
(FTS thru Salt Lake 588-5500)
WASHINGTON
Robert G. Jeffrey
Washington Dept. of Game
Mt. Vernon District Office
1100 East College Way
Mt. Vernon, Washington 98273
206-424-1177
(FTS thru Seattle 399-0111)
MONTANA
Dale Witt
Montana Fish &Game Dept.
Fairfield, Montana 59436
406-467-2646
(FTS thru Helena 585-5011)
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
James C. Bartonek
K. Duane Norman
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
500 N.E. Multnomah St., Suite 1692
Portland, Oregon 97232
503-231-6162 or 6163
(FTS direct 429-6162 or 6163)
*Chariman until July 1978
Secretary (permanent position}
~~£ouncil
iv
MINUTES
PACIFIC FLYWAY STUDY COMMITTEE
Reno, Nevada
March 15 and 16, 1978
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Chester E. Kebbe at 9:00 a.m. in
the Balboa Room of the Eldorado Hotel. The following committee members were
present.
James Bartonek
Dan Timm
Don Berlinski
Frank Kozlik
Dick Norell
Larry Barngrover
Chester E. Kebbe
Al Regenthal
Robert G. Jeffrey
Flyway Representative
Alaska
Arizona
California
Idaho
Nevada
Oregon
Utah
Washington
The following persons were also present:
Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Laurel, Maryland
Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado
Madison, Wisconsin
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Corvallis, Oregon
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Phoenix, Arizona
Juneau, Alaska
Bethel, Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska
Arcata, California
Willows, California
Carmichael, California
Sacramento, California
Fall:dn,
Nevada
I
Henry M. Reeves
Robert I. Smith
Thomas Dwyer
Harvey W. Miller
Robert L. Croft
Stephen M. Kerr
Larry DeBates
Duane Norman
Dick Bauer
Jim Mannie
Bob Fischer
Palmer Secora
Roy Tomlinson
James Voelzer
Phil Norton
Jim King
Chris Dau
Skip Ladd
Paul Springer
Jack Helvie
Bill Sweeney
Ed Collins
Mark Barbel
Canadian-Wildlife Service
T. W. Barry
Rick McKelvey
Gary W. Kaiser
Edmonton, Alberta
Delta, British Columbia
Delta, British Columbia
1
California Department of Fish and Game
Dan Connelly
Bob LeDonne
Harold Harper
Jack R. Slosson
Bob Orcutt
Marc D. Longwood
Bill Clark
Ken C. Moore
Larry McKibben
Daniel Hinz
Harry A. George
Bruce Deuel
Bud Rienecker
Chuck Graves
San Anselmo
Sacramento
Sacramento
Sacramento
Sacramento
Sacramento
Sacramento
Sacramento
Gridley
Gridley
Gridley
Live Oaks
Yuba City
Chico
Others
Ralph Denney
Dale Witt
Leonard Serdiuk
Norman Saake
Tim Provan
Dwight Bunnell
Mike Szymczak
Harold Weaver
Garvan Bucaria
Bob McLandress
Craig Ely
Dennis G. Raveling
Charles Meslow
Robert Jarvis
Gay Simpson
Bob Bromley
William G. Henry
Greg Mensik
Jim Bredy
Joe Ball
Tony Barnard
Tom Sterling
Elwood B"izeau
Bill Krohn
Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, John Day
Montana Fish & Game, Fairfield
Wyoming Game and Fish Dept., Lander
Nevada Fish and Game, Fallon
Utah Wildlife Resources, Salt Lake City
Utah Wildlife Resources, Salt Lake City
Colorado Division of Wildlife, Ft. Collins
Alberta Fish & Wildlife Division, Red Deer
u. S. Forest Service, Cordova, Alaska
U. of California-Davis, Davis
U. of California-Davis, Davis
u. of California-Davis, Davis
Oregon Coop. Research Unit, Corvallis
Oregon State University, Corvallis
Oregon State University, Corvallis
Oregon State University, Corvallis
Humboldt State University, Arcata
Humboldt State University, Arcata
Humboldt State University, Arcata
Washington State University, Pullman
Ducks Unlimited, Edmonton
Ducks Unlimited, ~loops
Idaho Coop. Research Unit, Moscow
Idaho Coop. Research Unit, Moscow
AGENDA
l.
Mid-Winter Inventory - Bartonek
The 1978 inventory was completed with some problems with weather along the
Columbia River in the John Day-Umatilla area, eastern Idaho, west~rn Colorado
and coastal bays north of San Francisco. Participation and coverage were
approximately the same as in 1977.
Overall duck numbers in the Pacific Flyway, including the west coast of Mexico,
were up 4 percent from 1977 and up 20 percent from the 20-year average. The
2
apparent slight increase from the previous year could rightly be questioned by
hunters who, for the most part, experienced a poorer season than in 1976-72.
Widgeon, teal and mallards showed increased po~ulations while canvasbacks,
pintail and shoveler numbers declined.
White geese were down 53 percent from last year and 47 percent from the 24-year
average. Lesser Canada geese showed an apparent 20 percent increase while the
large Canada geese indicated an 8 percent decrease from last year. Cacklers
were down 30 percent and brant up 11 percent from 1977.
2.
Wing Survey - Bartonek
The annual wing bee survey was held again this year with good participation.
Its primary purpose is to determine the species and age composition of the duck
and goose kill.
All species of ducks appeared to have a low ratio of young birds to adults in
their populations. Mallard age ratios declined from 1.70 in 1976 to 1.19;
pintails from 1.06 to 0.62; canvasbacks from 1.26 to 0.54; and redheads from
1.62 to 0;65.
3.
Mexican Survey - Norman
Three major waterfowl areas along the west coast of Mexico were surveyed and the
results show a decided increase in both ducks and geese. Duck populations were
45 percent higher than in 1977 with increases most noticeable among gadwalls,
cinnamon teal and tree ducks. The divers were sharply down from last year.
4.
Status of Wrangel Island Snow Geese
Jim Bartonek explained the Russian's concern for the plight of the Wrangel
Island snow goose and the commitment of the Service for closer management in the
u. S. Maps and charts showing locations and percent of recoveries of banded
Wrangel Island snow geese were distributed. Chris Dau reported production
success as being: 1974-0; 1975-29%; 1976-42% and 1977-2.8%. Bob Jeffrey
discussed the relatively stable population of 18,000 wintering snow geese on
Puge t\Sound.
Dan Timm (Alaska) moved: "The Technical Committee advise the Pacific Flyway
Counc~l that further restrictions on snow goose harvest in 1978 are not
warranted; that a clarification of USSR methods used to project fall flights is
needed; and that an analysis be made of band recoveries and sight records of
color-marked birds to tie wintering areas to specific colonies of birds on
Wrangel Island and determine the affinity of these geese to specific wintering
areas".
The motion was seconded by Bob Jeffrey (Washington) and passed unanimously.
5.
Aleutian Canada Goose .Recovery Team Report - Springer
Attempts are being made to establish nesting populations of Aleutian Canada
geese on two additional islands. One hundred thirty-five captive raised birds
will be released on Agattu this spring. Captured birds from California will
also be taken to Agattu for "guide.birds".
3
Adjustments have been made on goose closure areas in California to coincide with
the Aleutian Canada goose migration dates and areas.
It was moved by Frank Kozlik (California) and seconded by Dan Timm (Alaska) that
"The Pacific Flyway Technical Committee recommends the Council endorse the U. s.
Fish and Wildlife Service efforts to reestablish Aleutian Canada geese in the
Pacific Flyway and implore the Service to expedite the establishment of other
nesting populations; and that every effort be made to carry out the first
release on Agattu Island during the summer of 1978 so that restrictive hunting
regulations in California and Alaska may soon be relaxed." The motion passeq
unanimously.
6.
Status of Tule Goose - Bartonek
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering closing several federal
refuges in California to the hunting of white-fronted geese to provide added
protection to the tule goose. Further clarification is needed as to the subspecific classification of this large, dark white-front before harvest
restrictions are placed on white-fronts to protect tule geese.
Frank Kozlik (California) moved that "Support be given to the current study on
the tule goose and to expand it to include a search for the breeding ground of
this suspected subspecies; that the Fish and Wildlife Service be requested to
monitor tule goose harvest through parts collection survey and from check
stations on state and federal management areas and refuges; and the Service
obtain a winter inventory of large, dark white-fronts in California."
The motion was seconded by Dick Norell (Idaho) andpassed unanimously.
7.
Goose Banding and Recoveries in Southern Alberta- Weaver
Harold Weaver summarized the results of the Great Basin cooperative goose
banding projects in southern Alberta between 1974 and 1977; and the band
recoveries in Alberta from banding areas outside the province during the
1967-76 seasons.
8.
Black Brant on Humboldt Bay - Henry
Bill Henry reported on his study of the populations, harvest, age and sex of
brent on Humboldt Bay. Brant no longer winter in the bay but migrant populations in the last four years ranged from 20,000 to 38,000 birds. In 1976,
hunters took 1,200 birds with a 23 percent crippling loss. In 1977, 400 were
harvested with a 14 percent loss and in 1978, 1,400 brant were taken with a 14
percent crippling loss. During the season adults comprised 85-90 percent of
the flock. The peak of the harvest occurred during the final two weeks of the
season.
9.
Survival Study of "Leaded" Waterfowl in Pacific Flyway - Smith
Bob Smith presented a chropology of events on lead shot that let up to the
present nationwide program. He explained the Service's proposal to artificially
"lead" a number of waterfowl to study the survival rate of the\se birds in the
wild.--....
4
The following motion was made by Kozlik (California), seconded by Timm (Alaska),
and passed unanimously. "The Pacific Flyway Technical Committee recommends
that the Council urge the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine all
future steel shot zones in the Pacific Flyway from ongoing lead poisoning
studies instead of using an annual arbitrary progression of adding new zones.
Also, that studies be continued in the present steel shot zones to determine
the effects of steel shot on all phases of waterfowl management."
10.
California Feeding Study
Frank Kozlik discussed the depredation problems and the reasoning behind the
authorized feeding of waterfowl between September 15 and the end of the hunting
season. Blinds could not be placed closer than 250 yards from a feed area.
Feeding was mostly confined to the Imperial Valley.
Paul Springer presented an outline of the study and listed its objectives as
1) an appraisal of the implications of feeding and 2) a better definition of
federal baiting.
11.
Great Basin Canada Goose in Eastern Washington - Ball
Joe Ball has assembled data on goose bandings and recoveries in eastern
Washington for the past 30 years. The results will be put together and management goals outlined.
12.
Columbia Basin Mallard Study - Ball
A study of the Columbia Basin mallard has been initiated. Objectives are 1) to
assemble and analyze all bandings and inventories and 2) to gain a better
understanding of mallard ecology, feeding patterns and interchange during the
winter.
13.
Research of Central Valley Waterfowl Habitat - Springer
A study has been initiated to 1) ev~luate the use of irrigation drain water for
marsh management; 2) evaluate all waterfowl management practices and 3) study
ecologicai management of important species, such as the pintail.
14.
Zonino Nevada Waterfowl Areas - Barngrover
Nevada requested endorsement of its proposals for two major changes in zoning.
An extension of the framework closing date for Canada goose season ih the
Southern Zone and a change in the procedures for selecting the specific waterfowl
seasons in the Southern Zone are desired.
It was moved by Norell (Idaho) and seconded by Berlinski (Arizona) that "The
Pacific Flyway Technical Committee recommends that the Pacific Flyway Council
support Nevada's request to the U. s. Fish and Wildlife Service as follows:
1) For purposes of establishing duck hunting season.dates, Nevada be permitted
to maintain two zones consisting of a) Clark County and b) remainder of state;
2) for the purposes of establishing goose hunting dates, Nevada be permitted to
maintain three zones consisting of a) Clark County, b) Elko County and that
portion of White Pine County included in the Ruby)~Lake NWR, and c) remainder of
state; and 3) the State of Nevada· be permitted to select the specific season
dates for all waterfowl seasons within Nevada.
5
The motion passed unanimously.
15.
Briefing on Alaska Migratory Bird Council - Timm
Two years ago a council was formed to resolve the natives subsistence issue.
It was made up of involved people and agencies and was proposed as a fifth
Flyway Council. It will remain as an advisory group to recommend to the Alaska
Board on subsistence needs.
A motion was made by Timm (Alaska), seconded by Kozlik (California), to submit
the following resolution on spring and summer harvest geese in Alaska to the
Pacific Flyway Council.
"Whereas, the snow goose population from Wrangel Island, USSR, has apparently
diminished in recent years, and
Whereas, the Pacific Flyway populations of white-fronted geese and cackling geese
may have diminished, and
Whereas, the Pacific Flyway brant population is significantly below the desired
level, and
Whereas, the states of California, Oregon and Washington, and the province of
British Columbia have instituted or will institute hunting regulations which
will result in a decrease of harvest of these goose populations, and
Whereas, the Pacific Flyway Council commends the residents of the Y-K Delta for
their restraints in 1977 in harvesting the Pacific brant, and
Whereas, these actions may, in part, be responsible for the increase of the
Pacific Flyway brant population,
Now therefore, be it resolved that the Pacific Flyway Council respectfully
requests the u. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the State of Alaska to seek
the cooperation of residents of the Y-K Delta in refraining from taking the
above-mentioned geese during the spring and summer of 1978."
The motion was adopted unanimously.
16.
Withdrawal of D-2 lands in Alaska for Agricultural Development - King
Jim King reported on the status of the D-2 lands in Alaska that are proposed for
withdrawal for agricultural developments. Wilderness-oriented people are
opposed to these developments but sportsmen have not taken a stand. There is a
danger that politicians would pull out the best waterfowl lands for development.
I
I
'I
It was moved by Timm (Alaska) and seconded by Kozlik (California) that "The
Technical Committee requests the Flyway Council to formulate a position on the
future of land management on the Yukon Flats as such management relates to the
tremendous number of waterfowl produced there and the area's importance to the
Pacific Flyway."
The mo1:ion passed unanimously.
jl
6
17.
Status of Russian and Japanese Treaties - Reeves
Very little additional progress has been made with these two nations on migratory
bird treaties. The Russian Treaty is awaiting ratification by Congress while the
treaty with Japan lies stalemated. The Japanese are interested in incidental
activities but nothing directly associated with the treaty. The Japanese
ambassador did, however, contact the Secretary of State with an interest in a
cooperative effort to implement the treaty.
18.
Acquisition of Redhead Habitat - Bauer
The u. S. Fish and Wildlife Service has initiated a survey of redhead habitat in
the west through State Coop Units. The final objective is to preserve prime
habitat by any means -- acquisition, easement, zoning or long-term lease.
19.
National Acquisition for Migratory Birds - Ladd
Skip Ladd presented an evaluation of needs in land acquisition and gave a run-down
of the Fish and Wildlife Service's proposals for the next 10 years. The Service
hopes tq,acquire 1.9 million acres of wetlands during the first phase, with
emphasis in the prairie provinces.
20.
Great Basin (Rocky Mt.) Canada Goose Subconunittee Report -
Norell
Bill Krohn has spearheaded the writing of a Rocky Mt. Canada Goose Management Plan.
It has been completed and is being reviewed by the subcommittee. The basic
concepts of the plan were endorsed.
It was moved by Norell (Idaho) and seconded by Berlinski (Arizona) "To inform the
Council of the need for another Rocky Mt. Goose Committee meeting to review onthe-ground situations that exist so that the Committee will have a better understanding of the problems."·
The motion passed unanimously.
21.
Brant Subcommittee Report - Bauer
Dick Bauer reviewed the recently completed Pacific Brant Management Plan. The
plan calls for the elimination of hunting if the wintering population drops
belo~ 125,000 birds. There is a need for an annual revision.
/
22.
Dusky Canada Goose Subcommittee Report - Timrn
The population goal of 20,000 to 25,000 dusky Canadas during the post season
period has been maintained although the count in 1978 for some unknown reason
resulted in a count of only 13,000 birds. A good population of breeders on the
Copper River Delta last summer, along with excellent production, resulted in an
estimated fall flight of 39,000 geese.
Bob Jarvis reported on the status of the wintering population of duskys and how
the Taverner's population is increasing at~ rate of 30 percent per year. The
present problem is balancing the two populations. Depredations are becoming a
problem near the refuges.
7
A more intensive survey is planned on the Copper River Delta this summer.
Dan Tinun (Alaska) for the subcommittee moved "that the Pacific Flyway Council
ask the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide the necessary aircraft support
for Oregon State University to 1) work out a method to classify subspecies by
aerial photography. Further, we reconunend that the U. S. Fish and Wildlife
Service financially support studies by Oregon State University to better ascertain
vulnerability rates and goose harvest estimates in the Willamette Valley; and
2) same seasons and bag limits in Oregon in 1978-79 unless goose production is a
bust in 1978. Alaska Department of Fish and Game will advise Oregon Department of
Fish and Wildlife.
The motion was seconded by Dick Norell (Idaho) and passed unanimously.
23.
Ross' Goose
The Committee passed a resolution to the Council to seek inclusion of the Ross'
goose with the snow goose in the bag limit for the 1978-79 season.
Next year's meeting will be in the Reno area and the Chairmanship rotates to the
Washington Department of Game.
Meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
Chester E. Kebbe, Chairman
Pacific Flyway Technical Committee
II
I
8
United States Department of the Interior
fiSH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
MIGRATORY BIRO MANAGEMENT OFFICE
500 N.E. MULTNOMAH STREET, SUITE 1692
PORTLAND, OREGON. 97232
PACIFIC FLYWAY WINTER WATERFOWL SURVEY - 1978
The annual winter waterfowl survey was scheduled for January 3-9, 1978,
but was actually conducted between December 27, 1977 and January 27,
1978.
Fog hampered surveys throughout much of Washington and along the
Columbia River in the John Day-Umatilla area in adjoining Oregon.
Weather also hindered surveys in eastern Idaho and western Colorado
but coverages were believed to be complete. California had generally
good survey conditions; however, coastal bays of Marin and Sonoma
Counties and the southern portion of San Francisco Bay were not surveyed because of recurrent storms and fog. Recent rainfall and runoff in California produced an abundance of habitat which resulted in
a dispersal of birds during the survey period. While the drought
was broken throughout much of the west, shifts in concentratiohs of
birds from traditional areas indicated that habitat conditions had
not been restored at the time of the survey. In general, cooperators
believed the coverage to be adequate to reflect populati99 status
within their states.
(·
Participation and effort in surveys within the Flyway were approximately the same as during the previous year. Cooperators covered
19,017 and 18,764 miles in aerial surveys and 7,804 and 7,113 miles
in auto surveys, during the 1978 and 1977 surveys, respectively.
Table 1 lists efforts bv state~
Table 1. Summary of participation and effort ln 1978 Pacific Flyway Winter waterfowl Survey.
State
Penonnel
FWS State Other
Hrs.
Miles
Autos
No. Miles
3
58.0
3,652
29
3,009
8
18.5
1,980
25
2,627
No.
Aircraft
0
Jan.3-13
40
0
Jan.3-12
0
0
0
Jan.ll-27
0
0
0
0
Dec.27-Jan.10
20
0
0
0
Jan.9-13
0
0
0
0
0
Jan.4-9
1,000
0
0
0
0
0
Jan.3-5
6
41
Oregon
9
. 40
Calffomia
1.
17
0
8
52.5
4,100
6
1,300
Idaho
2
7
0
6
23.3
2,100
0
3
.o
22.9
2,900
2
0
16.6
2,160
14.0
Nevada
17
Foot/
Date
snowmobile of
Miles
Survey
1 ,943
Washington
0
Boat
No. Miles
Utah
0
Arizona
0
Montana
13
0
0
0
0
0
2
43
0
0
80
Jan.2-10
Wyoming
9
7
0
5
22.0
650
12
805
4
169
94
Jan.3-8
Colorado
0
3
0
2
5.5
400
0
0
0
0
0
Jan.9
New Mexico
0
2
0
3.3
75
0
0
0
0
0
Jan.S
47
123
236.6
19,017
75
7,804
22
2,152
174
TOTAL
2
0
37
9
Overall duck numbers in the Pacific Flyway, excluding Mexico, were -2%
from 1977, +3% from the 10-year average, and +7% from the 24-year
average. The apparent overall no changen- in duck populations from
the previous year could rightly be questioned by hunters who for
the most part experienced a poorer season in 1977-78 than in 1976-77.
Waterfowl nesting in the western states and prairie provinces were
generally down, e.g. shovelers -17%, redheads -35%, canvasbacks -11%,
ruddy ducks -27%, and coots -54%, reflecting the deteriorated habitat
conditions resulting from drought. Pintails within the States were
down 17% from 1977 populations, but 1.76 million were counted in
western Mexico raising the flyway-wide total to only -7% of the 1977
population. Mallards, wigeon, and green-winged teal showed increases
of 13%, 44%, and 41%, respectively, from the previous year. White
geese were down -53% from last year and -48% from the 10-year average.
Lesser Canada geese showed an apparent 20% increase, while the large
Canada geese indicated a -8% decrease from last year. Cacklers were
down 30%, and black brant were up 26% from 1977.
11
Highlights of the 1978 winter survey for the Pacific Flyway, including the west coast of Mexico, are:
Species or Group
1978 Total
% Change from
24-yr. Aver.
1977
1 ,483,500
1,036,496
456,936
795,430
3,878,558
78,825
8,711,323
+12.9
+45.3
+24.2
-6.1
-6.9
-28.2
+4.4
-22.4
+11 .4
+33.6
+98.6
+33.6
+5.4
+19.8
White goose
White-fronted goose
Canada goose
Lesser Canada goose
Cackling Canada goose
Black brant
236,681
114,659
131 ,252
139,378
39,411
162,887
-53.3
+129.2
-8.4
+19.7
-30.1
+11.2
-46.7
-11.0
+1.3
+62.7
-35.9
+15.6
Wh is t.l i ng swans
Coots
45,597
417,762
-3.5
-42.5
-6.2
-39.8
TOTAL WATERFOWL
10,000,011
-1.3
+10.3
Mallard
Wigeon
Green-winged teal
·shoveler
Pintail
Canvasback
TOTAL DUCKS
{!_)5a-r~
James C. Bartonek ·
Pacific Flyway Representative
March 8, 1978
10
V~ '?C!PtJ'L).l'!O:J St::~ ~
~~1 C::::.:7i.?r"t
'
-
ARIZONA
f.J~Ser-1 i!J:""J &
l
._.. .... __
.... _ AJiZA/cw~ ,\~ •Jc~~,
A."t?.J./CCII'i?r'! AP:E..Vca::m
--- A.>iZA/ ccrJ::i':'!
..
C;Jserve:-z:
107Ft<
1975*
I
Obserrer3;
~servers:
Cillserrer:s 1
?d-Yr,
1977*
~
SPECIES
I
}l.,!!.l.l.ard
2 030
40 I
40 I
980 1
Gadvall
:Ea.Ld."'ate
G.W. '!eal
:B • W. .'!eeJ.
Cinn. '!eal
Shoveler
Pill tail.
:wocd Duc.k
l, lSO
320
!:l10
800
1 "i5"i I
360
?SO
30 I
500 I
1 .000 I
4.69sl
l .980
I
I
50 I
210
I
3,890
10 I
1o I
20 I
Z!:l
100
7
Rl.llgnec.:t
j!J
GQ.Ldeneye
Jn
Bu1'1'l.ehead.
lillddv
Mer=ser
c;c;
1
5
4nn
700
1~000
1 .non
.
Sooter
l 381
200
100
67!:l
'!OT AL DUCXS
l .317
328
I
6.340
Sllov goose
Rosa goose
ionlite Front
I
from
1977
310
19.737
812
300
92
341
4
01
3.286
I
30
I
:20~
"1
-
120
R.5R?
400
32 I
I
I
1.100
200
, 110
320 I
3.280
S,380
4
~
Call. goose
~ Cha.
I
18
7F.7
I
'rol'AL D:rvn!G
DIJC:G
Unid.& Misc.
Cbg
I
I
c=vasbaclt
Scanp
3 907
9S61
1 .499
4.0081
-90
l
TOTAL FUDDLE
DUC:<S
Rect.head.
810
so
_.,. ,_,,_::J •
I fl"nm
1 ?4-vr
I Aver.
1954-1977
I
t
IIc:- -__ -- .
~
1978*
.AVe~"C!Oe
.
·~--··
I
177
1
1 . 77_3
1 .S50
c;~;n
5.2S5
1. 226'
26.218
II
2
.1
I
fill I
62
165
I
3.513
-85.5
-34.7
-~7,Q
+2.2
439
I
I
4 c;,cn I
1
5.02D
1 .654 f
~
.:;:;d
Lesser Can.
~. goose I
TOrAL GEESE
nac:!t
I
brant
3.140
Coot
j,).d .. -r.
1 .617
2.8oo
I
1 .9oo
I
!N'e.!!.
'!rUl:p. s-.n:m
GRAP.D TOl'AL
I
I
, .2s~ I
i
I
1 .850
121
I
7.630
20.649
I
I
I
8,8971
51,8991
l
*Colorado R1ver area of Arizona included in California.
ll
7,017
I -86.4
-21 . 1
r
i
i[
II
II
i!
w~
C8~IFQRt!I8
POPUI..Xrlmi st.."'!oW!! ~
.
-
Am:A/ccum.'Y JJfV./ canm
~cam!'!
AifZ.A/ car.m A..-rrzA/car.-m APZA/cam'!'I
iUOservers:
.Jbservers:
Cbserv"era 1
Observers:
1975
·-
1976
1977
24- YPill"
Averaae
1954-1977
Cbserv"ers:
Cbservers1
197~
'l'; l'hn
i'rnm
?11-v,.
0: l'hn,
-F~nm
l077
AIIPY"
SPECIES
Ma.ll.ard
Gadvall
Ba.ld:~ate
G.w. Te!!..l.
B.w. Teal
Cilm. Teal
Shovel.er
Pintail
Wood l)J.c.k
I
I
TGT.U. FUDDLE
DUCKS
Redhead.
Canvasbaa
Sc=
Rl.I!gneeJt
~eneye
""Rit-t>"l"l ..n.......t.
Ruddy
Mer~ser
S<:Qter
01a Sauaw-Har.
529,541
?4 !';s:ls:!
S25.3RR
154.:nli
386,180
16.?00
404 440
137 215
391 ,800
17.'iQ'i
41iL?O'i
-11sf:-n1rf
503,094
?t; .ROO
liR1 :'ili11
?11 al n
l 094
619.920
3.115 781
ll .873
465
605.640
3.082.675
l .770
760
736.485
3.478.410
l .670
4.31:'!
343.872
2.246 783
2.871
1 .620
613_,_375
2.822.590
6 .100
11 •.9B2 .till
s:!7Q
68 468
34.889
1 324
1 851
7877
54 252
3.951
33 126
11.1i111.'i~t;
'i.??'i
11 0?? ?117
? 111?
61 .104
81 7Rii
? lFiQ
1.?11i
6.354
93.5RS
1 491
27 !Wi
4.865.RRO
? lO'i
6.2 .335
46 035
l .675
l .210
3 020
58.925
9.120
20.380
206 617
Unid.& Mise.
5 ,513'
TGT.U. DUCKS · 5 .1 94 li41
11
ac;c;
.RO'i
so 330
67.965
l 465
l .240
5.075
67 220
6 965
. 41 .545
5
?11'i
72 155
58 7R5
410
. 1. 77'i
9.285
81 .1 95
4 510
23 215
·243.615
6.300
252.595
3.410
281.965
53.290
204.895
4,050
11s:11 o,:;n
11.1c;7 'in?
5,074,825
1
RRI1
c;nn
1
s
117~
(?R ??c;)
111
Lesser Can.
caa. goose
TGTAL GEESE
594 189
647 910
631 620
715.619
398.170
m.ack brszlt
480
680
0
9.7R6
S60
390,196
339 090
530 700
533.096
220 c335.
4ti.9R7
40 .675"
37 920
36,335
28.960
6,682,200
5,652,338
5 722.850
'
Coot
'llhl.!!t
!!\l!U!.
Trump. svan
.Fi40
Rnn\
4R .ass ...
14 7a0
12.875
56 .360
81 .005
38.225
7 850
51 250
6,225,493
5,912,855
G1Wm TOr.U.
Non-add
(included
in snow goose ta 11 eyJ
*
I
12
111Q
l'i4Fi
(?r:; 1Al\
1?7 .nln
1~ .1 nfi
10.926
119.931
+11';'"
-1
11
?20 oqc;
(27.410
111 ~540
22.155
4.385
4fiO.'i~O
~~:oose
I
1
1133.Ra'i
(?1 79(1\
67.639
36.163
17.942
38.550
can.
I
:10
TOr.U. DIVlliG
DUCXS
Sllov goose
*Ross goose
'ihite Front
415 095
13 985
786.860
206 255
1<."1 ~095.
-44.3
-36.9
+1.2
-14.3
~ ..
ST~
crr
Am:JJccum"! J.M.A/camry AREA/Cam!'! AJrE.A/cam.rY MrlA/COJm"!
JJIV.)canm:
~Q~QRADQ
poaervers'
West of
Continental
Divide
1975
Observers:
Obser.rera:
1976
Obserrers r
Observers :
24-YP;jr
1977
1Q7~
Averaae
1954-1977
Cbservera1
"!
r~,~
"
r"'~
-Fl"nm
.,.,.""m
?4-'"'"
, 077
Avi>ro
SPEC!ES
liAllard
11
GadYSJ.l
B&ld'DS.te
G.W. Tea..L
:a.w.
978
14
?1 ?R7
14 029
6
147
_12 408
8
13 420
11
11
?
Tes.l.
C1Im. Teal
Shoveler
·pintail
cWOod Duck
TOI'AL FUDDLE:
I
I
DUCKS
1 I
11 ,993
23,287
Redheati
586
:J5
14.768
13.491
?
canvas baa
1
l:lcaup
R:ingneck
Gol.deneye
But1'lehead
Ruddy
162
Mer~ser
Scoter
12 416
l
. 1 05?
lid
1
7'i?
122
536
1R
869
?R4
1 'iRO
?1111
. Tl11i
?7
1 .621
20?
l'li c;c;7
11 t:;?d
14 .?1Q
-
TOI'AL DIV:niG .
DUCXS
Unid.& Mise:.
TOI'AL DUCKS
Snav goose
Ross ·,:teose
'White Front
can. P:OOSe
Lesser can.
cack. goose
TOl'AL GEESE
..3.85.
1?.662
?1 ?R7
1.
.:.<f c;
-ld n
2.420
+315.8
+73.8
16.659
+17.3
-7.2
15
2.174
1 .503
1 .:101
'iR?
2 174
1 .503
1 .392
'iR?
14.836
24.790
17,949
14,206
? 405
"
Bls.ek br!!Zlt
Coot
~
T%Ul:lp. lM5.t1
Wbi.!!t
GRAND ·TOI'AL
13
I
II
I
i
i
V~
TIJ8lJQ
?:JRlL.:.TIC:T St:e'.ARI
.§.:2£.
~CC:'Ihl'!
~COJi.Yn
. ,__
AP:EJJccrr.:t!!'!
··- Aii£.AJCC!.J:lJ:'!
A..~car:.~
Oo~erter:u
Observer a.:
Ol:lserrer:3:
Cbaerver-:~t
1975
1976
....... ..~7"•Jc::;·;·~t
- ··-
Cbse:rver:3:
1977
I
24-Year
Averaae
1954-1977
1978
~..allsrd
:s.w.
Sho-re.ler
Pillta.il
Wocd !lUck
193 698
? lQ?
3.342
?3?
I
I
I
I
I
? 026
I
201 490
9.821
427
R:in;::le~
Gcl.deneye
:Buffiehee.a.
Ruddy
Merg:enser
Seoter
TCT.AL DIVIliG
DUC:<S
Un:!.d.& Mise.
I
274.875
2.910
373
258,070
1 190
3.789
326
459,691
1 .369
12.754
1_,_898
6
3
546
13,967
10
508,404
10.243
22.708
711
5.366
I
46o
490,244
5.101
2,029
268,741
17.603
_£,J_J_t.l_
I ,:JC:(j
10.156
169
236
3 532
837
13.182
564
243
5.209
350
9.604
494
117
3.519
24.934
n·.sqo·
. 16.862
?.3R?
32,892
1 .02?
?"11 n?1
?04.110
302~
I
I
1
I
10 ?!1.1
?4 14"i
II
I
10 ?43
I
7.325
?4.145
23,698
5~84?
60R
?4 !I.?C:
.
'>lhi:rt;,
~~!l
Mute swan
GR.-\..'iD TO!'.AL
I
100
505
260,196
I
20.¢
496 I.
324,511
I
11
I
1c;
.;1n
35.641
345,098
10,106
19,711
162
299
559,900
II
~1 ~-. ~
+07
1
I
I
I
13.741
I
I
I
I
446
I
I
I
I
?
139
'
I
I
I
I
ll
17.432
I
~07 j~Q
J
13 7?1
24.426
I
I
5
~bnnt
5 547
I
I
I
I
I
29,901
_5_25_ ~8l
from
1977
44/
JjJ
snov p;oose
Coot
573,254
7.639
jbt;.
Rosa' gcose
White Front I
Can. ;z:oose I
Lasser can. I
cacJt. goose I
I
425
8.110
_224
238
4.218
II
W. Cha
I
1 .281
29.907
/04
I
C.Jlle::-r::r::
Cha.
from
24-vr.
Aver.
ZOO_
R 503
l?n
402
4.751
TOl'AL OOC:<S
TOl'.U. GEESE
I
30
6.179
I
TO!.AL FUDDLE
DUCKS
Redhead
Ca.ttva.s btl.c:!t
Sc3Utl
I
264,487
862
2.969
346
2
l
~
SPEC!ES
Gad.".m.ll
Ba.l.d:tla.te
G.W. Teal
Tee.l
Cinn. TeS!
I
I
l
224
z
644,143
1+159.3
+45. 9
I
I
I +15.o
+86.6
I
r
STATE C!l'
AREJ../cctml"! A!rZJ./CCUN.r'Y AJrE.A/Ctmi'I'Y AEZA/canm APJ!.A./ canm
MONTANA
(Pacific)
~servers:
1975
Observers:
Observers:
1976
Observers:
1977
24-Year
Avera a~>
1954-1977
Observers:
1978
J...r:;;z:.} camr:!
I
OblServers:
~
Cha.
from
24-vr.
Aver.
'~
r.hn
frnm
1977
SPECIES
Malls.rd
Gadvall
:Bald-pate
G.W. Teal.
B.W. Tes.l
38.492
44
87
190
27.977
23
115
90
59 161
35
640
204
53.678
46
306
231
5
30
TOT
352
18
153
28.306
730
360
208
4?0
410
-,4
60.392
l .534
150
90
10
. 1 071
<;4o
25 573
33
!U4
10
Cizm. Tes.l
Shoveler
iinta.i.l.
Wood tuck
TO!.AL FUDDLE
DUCXS
Red.llesa.
canvasback
SCSll"'D
Rl.DJ5ne~
Goldeneye
ead.
Ruddy
Merganser
Sc:oter
'ror.AL DIVIHG
DUCKS
Unid.& Misc.
'ror.AL DUCKS
Snov goose
Ross
goose
White Front
can. ·goose
Lesser Can.
ca.cx. goose .
'ror.AL GEESE
25
25.765
207
200
4
12]
5.105
40
. 1'i4
?'i
11>'!
54 437
l .697
154
356
1<:;
l'i.?7l'l
• lAd
?
1 .l'i11
4.R4?
6 601'
2 436
239
1_?71'i
177
10.337
1 .131
6.659
103
so 286
30.981
63.845
65 qos
32 527
?
1
38.843
1 .454
360
17
11'>0
? ?07 .
<:;
<~'>
'
686
3 O'i?
?A1?
?
<:;<:;Q
? . 7A1
1 454
3.0'i<:;
? >'!1?
? . '>l'il
?.7R4
1 454
1 613
7 665
1 .234
4.948
82
20
235
12
232
59
216
67,895
73,881
34,338
-50.6
-49. 0
-47.8
-43. 2
-53.5
-49. 4
l!l.ac:k brant
.
Coot
'Wh-tat
!!VBn
'10
T:t=~p.
I5W8l1
181
5'
170
G:RAND TO!.AL
55,174
41 ,653
I
15
'
VA!r!lirolL ~!CH SU:·w.RI .!t.:;:!!
.
..
J...."rZ.~j CX'iml'Y
b:..~"r.ll
~E'£AOA
I
Obse.......,er:s:
Obse..-rera;
1976
1975
1977
Cbserrers:
24-Year
Averaae
1954-1977 I
11 .555
1 .305
565
3.915
~~'Ca'Ce
G.w. Teal.
Teal.
Ciml Teal.
I
Shoveler
Pintail
I
.
13.800
1 .335
1 .615
4.130
9
320 I
3.065 I
30 I
1 430
12.215
35 I
~ ,o!l9 1
8Li3
5,533
I
4~!:1
ot.u
1 020
:;:;
::SC!!ll.p
17<;
1 oc;
1?"i
1 d.O"i
1 ?"il;
~eneye
:BU:r:rl.ehel!d.
Ruddy
Mergal:iser
Sc:oter
TC'l'.AL DIV!EG
DUCKS
22,134
38d I
3.757 I
I
J
38,4221
19,113
I
OJO
::~11
8.975
991
1 .483
d.<;
<;7<;
400
170
1 R4c;
?85
?71
RQ"i
R"i"i
1 470-.
1 .11iO
1 1l"i
I
16.145
31
4.Q4li
200
TO!' AL DUC:<S
?"i.R70
Snov goose
40li
Ross gc-ose
'White FrQn-c
Can. goose
Lesser Can.
cac:lt• goose
I
% Cha
from
1977
I
I
304
lOQ
1Rii
liO"i
_15.0.
4R1
? ill
om
I
.l
1
1 1on I
1 4?7 I
1 .370
I
I
6 569
7.5251
870J.
.6 .325
EiO.IQ3
28.703
46.8171
zr;.438
Ei70
951
2.830
lI
I ·s· ~
_..., .o
-li .3
+7.7
236
.l
I
730
5.855
6.717
5.648
8.029
5.135
6 425
7 668
9,478
8.265 1-12.7
4
I
· 8,660
Coot
"!l:!i!!tL~ ~_1\
S"·<l.Il
...
1 .016 I
74 1
I
:B!,s.c:!t brant
Tnl--;7.
~ Cha.
J from
I 24-vr.
I Aver.
8,;:l80 I
40:::~
·-
_,__
c.·,~ ..,-;e•s •
8.766
1 .153 _I
1.287 I
3.766 I
I
5
Uaid.& Misc.
TCT.AL GEESE
34,555
20,725
DUCX.S
Redhead
II _
I
16.270
2,901
l.i87
5.881
11 .617
1.042
994
2 140
Wood Duck
TC'l'AL RiDDLE
C:a.z:rve.sbac.!t
1978 .
t
li..!Ulard.
Gadvall"
...•.,.,.,. ~} Cctm'!".!
··-
~
Cbserre:-s:
SPECIES
:s.w.
M='
......A/~
MiZJ.l camr.! J.:F:E).j Ct:U:i'l"l'
··- A..""!Z)./ ccr.m
I
111i
I
GlW!D TOl'AL
'
16 '130
7,624
? .liR"?
1 .118
28
1n I
18
39.991 1
75,958
I
45 '141
16
·-
I
I
9,785
11 ,491
3,770
405
27
~
69,8'69
45,626 1-34.6
+1.0
STATE crt
A.~ectmr.r·
NEW MEXICO
pl3sler'{ers:
West of
Continental
1975
Divide
J:P.ZJ./camr.r
AP:£).jccmm'
J:P3J./C01M'Y
Observers:
Observers:
Observers:
1976
1977
24-Year
Averaoe
_1954-1977
~C01M'Y
AI1ZlJcanrrr
Qlservers:
Observers:
1978
%Ch0.
from
24-vr.
Aver.
% Cha
+58.4
-3.5
+1403 7
.-21. 7
+64.8
-3.3
from
1977
SPECIES
MalJ.ard.
Gadwall
Ba.ldpa.te
G.W. Te&L
Teal
Ciml. Teal
:a.w.
ShoveJ.er
Pintail.
8,967 .
11 363
217
455
138
9 000
6
1 .052
130
7.980
684
3/6
226
5.048
262
318
303
4
4
140
256
95
15
600
12 177
10_.332
9 522
6 ,_()2_6_
10.676
82
50
75
15
437
3
'?
202_
2.5.£
1-
a2~
10
Wood tuck
TGrAL FUDDLE
DUCKS
Recihea.c1
canvasback
Scaup
:un.gneeJt
Goldeneye
BU1"neheed.
218
520
221
4
34
10
70
20
4
202
725
70
1
Ruddy
Merg~mser
-
63
29
__5_
1Al
Seater
TOl'AL DIVING
DUCKS
Ullid.& Mis.::.
'? .Ol'i
603
1- QOl
438
3 518
. 344
1 ~814
608
1 709
TarAL lXICKS
14.917
1?.836
13 478
8.204
12.993
179
177
525
69
411
179
177
525
69
411
120
16
255
14,123
8,289
13,659
snov goose
Ross goose
'.Jhite Front
C~m. goose
Lesser ean.
(,;B.Cj£. goose
TGrAL GEESE
l3ls.c:lt brl!llt
.
Coot
'llh '{ at.
RVm"'
Tnlmp.
S"JB.%1
GlWm Tar.AL
15.096
13.013
17
II
, 'I
~~~ ~I~ St:~.ARY
/
§.:.:(£
..
~GaJTiT!
....
~ .."".).} ccrl!Y
.... AEE:.A/car.?l'! J.HZ.M camrt- JJ1J?.A/canm
Ar.-='
pcse:r1ers:
u"'".::;;err:r:3:
Qcerv~:=:
·-
.
Obser1er~:
Cbaerve:::s:
v car:.,..~
"·--
OREGON
1975
24-Year
Avel"'aae
]q54-1077
1977
1976
I
I
SPECIE'S
J.l~
11n.893
1._351
76.942
Gadvall
.Ba.ld'tlS.te
a.w.
TeAl
:B.w. Te.e.J.
Ciml. Tes.l.
SbO".re..t.er
Pintail
30.837
I
Wood. tuck
TO!.AL :?JDDI.E
DUC'AS
Red.hes.d.
C3.:rrasbac:Jt
Scl!ll-p
Eizlg:leck
Goldeneye
:Bu1'nenes.d.
RUddy
Mer~ser
Scoter
Old Sauaw-Har.
TOr.AL DimiG
DUCKS
I
Unid.& Misr.:. 1
TO!AL nuc:G
Snov goose
Ross
can.
goose
Lesser can.
cac:t. goose I
TO!.A!. G!!:SE
I
bra::lt
I
s.soo· I
. 7 941
I
I
I
~1.1Ql
I
17
t
370 538
392
11.112
9.398
1 .204
1 410
2.629
24 640
10 384
1 ,29U
13
. 62,472
9,875
I
j
I
I
I
I
I
f
J
s---an
Mute swan
TO'!'.~
iU ,3_8~
77 ,Z55
. 128
I
I
~Z. 0 9:J
,.
I
4r:;1
l 1 J .Z22
1 J69
I
I
1
164
I
-~00
IJ
II
I
I
32,095
40,922
a,Utd
458 577
"402,353
331
466
305
I
l
30 200
2 ..9.25
_i
_i
95.720
74~04.0
I
1 .546
24.710
18,826
34 486
.c;.n67
6.420
5,042
27
lZ
551 ,045
18
I
573,71g
"! rhn
fr,m
?4-V\"
Aver.
1077
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
982
!l.6 .768
50.050
.316
!
-12'.3
-6.0
+33.1
+?.9
I -8.5
-4. 7
I
... 98.582
1 .110
I
13.826
8,943
7
l
I
,0·18
68
J4 ,(j(Jl)
a.o no
2.100
" rhn
fl"nm
4,_295
!:1,939
1
1 I
59.868 I
35 000 _l
? .1
'
0' IU2
R5.4?C
110
!:ll~
4,1lib
I
618,683
I
j,J~ I
79 777 _l
_±,4b0
30,701
]5 I
535,648
_l
J
,,811
849
t·
t6_&I2
_12._:1_~
177 945
1 ,779
o0,913
'1 135
2 .1_6/__
441
92
52.646
90.073
I
9,412
1 ,223
I
1
.I
I
353.413
1 .085
8.072
12,006
2,_o67
i12
427,962
4.901
10 .?61
<15 .364
? .2.d4
I
2.~53
I
I
l
_l
'
237,208
1 ,008
II
1978
411 582
211
4.514
7,752
913
1 .757
3.495
9,723
393.185
281
2.810
9,545
1 .044
. 1,270
442.885
~
I
232.310
459
56.524
15 620
0
0
404.00?
30.680
~"!'.!!
TrJ:::;~.
C.aA.'m
25:866
1 .507
Coot
;,-.,.,"' ~+.
17?.636
'i.19
t1.889
2.817
_885
615 I
4 978
8.281
2.203
656
3
t
~se
iihite F:-on't
n~
1 767
1?4 7~4
6?
I
I
I
190.205
3 948
52 580
32 746
Cb.se:"'rers:
524,82~
I
I
STAn:
a
lila!:!
Mi:E.A/camn JJIV./camn AF.EA/ccmm AP3.A/CCl1M'l' AF.EA/ Ccti1rl'Y J.Jr1!A/camri
~cserveraz
1975
Observers:
Obserters:
Clbaerteraz
1977
1976
Cbse%""1'ers:
Cl:lserversz
1978
24-Year
Averaoe
19!J4-I~/~
% Cho.
% Cho
rrom
from
1977
_~4-vr.
~ver.
SPECIES
Msllard.
Gadvall
.BaJ.d:pate
G.w. Teal
Teal
Cizm. Teal
Shoveler
Pinta:U
oWood. Duck
TOl'.AL PUDDLE
OOCKS
Redhead
canvasback
5caup
.B.w.
27.050
1R1
424
5.22?
25,085
192
458
3 664
34,423
359
174
3.002
8 472
1 928
9 878
4 946
5.967
3 '168
33,735
1 818
2 174
7 261
3
70
3,!J~
-~tl
29.342
291
449
5.947
I
4.?55
6.951 I
l
226
506
57,557
1'!-!J
162
259
<;Rn
1 .9~5
1 42R
?R
011
?49
one;
6
?.?09
124
997
47.235
6
307
141
101
290
32
20
5.364
Ta:r.AL DIVJliG
DUCKS
Unid.& Misc.
1 fiQ1
3.369
. 17.114
? 590
4 OQ8
1 501
3.202
2.086
6.261
ll 856
TOl'.AL DUC:<S .
4R.JJ5
63.927
53 502
62.845
58.352
10
2
43 277
16
50
15
z
<;4":1 .
Gal.deneye
.BUrnenead.
~b
I
1<;
R
Ruddy
Her~er
47,093
44,223
I!Jtl
150
74
1
...B6.
I
Scoter
Snow goose
Ross ~se
'White Front
can.
~~:oose
Lesser can.
C&ck. goose
TOl'.AL G:mrE
2.054
2.556
6.677
2.895
9.083
2 054
2 556
6,677
2,905
9,085
fi 'i.:tn
5475.
7 402
5 ,02?
4 508
130
375
254
2,273
4 816
57,059
72,333
67,835
73,045
76,761
-7.1
+0 1
+212.7
+36. 1
+5.1
+13.2
Black brant
'
Coot
~st
tNan
T%\U:Ip. sw.n
GRAND TOl'.AL
19
!
'rl~"L ~!021 St:-~ ~
.
uccmm
..
A..TIDo./ c::u;:\'1"7
~ =-· -·-·-
...
11ASHINGTON
1
I
pSserrera 1
1975
I
.
>.P:EA/ ct:tm:r'!
.-
J.JfZ)j ca.rni"!
•
Observers:
Cbse~s:
I
Cia3~~;;;:
1977
f.Y".J./camrr.
Observer:s1
1"io n,:;R
11?11
/4,225
16 851 I
T
G.W. Te!U
Teel
Cirm. Teal
:s.w.
=
Shoveler
Pintail
Wocd tuclt
II
FJDDI31I
Reaiieaa.
canvasaac!t
Scaup
G<lldeneye
:BUrfiehee.d.
Ruddy
Merganser ·
Scoter
01 d
Soua·t~~Ha
'l'Ol'.AL DIV"nlG
DUC:<S
Ullid.& Mise:.
TO'l'AL
I
White FrtJn't
Can. _g_CXlse
Lesser e=.
br&lt
1r"~!l.
Tru:p. 6'olal1
~A~
r
I
I
l ,99:,
29,:,40
164
481,171
i'15
2,249
24,988
603
20.833
13 686
J 148
4,575
l
I
-do ,807
I
i::!9
113
509,982
764,096
1 .033
11 16()
35.9H
I::J::i
757,429
11 .861
38.698
479
. 111.089
. 12 584
11 376
7 672
I
TOl'AL
I
I
269
I
121 .'?114,_
7.141"
I
10,851
24,J5/
8.TI
?111 11?0
11.350
1/l.O
- 919.556
724.361
O?'i 4n1
16.017
22 748
20.271
88,;:,10
<r,a35
I
13
19.093
44.505
201
3,834
58,:543
I
I
125,310
6 '163
108,563
I
I
44,236
1 .1?<1
96
771 ;120
7,540
I
d
I
2,':160
I
It
l
.L
I
I
5.891
124.920
1 .n55 I
16 fP,7
?.7.1fJ1
4.455
8.759
!<1 R70
11'?7
'
?71i
?1~
R
?11
14.356
0
0
2.809
84,943
18,100
34,450
24,687
I
869,154
20
l
1 1049l511
-21'.8
-11 1
+21 .4
+7.3
-17.1
0.0
I
I
14 298
41
I
·7?1 1111!<
13,611
999
f,.nm
1977
438,561
102,108
I
"' Cha,
'<00
81 .064
14.165
0
0 I
2.466 I
47.0211 l
76 I
84.083
1 401
206
"f, Chcr
1~7
95,125
1 14?'
216 1
1 .081 .453
1';?7
11 _fiRn
I
·r
l
1R.975
lf'i . 7'iQ
11.152
11.971
,<;? ':!~-~
41';11
·.1 ~n .177
., 950 l
l
~_,102
I ,:J/l:l
11.478
41,901
880
29 587
30.544
2.178
7.873
It~ 111i'i
545
-~_QF;Ii
431
?01
3
i 3~ '100 I
I
I
T40, 162
18 431
0
198
C>Jse:-re::-::
lfrnm
1211-vr.
lAver.
4Rt:
111111
104 1112
~1 .25S
9
1 .494
48.925
9,183
f
'iR7
1 ,o28
I
28,741
Coot
'""h"-"t
'i.1R
ffiCOOe
TarAL GEES.::
Bl~
10? .l?o
,~91:!
609~556
:OUC:{S
~1R
em;
111 975 I
44.966
30
0
'i? .-fi5];
Sllair goose
Ross• go<:lse I
Ca.~.
I
ll.'iO
I
1978
24-Year
Averaae
1954-1977
SPECIE:S
ll..a.lls.rd.
Ga.civa.U
Bald"Date
A.'ri:Z.aJ c-_,.,.,...
·--~··-·
l.
I
I
23,664
2.190
i40
869,210
r
S'l'ATE Vi'
AifE.1Jcc:mn
. JnJ./ca.mry
AJt.E},jCClm.l'Y . A.~camr!
J.:Ir.'Jicamr!
A.T..Vc:cuai"'
Obser.rer21 :
Obaerterll:
Q~errer3:
1
d:!QMING
pose..-rers:
West of
Continental
1975
Divide
Cbaervva:
1976
1977
Cbaerver211
24-Year
Averaae
1954-1977
1978
~
SPECIES
Malle.rd
Gadwall
:Sald:ca;~:e
G.W. Tea.l
:B.w. Teal
1 .342
9
10
74
314
11
1
24
6
1 .614
16
24
? .776
18
24
147
23
12
53
Cho
"( r.hn
from
24-vr.
Aver.
frnm
1Q77
-13". 5
+28.3
-7.11
2,242
2
?7
Cilm. Teal
Shoveler
Pintail.
WQOd Duck
-TO!.AL FUDDLE
IlUCXS
10 I
35
1 .445
379
lil
?
1 .noli
Redhead.
Omva.sbaci;
5Clmp
2,306
3 .OlR
1
4
OA<;
A
li4?
?Q
10
. 1 ??4
?<;
??1
?7
17?
?1t:i
2~8
1 .344
57?
7nn
30
1 440
1F.
1 ?7F.
340
1 .700
tJnid.& Misc.
TOl'AL t:UCXS
3.361
1 .1 no
"1.1??
4.ii14
4.007
547
215
922
381
8o4
547
215
922
381
854 +124. 1
Rizlgneck
Goldeneye
:SU:Crl.ehead.
A
1 .054
Ruddy
Mer!l;8nSer
7
1 ?73
192
S<:oter
TOr.AL
DUCKS
DIVING
Snov gQOse
·Rosa 1<;00se
'White Front
can. goose
Lesser can.
l
I
ca.c.lt. p;cose I
TOl'.AL
G~E
I
:Bl..s.c% brant
Coot'
Wl.1!!t
1
'""'_,
Tx'ul:!p. a-.nm
GltA1ID TOl'AL
;q .
3.948
I
36
119
2
38
56
1 .360
4,163
5,055
4,917
21
-2.7
+18.1
,.~
AFl.A/CC".mrT
PACIFIC
FLYWAY
(States only poaerverst
1975
roror.A.Tml' StMW!!
~
-
-
~ camn A!fEJ./can?!'I A.~caml'!
J.E!..A/caJ11r!
-
A.~CCJm:'!
Ollservers:
Obzse%"'7e:"S:"
Ql:serrersl
~976
Cl!lservers:
Observers:
1977
24-Year
Averaae
. 1954-1977
~
1978
C:hn
from
! 24-vr
Aver.
<: rnn
frnm
1077
SPECIES
Mallard
GadliS.ll.
BaJ.a:cate
G.W. T~
Teal
C1m1. Te8.l.
ShcveJ.er
:a.w.
Pint~
Wood Duck
1.1? .1110
l 4110,823
3( 465
23.153
_6_7_9 4Z8
575.205
??3.. 8?1
?12.665
0
38
1 .095
495
632.427
627.278
3.277.724 I 3.327.730
1 .9d6
12.099
1 .314.283
22.228
664.117
178' .803
6.168,963
13 210
77,673
64.565
3.392
36.133
27 .005
65.661
19.876
86.437
442 I
6.180 489
15.796
83,261
116.836
4.568
41 902
20.945
l07 ..5.68.
33.260
. 96.801
287
6,557,328
?2.705
88,336
111 .938
2.699
49.030
394.494
38.211
6 601 .668
1 .911 268
33.627
883.705
265.809
62
4.468
351 .391
2.£111 .878
3.158
1 .483.490
28.346
954.316
252.721
0
1 .620
627 .998
2.997.128
6.286
94.931
24.418
107.204
622
5,865.366
12.780
74,108
129.269
5.251
4.6.516
28.043
110 865
24.698
91 .076
d65
6,351.905
1d _7?R
78.313
184.713
6.749
36 718
36 080
70.648
34.666
1nc; .B.77
495
. 521 .224
25.470
545.684
18,513
523.071
93.167
568.987
?7.0?3
6.727.183
7.121 .525
6.481.604
988
755.777
3.519 245
1 .887
-22.4
-15.7
+8.0
-A.9
+12,9
+27.5
+d3.7
+41.3
-63.7 +64.0
+78.7
-16.9
+2£1·. 3 -17.2
+99.0 +233. 1
TOI'.AL FtlDilU
.I
•
IIi
:lj
1.11
I
,I
I!
I
:oocx:s
R~eaa.
Caztva.sback
S.C8llp
Hillg!leex
Goldeneye
:BUr:rJ.elleaa. •
Ruddy
MerS!!DSer
Seater
01 d
I
I I
I
c;ll!li1\o1-H"
TOl'.AL D:rv:IOO
DUCXS
Unid.&s
Mise:.
I
TOI'AL IX1CKB
Sncv goose
?16 f'lRl
(?7 4.1(1)
112.522
+7 ?
_, 4
-46 .R
_:;3 1
-27.4
.;.]?9.8
-8.-+
+19.7
139.378
3o 411
+62.7
-'" 0
846.672
939.128
868.253
908.714
658.544
-?7 "
-2<1. 1
8.150
9.989
15_, 711
27.179
19 770
-27.3
+25.8
476.896
445.653
619 688
652.4.54
286 '117
-56.1
-53.8
~4.347
51 .350
936
47.272
48,581
-3.5
bt::/
45.597
1 .056
-6.1
1,0!::11
.,.
·7 ,988,579
8,174,239
*Non-add (included in Snow l:ioose)
8,673,500
8 '119 '159
7.960.004
+
-8.2
TOI'.AL Gz::s:!
~br:mt
'j,I
Rlt;
81 .oo8
218.214
101 .958
51 250
'.illite Frtmt
Can. _g_oose
Lesse:- Can.
cac.k. goose I
I
04R
+4.3
+511 ~13
4.13 '131
I?S.1Rll
127.327 I
129 .147
85.649
123.058
goose
'
CQOt
ih,i!!t !!:'."'Em
Tl'ul:lp. ISiilU1
Mute swan
cmAml TO!AL
I
446 4.00
1?1 .7911)
72.540 I
133.530
153.408
4.0.794
li
+8.8
-70.0
503 196
13Z.800)
d.8.958
143.319
116.418
56.362
* Ross•
'I
43~801
+8.3
-3.1
+15 ? -3<:; 1
-11 ._3
+5.7
+65.0
I +d2.9
I +28 .5_ +l5_QJ]
-?1 1 -~5. 1
-17.6
+28.6
-36.3
-25.6
+40.4 +42.0
-1 ?
+11i 1
_+5.4
-20.4
846
4Rfi 608
(?R ??'i)
-
22
IJI ,t.:Jt::
:J
+8.1
-11 .5
I
-;-I
.a
-1.9
-111
1
.,~
...
POPT.lL.A!!'IOH
sc,-:~~
!lli.::.t!£
.
.
AEZJ..Icetrar:'! ~~ca:m:J:'! AEEA/crum:y
··- A.":fi:.)j~ J.EA/car:rrt
MEXICO
(West Coast)
~osertera1
1975
I
I
c~~~~~:a;
Obse..-ver:s:
1977
1
C'oJ:serrers:
I
I
:!J.ellard
Gad.~
:Ealdt!a:te
G.W. Tes.l.
:B.w. Teal
C:Um. Teal
Shove.J.er
?illtail
I
17..2
7 .065
49.402
189 031
81 926
54 590
685.881
91.597
544 538
1,300,678
1 ,601 '775
'iO.Ii?
66 ,d.QQ I
1 .250 I
450
169,140 I
96 776
60
I
I
5.850
8~593
8.200
875
7 .2TO
9 019
1 ,380
. 10 312
963;731
? 480
2 084
110 568
. 176 705
9.080
?36~59:1
1 486 .4_63
1.217.909
140
470
4 15.1
1 qc;n
?0
1 071
, 116R
,
:::RR
468
5.210
?
?1'i
118
Wood Duc.!t
I
Cmvasbac.!t
Scaup
l
GOldeneye
:au:tfiehead.
Ruddy
Mer~ser
Scoter
~.AI.
1871
6.955 I
66 a.ga. '
o3 .283 I
35.172 I
so I
61 .843 i
44.2 .690 I
I
I
TOI'.AL FUDDLE
DUCKS
Redhe!!d.
I
2.027
15.540
275.110
173:,870
93 .• 660
4.220 I
87.840 I
194.030 I
76 150 I
I
191 .555 I
1.047,980 I
I
I
77
5.153
46.629
21 .064
18.529
I
A7-''ic'"r=ro-r
..................
~
0-l~~r"/~:"~:
% Cha
from
112-vr.
Aver.
" Chcr
frnm
1077
10
20.171
82.180
204.215
265.365 I
I
167.d.32 I
881 .430 I
I
I
1 ,620,803
706.674
?? d.11
14 1?11 I
I
845J
512 I
60.796 I
49 .d.59 I
a I
872 I
816 I
2.02 '
2.097 I
2 086 I
9.875 I
9.243 I
4 565 I
7.010 I
3.623_1
7.486
I
DIVI:tiG
259.500
10.655
DUCXS
Unid.& Mise.
1 .871 .930
TOI'AL DUCKS
snov gcose
Ross goose
',;"hite Front
can. gcose
~sser
I
can.
I
104.1561
~ li4R I
17.585
TOI'.AL GEESE
I
?
.110
B1acl: br=t
115.340
112..056
130.756
Coat
135,560
162,460
106,872
Rhi!!t. '""'..n
S'w'all
GRAHD TCT.U.
I
~~
l ,. . 762..508 L,'i.1
51a I
600
i
?'i
?
11.1 .875
818 :178
caelt. goose
Tr.=p.
I ~ze~;;;:Sl
12-Year
Averaae I
1966-1977 I
.
I
SPECIES
4
'
I
o I
I
I
I
60.573 I
<on
?
-'-4:1 7
117 I
?.717
141 117
... ,no.
•O :1
131 ,645
f!-117.3
+23.2
2,040,007
+l'04.0
+39.5
I
2.124.940.
1,763,447
1,460,756
23
I
999,676
'i~"L PCIPOLAn~
PACIFIC
FlYWAY
(Incl. West
Coast of
Mexico)**
SL'!Wa
~_....
AEEAIc::xJm'Y XEEJ../camn AP:E.A/camn J.JrVJ cami'!. AF:?.A/c::mm
~camn
pbserve:rst
Cbservers:
Cbserverat
Cbs.erre:r:s:
197b
1Cl7'i
Ql:lserrer:s 1
1977
?4-Y=~r
..
J0<;4-lo77
Cbserve:r:s:
107R
"! l"hn
. ,.,..,m
~ ~
?4_, ..
Mallard.
Ga.dw.l.l.
.Ba.l.d."'O!lte
G."W. 'l'ea.l.
:s.w. Teal
C:Um. Teal
Sllov!!-1-er
Pintail
Wood. tuc%
("~,.,
1077
DUCKS
Rectllesa
CSnvasbac:!s:
5CI!ll"D
~ec:!s:
Goldeneye
BUrfiehead
Ruddy
Merga.nser
Seater
Old Sauaw-Har
1 .402.850
38.693
850.315
39/ .~_1
93.698
495
681 .868
1!.;013.611
1 .946
1 .31 d. .455
1 .911 360
1 .<183 .500
1!.0. 181
1!.8.517
29.293
713.519
9.30.821
1 .036 .d96
361 834
342.097
!156.936
?fl ...6??
265 ·.365
A1 .92.6
ll..fi?ll.
1 .620
oRA
llQQ._SO? I
795.430
847 ,3711 I
1 ~7~ c;c;R
4 11i3 ,783 I ? 003 ill?
li ?~fi
_l L5.8.
1 .88I t
7.770.738
79.610
78,933
233,80!:1
3,392
36,133
32,8!:1!:1
73,8Q.l
~; ,14o
R7 ._817
442
7.481.167
66.416
83.711
213,61?
7.521.059
55.194
90.420
222.506
2.699
. 49.107
48.954
141 560
45.482
125.711
62?
6.556 467
ll.li J14
74.774
I
166.305
I
5 254
I
46.771
I
29.156
118.432
1
26.989
I
0? Qd.1
41i5
7 .9.7? ..1!18_
_37 110
78 .R?S
21!.5.500
7 .6?1
_3.7 534
38.177
....80 .523
41 .676
U3..3fi3
405
653.994
48.866
. 697.929
34 550
782 277
3.6..D.9.8_
607.801
.Jll4 .J14l
680.862
57 .753
+12.0
-44.5
-12.9
...60.0
8.473.598
8.213 646
. 8.339 434
7 ?68 311
8.711 .323
+19.8
"'-4.4
-46.7
+8.1
-11 .0
-53.3
-27.4
+1?0.?
rol'.AL DIVIliG.
Dl1CXS
U:aid.& Misc. l
TarAL IJO'OC3 ·
_<+.~b~ti
41 902
29.531:!
c 108,.44J
42 ,"l.l':l
·1 07.113
287
I
I
Front
Can. goose
Lesser can.
cacx. ;z:oose
446.540
(21.790)
74 400
133 '350
153.408
40 1..9.4
487.078
(28.225)
R< .0_71
?18.230
101 .958
51 .250
c;n 11?fi
141 .1t<l
TOTAL GEESE
848.782
041 .596
873 47?
911 .nM
m.ac:x brmrt
123 490
. 12..2 045
ld.fi.. 452
Ccot
612 456
608.113
726. 560
<;c1 147
Rd.fi
51 .350
936
lfl 111 c;lo
9.937.686
Sn011 goose
!2:0Qse
Ross•
*t,lhi
te
.
~
Trump. avan
Mute swan
GlWm TOl'.AL
-?2 .4 +1?·.
+20.7
+65. ~
+11 .I!. +d5.
+?ll.
+33.6
1186:8 +223.
-65.0
+64.0
+98.5
-6. i
1 .323.010
34,685
767.318
406,b!:I!J
76 ,15_0
1 .095
823.982
1!.,325 701!.
12.099
Tar.AL FUDDLE
443 RlR
I?S.3ROI
1?~ 047
507.347
137 ~8_00)
~oose
year of comparable coverage
total)
236,681
(?7 4101
111!..659
Ul .252
139.378
39.411
.J-~1
~
_,:; a
"'-OO n
.:.?11 1
....,, .fi
"'-fi.(]
+31 5 +il .1
+5 4 -28 ?
... , , 1
+47.1>
+.ic;·, +18? -"<
-19.7
-:?3:5
-10. Q. _,, 11
-32.0
-43.1
+54.4
-8.4
+::11 q
-9 ~8
+li 4 -?11 4
1
_.q <1
+6? 7
-'5.9
+i9.i
-~o .1
661 .381
I -27.4
-24.3
l411.RRA
162 887
+15.6
+11.2
60d..2?R
417.762
-39.8
-42.5
47,272
1 .051
48.593
627
45.597
1 .056
-6.2
+63.11
-3.5
.,.Q.4
"10.134.256
9.063.733
10 .000.011
~?0,_5_11!.
RS .F'40
116 418:..
Sli 162...
?<.n,:;.q
!
u
* Non-add (included in Snow
~11th
~
.;.,.....,""
Av ....
SPEC!ES
W'J,·f!!t.
.
24
:J
.:..]
+
+10.3
+
-1.3
State of Alaska:
State of Arizona:
25
no report.
no report.
CALIFORNIA PACIFIC FLYWAY REPORT
Fourth Quarter 1977
First Quarter 1978
Number 79
Prepared by
Frank M. Kozlik
Wildlife Management Supervisor
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND GAME
Wildlife Management Branch
26
RESOURCES AGENCY OF CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Wildlife Management Branch
1416 Ninth Street
Sacramento, California 95814
PACIFIC FLYWAY REPORT
California #79
October, November, December 1977
January, February, March 1978
SUMMARY
l.
The fall waterfowl populations were again below normal. Because of· the warm,
dry weather and a delayed migration, it appears that the peak population did
not occur until about the time of the winter inventory.
2.
Hunting use on the state-operated waterfowl areas declined 26 percent mainly
due to reduced hunter quotas caused first by drought conditions and then
later by flooding of some areas. The number of waterfowl bagged dropped 56
percent from last year. The average bag dropped to 1.4 birds per hunter,
the lowest since 1951.
3. Results of the annual game kill survey showed that the statewide duck kill
was 2,074,500 birds which was a decrease of 36 percent from last season.
The goose kill of 216,500 birds was a decrease of 28 percento
4.
A total of 5,074,825 ducks was tallied on the winter inventory which was
a decrease of seven percent from last year, but it was still 17 percent
ahead of the 24-year average. The goose population was down 37 percent.
5.
During the past six months a total of 2,964 waterfowl was banded.
27
A.
FALL MIGRATION
Similar to the past 18 years, biwee~~y waterfowl surveys were conducted during
tt..e fall of 1977 on the major waterfowl areas of California. These surveys
were a joint undertaking by the Division of Wildlife Refuges, u.s. Fish and Wildlife Service, and our Department. The Service's refuge personnel covered the
Klamath Basin refuges and provided funds for airplane rental for the Sacramento
Valley flights. The Department's Cessna 185 from Sacramento covered the DeltaSuisun Marsh and the San Joaquin Valley areas. Coverage was by low level estimates and no aerial photography was used this year.
The fall was again warm and dry and with the lack of stormy weather, the waterfowl migration was slower than normal. The drought continued and habitat conditions were worse than the previous two years. Very little irrigation water was
available and this limited the amount of habitat on both the public and private
wetlands. Some wetlands existed solely by pumping well water. Drought conditions
continued until November 21 when the first major storm in three years locally
dropped from two to ten inches of rain. Periodic storms continued to move in
and by mid-December there was local flooding. By mid-January the river by-passes
were in full flow and there was general flooding. Some of the public hunting
areas were closed and many duck clubs were out of business because of the high
water. Nearly every weather station reported precipitation far above normal.
Similarly, many stations in the Sierra reported the water content of the snow
pack twice normal assuring a good spring runoff. The drought was officially
declared at an end.
The first survey of October 19, occurred before the opening of the waterfowl
season which found the birds widely scattered over the duck club lands. In
all, 1,473,370 ducks and 138,360 geese were tallied.. A comparison with the
survey of the same time a year ago showed that ducks were down 30 percent
while geese were up eight percent.
The next survey was flown on November 2, with
tallied. A comparison with the survey of the
were down 48 percent while geese were down 46
continuing over most of the west, it appeared
behind schedule. This was especially evident
which stood at only 13,420 birds.
2,056,850 ducks and 135,430 geese
previous year showed that ducks
percent. With the warm weather
that the migration was lagging
in the white goose population
The survey of November 16, recorded 2,410,545 ducks and 534,825 geese. There
was no direct comparison with last year, as that survey was not completed due
to bad flying weather. It appeared that duck populations were still behind
schedule, but it was evident that the goose population had arrived in California.
As it turned out, this was the peak fall population for geese, and was nine
percent above last fall's highest count.
The next survey was flown on November 30, with 3,8o7,320 ducks and 494,585 geese
recorded. While duck numbers continued to increase, they were still running
19 percent behind the comparable tally of last year. This was the highest duck
population recorded on the fall surveys, but it was 22 percent below last year's
peak-count. The goose population showed an increase of 23 percent over the previous
year. By this time, waterfowl numbers had dropped in the Tule-Klamath Basin and
subsequently increased on the Central Valley wintering grounds.
28
The last fall survey scheduled for December 14, was only partially completed.
Rain moving into the Sacramento Valley stopped the survey there. It appeared
that waterfowl ntnnbers were about at the same level as on the previous survey.
Because of the slow migration and poor habitat conditions, it is quite possible
that similar to last year, the peak population of ducks on the wintering grounds
was not reached until at the time of the winter inventory.
With drought caused limitations on irrigation water, the rice crop acreage was
reduced to 320,000 acres. With the smaller acreage, a good growing season and the
warm, dry fall, the harvest came off early. Crop depredations by waterfowl were
at a minimum and for the first time, there were no deferred openings for depredation control on the public hunting areas.
Disease losses to botulism and fowl cholera were lighter than in recent years.
During the fall when botulism is most prevalent, there was less water and habitat
than usual. During the winter when fowl cholera is most common, there was heavy
precipitation to cause flooding and flushing. All of the water also helped to
spread the ,,birds out over much larger areas thereby reducing concentrations.
However, in both instances it was probably the increased surveillance and the
immediate pick up of dead and dying birds that did the most good to hold dmm
losses. With the start of the spring runoff, Tulare Lake Basin is beginning to
flood and it is expected that this traditional hot-spot for botulism will again
develop into a disease problem. Contingency plans to help control this problem
are now being readied.
B.
INFLUENCES
1.
General Remarks
For the hunting season, the federal framework again allowed a 93-day season
that had to be selected bet"t>Teen October 1 and January 22. Again there v1as
no option on the duck bag limit so that the double possession limit was
mandatory. The limit was seven per day, 14 in possession, but no more
than two redheads or canvasbacks, singly or in the aggregate,could be
taken daily and only four could be possessed. Goose limits remained the
same, including the reduced limit of three white geese, and only one Ross's
goose was allowed daily or in possession.
For most of California, there was a straight season with the 93 days running
from Saturday, October 22 through Sunday, January 22. Goose limits were
six per day and six in possession with not more than three white geese and
not more than three of the dark species. To provide additional protection
to the endangered Aleutian Canada goose there were again three areas closed
to hunting of Canada geese. In northwestern California, Mendocino County
was removed from the closure, but Del Norte and Humboldt counties were closed
for the entire season. In the Sacramento Valley, portions of Glenn, Colusa,
Sutter and Butte counties had a closed season until December 15. In the
San Joaquin Valley, portions of Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties
were closed to Canada goose hunting starting on November 25, which was advanced
from the original closing date of December 15.
29
Northeastern California was again·zoned with Oregon and their 93-day season
ran from Saturday, October 15 through Sunday, January 15. The goose limit
was three per day with six in possession. The daily bag could be increased
to six provided that not more than three were dark geese nor more than three
were white geese.
The area along the Colorado River was zoned with Arizona and they had a
93-day split duck season with the first portion starting on Saturday,
October 1 and running through Sunday, November 13. The second portion
started Monday, December 5 and ran through Sunday, January 22. The goose
season was also split with the first portion the same as the duck season,
October 1 through November 13. The second portion also started on December 5,
but only ran through Sunday, January 1, which was the latest possible date
for the Canada goose season. The goose bag limit was six per day and six
in possession. Limits could not include more than three white ge·ese and
not more than three dark geese, of which only two could be Canada geese.
The southern California area, primarily south of the Tehachapi Mountains,
had the straight 93-day season of October 22 through January 22. Of the
three dark geese allowed in the six bird goose limit only two could be
Canada geeseo The season on Canada geese ran only through January 1. In
Imperial Valley the bag limit on Canada geese was one per day, two in
possession.
2.
Public Hunting Areas
The public hunting program was on a reduced scale because of almost unbelievable operating conditions. At the start of the season most areas were
short of water which resulted in less habitat and reduced hunter quotas.
The Honey Lake area operating on pumped well water and reduced habitat opened
a week late. The Kesterson N.W.R. never opened because of the lack of water.
Some hunting use was made of the area, but hunters were processed through the
Los Banos area checking station. On the other hand, by the end of the season
there was too much water and the Delevan, Colusa and Sutter N.W.R.'s were
closed by flooding. As was mentioned earlier, all areas opened on October 22,
as there was no need for deferred openings for crop depredation control.
Appended are two tables that summarize the hunting operations and the species
composition of the kill. The checking station operations showed that 85,305
hunters used the areas and they shot 119,818 birds for an average of 1.4 birds
per hunter. With the reduced quotas and area closures, hunter use dropped
by nearly 30,000 hunters, which was a decrease of 26 percent from last season.
The total number of birds bagged dropped 56 percent from last year and the
average bag dropped one full bird, which was the lowest hunting success
since 1951.
The species composition of the harvest showed that similar to last season,
green-winged teal was the most common duck taken by hunters making up 31.1
percent of the bag.
30
Pintail i·ras again second, but dropped over six percentage points, evidently
reflecting the poor production and the preponderance of adults in the population. On the other hand, the production of local mallards ~·ms good and
their share of the bag climbed ahead of shovelers to third place. Snow
geese again dominated the goose kill making up 81 percent of the bag. Canada
goose varieties were next with 8.6 percent of the bag, but the kill of Canada
geese has practically been eliminated on the San Joaquin Valley areas where
the closure to protect Aleutian Canada geese is in effect.
3.
Mail Survey of Haterfowl Kill
For the past 29 years, the Department has conducted a posthunting season
game kill survey. The survey is made by mailing questionnaires to a random
four percent of hunting license buyers. Each recipient is requested to report the total number of each game species taken that hunting season, and
also the county of kill for each species taken.
The first few years, a number of changes were made in the style, form
and '1'10rding of the questionnaire. It seemed that each of these changes
affected the degree of respondence, and probably altered the results of
the survey. Since the primary purpose of this survey Has to indicate annual
trends in the game kill, identical questionnaires were sent out each year
to insure comparable results. However, it was also apparent from comparisons
made with the known kill on the public hunting areas and the federal waterfowl harvest report that results from the Department's survey were exaggerated.
With voluntary reporting of the game bagged the exaggerated kill was probably
the result of a higher percentage of successful hunters reporting than the
unsuccessful. For the 1975 survey, two follow-up reminders were sent to
hunters who did not originally report. Through this method, the rate of
respondence rose to over 75 percent--the highest ever obtained for these
surveys. It also resulted in a lower reported kill, not only for waterfowl,
but for other species as well. With these changes in survey methods, the
results cannot be directly compared with past years, but the.l975 season will
be used as the new base for comparison with future years.
The results for this past season show that the duck kill was 2,074,500.birds
which i'las a decrease of 36 percent from the 1976-77 season. The goose kill
of 216,500 birds was a decrease of 28 percent. The results of the waterfowl
wing survey showed that pintail production dropped to 0.5 young per adult.
Mallards shot in California showed 1.7 young per adult which was again at
about the same level as the last two years.
There were several factors that caused the reduced duck kill. From the time
of the first population survey in mid-September until the last fall survey
of mid-December populations ran from 20 to 60 percent behind schedule. With
the warm weather all along the flyway, migration was slow. At mid-December
it appeared that the peak population had not yet reached California. Due
to the water shortage, habitat was reduced both in size and quality. It is
possible that many of the early arriving pintails moved on to Mexico looking
for better habitat. The Mexican winter su~1ey showed that pintails there
were up nearly double over the long-term average. Of more importance to
31
hunters was the lack of young birds in the pintail population--California's
most numerous duck. It was difficult to entice the experienced adults into
range. Hunting opportunities were also lost on both public and private
habitat. First it was the lack of water that reduced hunter use and later
some public areas as well as duck clubs were inundated. At the same time,
most of the ducks were out of reach on tne flooded river by-passes. To say
the least, it was an unusual season!
There are no final figures as yet for the 1977-78 sales of the state and
federal duck stamps. However, with the poor hunting season, it is expected
that sales will be down from 1976-77 when 149,315 state stamps and 133,904
federal stamps were sold. The discrepancy between the sales of the state
and federal stamps continues for some unknown reasono
Co
WINTER INVENTORY
The annual survey of waterfowl wintering in California at the close of the hunting
season was conducted during the period of January 11-27, 1978. Since the majority
of waterfowl that winter in California concentrate in the Central Valley, most of
this area was surveyed from the air. Visual estimates by species were made of
the birds as they were seen. Most estimates were verbally tallied on portable
tape recorders. Aircraft were also used in other areas where waterfowl concentrate
which included San Francisco Bay, Salton Sea, Humboldt Bay and some of the other
coastal bays. In all, eight airplanes were used. About 95 percent of the birds
were tallied from the aerial surveys while the remaining portion was covered by
ground observers.
The results of the survey showed that there were 5,772,850 waterfowl wintering
in California at the end of the hunting season. Of this total, there were 5,074,825
ducks, 398,170 geese, 220,335 coots, 28,960 whistling swans and 560 black brant.
A breakdown by species is shown on an attached table.
The duck population was down seven percent from last year, but was 17 percent ahead
of the 24-year average for these surveys. Mallards, wigeon and green-winged teal
showed increases, while pintail and shovelers declines. Goose populations were
down 37 percent from last year and 44 percent below the 24-year average. During
the fall goose populations actually ran ahead of the previous season, but once
on the wintering grounds the birds evidently scattered out over the pasture lands
which for the first time in two years were greened-up by abundant rainfall. Some
of the goose grazing areas could not be covered because of bad flying weather and
poor visibility. Of the 560 black brant found wintering in the state, most were
at Morro Bay. Flyway-wide the brant population stood at 162,887 birds which was
an 11 percent increase over last year and 16 percent over the long-term average.
Most of the brant were found in Mexico.
The coot population showed a sharp decline by being down 58 percent from last
year. Evidently the drought on the Canadian prairies greatly reduced production.
Whistling swans were down 24 percent from last year. Evidently with the warm
winter~ fewer swans came to California as flyway-wide the population was down
only four percent.
32
Weather conditions were good for most of the aerial coverage, but recurrent storms
and fog hampered operations in some areas. South San Francisco Bay and the coastal
bays in Marin and Sonoma counties were never covered because of the poor flying
conditions. After t"t-10 years of drought, precipitation was abundant by the time of
the survey. Large concentrations of ducks were found on the new flood waters.
On the other hand, the geese scattered widely over the abundance of greened-up
grazing lands.
D.
BANDING
During the six month period of October 1, 1977 through March 31, 1978 a total of
It ~'las one of the poorest banding periods on record.
The inseason goose banding was again carried on at Tule Lake N.H.• R. Here the
mortar net traps baited with barley were used to band a quota of cackling geese.
It was not possible to get quotas of snow geese or white-fronted geese. The
snow geese arrived late and then bad weather halted the trapping operations.
The postseason quotas of ducks at Gray Lodge were also unattainable. As soon
as the hunting season was over, the birds scattered out onto the newly created
habitat and flood waters. Some of the trap sites were also flooded. Aleutian
Canada geese were banded at Crescent City, but only with limited success. \-leather
and other operational difficulties reduced the catch, but the 24 guide birds
that were needed for the upcoming release on Agatta Island were obtained and
shipped to the Amchitka holding facility.
2,964 v1aterfowl was banded.
A summary of the banding for this six-month period is shown on an attached table.
33
WATERFOWL HUNTING RESULTS ON STATE A..'lD FEDERAL
PUBLIC SHOOTING AREAS 1977-78
Average
No. Birds
~ Per Hunter
Total
Birds
Number
of
Hunters
Number
of
Number
of
Number
of
~
~
~
Honey Lake W. A.
3,405
4,239
889
13
5,141
1.5
Gray Lodge W. A.
13,304
14,596
336
1,441
16,373
1.2
9,401
10,243
2, 726
208
13,177
1.4
4,201
7,493
660
144
8,297
2.0
Area
w.
Sacramento N.
R.
Delevan N. W. R.
Sutter N.
"·
R.
2,699
3,633
146
123
3,902
1.4
Colusa N.
w.
R.
3,557
6,762
309
227
7,298
2.1
9,209
5,500
J5
Z30
5,785
0.6
665
1,066
3
6
1,075
1.6
5,.674
6,762
306
739
7,807
1.4
Grizzly Island
Joice Island
Volta
1•.
l•.
l•.
A.
A.
A.
Los Banos
l ••
A.
4,736
4,366
449
621
5,436
1.1
Merced N.
l ••
R.
1,350
1,506
220
42
1,768
1.3
4,464
7,212
76
138
7,426
1.7
San Luis N. W. R.
Kesterson N. W. R.
NOT IN OPERATION BECAUSE OF DROUGHT CONDITIONS
Mendota W. A.
11,733
20,895
53-
434
21,382
1.8
R.
889
1,403
2
66
1,471
1.7
9,041
9,464
2,692
70
12,226
1.4
573
838
5
95
938
1.6
404
271
0
45
316
0.8
85,305
115,117
127,878
124,048
109,634
108,095
111,035
108,146
103,517
96,411
102,796
84,702
68,114
67,306
62,144
52,183
106,249
247,168
263,502
257,449
140,366
181,999
236,493
183,534
200,563
149,614
248,539
168,558
136,376
108,331
120,543
74,778
8,927
18,983
15,070
9,466
15,929
9,575
19,567
17,032
12,552
10,918
17,600
26,814
7,610
10,710
8,197
7,749
4,642
5,942
10,203
11,670
9,553
6,918
6,293
5,848
5,387
3,782
3,620
2,899
3,068
2,759
2,738
2,400
119,818
272,093
288,775
278,585
165,848
198,492
262,353
206,414
218,502
164,314
269,759
198,2 71
147,054
121,800
131,478
84,927
1.4
2.4
2.3
2.2
1.5
1.8
2.4
1.9
2.1
1.7
2.6
2.3
2.2
1.3
2.1
1.6
Kern N.
l•.
Imperial
(Hazard, Wister, Federal)
Imperial (Ramer Lake)
1•.
Perris Reservoir S. R. A.
Totals - 1977
1976
1975
1974
1973
1972
1971
1970
1969
1968
1967
1966
1965
1964
1963
1962
A.
34
lllifM!S
W:S::ILAO
~iilM\&iiJM&i!QiS
wt
\W
ZJIOZJ!tJiliNQ!!IJm...............-
--------------------------------·-------------------~~
........
SPECIES COIIPOSI'l'ION OF W~TtlU'"OIIL TAKEN ON STATE AIID FEDERAL
PUBUC SHOOTUIG AREAS 1977-78
Species
Honey Gr£1¥
LW<e ,r.l.od 0e
Mallard
1,109 2,502 1,052 1,8~5
Joica
Los
San
Kester-
.
2,268
1,73~
297
205
174
792
}24 1,126 Not In 1,615
Operation
60
45
Perris
.!:!!!!.._
U
Percent
~ .2!..l!!ll
15,161
14.2
2,460
2.}
162
lOll
26
116
54
96
:506
112
53
169
4o1
9
57
1
Amer. Wigeon
528 1,577 1,592 1,550
}19
1,214
8o7
185
392
142
116
255
72}
62
2}4
22
9,?18
9.1
Pintail
9?8 2,64? 2,668 1,2?0
420
1,222
1,046
149
868
616.
246
494
4,757
248
2,929
8
Zo,566
19.}
Green-Winged Teal
?09 },962 1,492
942
}57
1,21}
1,781
105 2,47} 1,421
}},005
}1.1
10}
:n
12
69
54
2,281 1,912 -1,160
96
794
1,0}5
No. Shoveler
\.JJ
Griz:z.ly
Gadwall
CinniWlon Teal
Vl
Sacra-
!!!!!!!2... .Eill!.!!!!. ~ ~ h!.!!!!L ~ !21!!. !!!!2a ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1
}8}
649
275
145
45} },98o
8,648
576
4,8}1
. 62
518
53}
122
:506
1.5'75
202
448
4
4 ,2?0
4.0
172 1,22}
499
160
753
2,?45
235
676
2
14,126
1}.}
1}
1
5
6
:..82
0.2
15
Redhead
2}
15
68
10
1
9
9
-.
17
4
1
CMvasback
81
5
21
ll
4
5
65
?3
49
10
6
ll
26
6
Ring-Nockod
18
199
412
}48
}8
'•6
10
1
21
9
60
49
9
1
1,22?.
Scb.up
44
}8
47
21
}
}5
9
6
12
16
28
15
}46
0.}
Euf!lohe"d
50
45
96
12
4}
8
1
5
10
17
'l
}21
0.}
Golden-I\)'o .
51
1}
29
4
18}
0.2
Rudey
8}
217
5}}
1
166
18
5
liood Duck
Subtotal Ducka
2}
28
.14
2
39
2}
3
}
1
1
1
2
2
9
10}
}
204
208
4}
284
91
2
}l
217
6
161
2,}15
2.2
66
70
84
57
5
1}
4
5
9
1
481
0.5
4
4
?
10
365
88
2
4
89
8112
7
1,511
1.4
1,5o6 7,212
20,895
1,4o} 10,}02
2?1
1o6,249
100.0
42}
4.8
20
4,2}9 14,596 10,211} 7,49}
4
69
},6}3
6,762
5,500
1,o66 6,762 4,}66
}02
9
1
2
1
2
5
Whito-Frcntod
18
28
189
15}
28
46
}6
2
Cackling
42
10
179
46
10
3'1
10
1
266 2,278
422
Cunada
Lesser Snow
Ross 1 a
504
2}
2}
79
Others & Unclaaa.
Subtotal Geoao
Coots
1
Grand Total
}6
1.
1
9
8
1
1
}}6 2,726
12}
98
17
2?
561
6 •.}
2
5
}42
}.8
2,5}1
7,227
81.0
62
367
4.1
6
7
?}
21}
297
4}0
149
45
14
}4
ll
8
10
62
12
7
1
1
889
66o
146
}09
55
}
:506
449.
220
76
53
2
2,697
144
12}
22?
2}0
6
?39
621
42
1}8
4}4
66
165
45
4,642
5,141 16,}7} 1},17? 8,297
},902
?,298
5,785
1,768 7,426
21,}82
1,471 1},164
}16
119,818
1} 1,441
0.4
1.2
1}
Ful vous 'l'rett
Otbero & Unclaaa.
373
208
1,075 ?,8o7 5,4}6
0
8,92?
100.0
CALIFO&~IA
DUCK KILL
PERCENT OF
TOTAL KILL
NUMBER KILLED
1§75
1976
1977
19 75
1976
1§77
Northeastern
California
243,300
241.,500
213,400
8.1
7.6
10.6
North Coast
94,000
87,800
90,900
3.1
2.8
4.5
870,300 1,040,300
696,200
28.8
32.9
34.4
68,900
66,600
46,300
2.3
2.1
2.3
299 '900
311,300
162,600
10.0
9.9
8.0
Delta
81,400
106,100
57,700
2. 7
3.4
2.9
Sout:h Bay
57,200
94,700
54,200
1.9
3.0
2.7
Central Coast
24,800
27,600
23,000
0.8
0.9
1.1
North San Joaquin 795,500
762,600
388,700
26.4
24.1
19.2
South San Joaquin 141,400
140,200
61,500
4.7
4.4
3.0
17,700
19,800
12,400
0.6
0.6
0.6
113,400
106,600
68,400
3.8
3.4
3.4
17,000
22,000
14,000
0.6
0.7
0.7
Imperial Valley
167,900
107 '900
116,500
5.5
3.4
5.8
Colorado River
19,900
23,900
16,000
0.7
0.8
0.8
3,012,600 3,158,900 2,021,800
100.0
AREA
Sacramento
Valley
North Bay
Suisun Marsh
Inyo-Mono
South Coast
Mojave
Subtotal
Unspecified
Grand Total
69,000
81,500
52,700
3,081,600 3,240,400 2,074,500
36
100.0 100.0
GOOSE KILL
CALIFO~~IA
AREA
1975
Northeastern
California
62,200
59,500
59,300
23.5
20.3
27.6
North Coast
3,500
2,300
3,500
1.3
0.8
1.6
133,500
145,700
101,700
50.4
49.9
47.4
North Bay
1,000
1,400
1,600
0.4
0.5
0.7
Suisun Marsh
1,900
9,500
2,200
0.7
3.2
1.0
Delta
8,000
10,900
5,900
3.0
3.7
2.8
South Bay
200
200
300
0.1
0.1
0.1
Central Coast
600
700
500
0.2
0.2
0.2
North San Joaquin
23,800
33,100
20,300
9.0
ll.3
9.5
South San Joaquin
2,600
3,500
1,600
1.0
1.2
0.8
Inyo-Mono
1,200
2,100
2,500
0.5
0.7
1.2
South Coast/
2,500
2,400
2,300
0.9
0.8
1.1
Mojave
1,000
1,400
300
0.4
0.5
0.1
21,800
18,200
12,100
8.2
6.2
5.6
1,100
1, 700
700
0.4
0.6
0.3
264,900
292,600
214,800
100.0
100.0
100.0
Unspecified
5,000
4,400
1,700
Grand Total
269,900
297,000
216,500
Sacramento
Valley
Imperial Valley
Colorado River
Subtotal
I
I
PERCENTAGE OF
TOTAL KILL
1975
1976
1977
NUMBER KILLED
1976
1977
' lCVl
~l.J\)l\1'\
RFSOURUS
~\BRf:RY
t of the lntenor
U.S. DepartlUen
37
WINTER INVENTORY WATERFOWL POPULATIONS (CALIFOR!~IA)
1974
Mallard
Gadwall
.American Wigeon
Green-winged Tee.l
Shoveler
Pintail
Wood Duck
Redhead
Canvasback
Sce.up
Ring-necked
Golden-eye
Bu:fflehee.d
Ruddy
Misc. Ducks
Unident. Ducks
TOTAL DUCKS
White-fronted Goose
White Goose
Cackling Goose
Canada. Goose
Black Brant
TOTAL GEESE
Coot
Swan
GRAND TOTAL
543,912
22,616
739,317
230,230
475,885
3,340,647
3,630
1,718
66,857
31,657
1,873
690
2,535
108,063
25,088
10,425
5,605,143
85,015
431,366
84,210
57,265
470
658,326
417,304
61,542
6,742,315
1975
529,541
24,688
525,388
154,226
619,920
3,115,781
1.1,873
879
68,468
34,889
1,324
1,851
7,877
54,252
38,171
5,51.3
5,194,641
67,639
433,895
38,550
54,105
480
594,669
390,1.96
45,987
6,225,493
1976
386,180
16,200
404,440
137,215
605,640
3,082,675
1,770
1,805
50,330
67,965
1,465
1,240
5,075
67,220
48,980
6,300
4,884,500
81,005
469,580
51,250
46,075
680
648,590
339,090
40,675
5,912,855
1977
391,800
17,595
461,205
138,030
736,485
3,478,410
1,670
1,245
72,155
58,785
430
1,775
9,285
81,195
28,485
3,410
5,481,960
48,955
478,640
56,360
47,665
631,620
530,700
37,920
6,682,200
1978
415,095
13,985
786,860
206,255
613,375
2,822,590
6,100
2,195
62,335
46,035
1,675
1,210
3,020
58,925
31,120
4,050
5,074,825
1.11,540
220,995
39,095
26,540
560
398,730
220,335
28,960
5,722,850
WINTER INVENTORY SPECIES COMPOSITION IN PERCENT (CALIFORNIA)
Mallard
Ge.dwe.ll
.American Wigeon
Green-winged tee.1
Shoveler
Pintail
Wood Duck
Redhead
Canvasback
Scaup
Ring-necked
Golden-eye
Bu:fflehead
Ruddy
Misc. & Unident. Ducks
TOTAL
White-fronted Goose
White Goose
Cackling Goose
Canada Goose
Black Brant
TOTAL
9-7
0.4
13.2
4.1
8.5
59.6
0.1
T
1.2
0.6
T
T
0.1
1.9
0.6
100.0
12.9
65.5
12.8
8.7
0.1
100.0
10.2
0.5
10.1
3.0
11.9
60.0
0.2
T
1.3
0.7
T
T
0.2
1.1
0.8
100.0
11.4
73.0
6.5
9.0
0.1
100.0
38
7-9
0.3
8.3
2.8
12.4
63.1
T
T
1.0
1.4
T
T
0.1
1.4
1.3
100.0
12.5
72.4
7-9
7.1
0.1
100.0
7.1
0.3
8.4'
2.5
13.4
63.5
T
T
1.3
1.0
T
T
0.2
1.5
0.8
100.0
7.8
75.8
8.9
7.5
100.0
8.2
0.3
15.5
4.1
12.1
55.6
0.1
T
1.2
0.9
T
T
0.1
1.2
0.7
100.0
28.0
55.4
9.8
6.7
0.1
100.0
.,
CALIFORNIA WATERFCML BANDING SUMMARY
October 1, 1977 Through March 31, 1978*
TL - Tule Lake
GL - Gray Lodge
w
1.0
SP - San Pablo Bay
c - Crescent City, Del Norte Co.
Males
Adult Immature
Females
Unclassified
.Adult Immature
Species
Local!ty
Mallard
GL
316
207
523
Pintail
GL
416
212
628
American Wigeon
GL
103
65
168
Green-Winged Teal
GL
1
1
Cinnamon Teal
GL
8
4
12
Redhead
GL
1
Canvasback
SP
224
Lesser Scaup
SP
5
7
12
Greater Scaup
SP
215
178
393
Ring-Necked Duck
GL
6
6
12
White-Fronted Goose
TL
53
42
95
Lesser Snow Goose
TL
193
58
251
Cackling Goose
TL
375
125
500
Ross's Goose
TL
15
8
23
Aleutian Canada Goose
c
1
~Immature
--------
Totals
1
6
3
*Includes all inseason and postseason banding
93
9
7
330
2
15
Total Ducks
Total Geese
2,080
884
Total Waterfowl
2,964
IDAHO PACIFIC FLYWAY REPORT
October 1, 1977 - March 31, 1978
No. 79
Prepared by
Dick Norell
Game Bird Supervisor
40
State:
Idaho
Project No:
Title:
Game Bird Management
Study No:_-=!:..::.!_ _ _ _ __
Job No:
W-170-R-2
1,2, 3
Period Covered: ------=~~~~~---~~~~~~---------------------------------Oct. 1, 1977 - March 31, 1978
ABSTRACT:
This report covers the fall and winter waterfowl migration patterns• throughout
the state, an analysis of the 1977 waterfowl hunting season, and summary of
post-season banding. Data contained was collected by Idaho Department of Fish
and Game and U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service personnel and a hunter questionnaire
sampling sent out to 5% of hunting license buyers.
The duck migration into Idaho did not occur in any appreciative numbers until
the first of December. Total volume of ducks observed on the 15 survey areas
was comparable to the past three years however, peak numbers on Deer Flat National
Wildlife Refuge was down 45% from 1976. Canada Goose migration was orderly,
with total volume up 7% from 1977.
Duck harvest was comparable to 1976 but down 13% from the previous 5 year average.
The Canada Goose harvest was down 15% from 1976 and comparable to the previous
5 year average.
The mid-winter waterfowl inventory was 87% above 1977 and 15% above the long term
average for all species combined. Ducks were up 97% from 1977 and 14% above long
term. Canada Geese were up 46% from 1977 and 159% above long term average.
A total of 2,418 ducks and 112 Canada Geese was banded.
STUDY OBJECTIVES:
To gather data on population status and harvest of waterfowl species to base
management direction and hunting season recommendations.
JOB OBJECTIVES:
To gather migration and hunting season success data on waterfowl species for
management direction and hunting season recommendations.
PROCEDURES:
1.
Fall migration patterns and volume are measured by counting 15 major waterfowl
concentration areas from September through December.
2.
Major waterfowl areas are inventoried the first part of January in co-operation
with national surveys made at corresponding time period.
3.
H~nting season harvest success is measured by field checks and a hunter
questionnaire sampling sent to 5% of hunting license buyers.
4.
Ducks and Geese were banded to determine migration patterns and hunting season
mortality.
41
IDAHO PACIFIC FLYWAY REPORT
September 1978
No. 77
A.
FALL MIGRATION
Aerial counts were continued on 9 of the 15 waterfowl survey areas monthly. The
rema1n1ng 6 routes, which are ground counts, were counted biweekly. Observations
were made starting the second week in September and ending the third week in
De.cember.
Total cumulative volume of ducks observed on the 15 survey areas was within 500
birds of the 1976 counts. No appreciable difference has been found during the
past three years on these survey areas on a statewide basis. A total of 1,840,661
ducks was tabulated (Table 1).
Migration of ducks into the major wi-ntering areas was late and did not occur in any
appreciable· numbers until the end of November and first part of December.
Mallard movement onto Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge was late and in smaller
numbers than the previous 10 years. The peak of Mallards (222,200) did not occur
until mid-late December and was 45% below last years peak (402,500). As will
be noted from Table 4 this peak was the lowest in the past 10 year period.
Canada goose movement during the fall of 1977 was orderly with steady movement
into and out of the State. Good numbers of birds were present throughout the
hunting season in major concentration areas. Volume as measured from bi-weekly
and monthly counts on 15 waterfowl areas showed a slight increase (7 percent).
over the past three years (Table 1).
Migrant geese were not noted in any appreciable numbers until the first of
December on American Falls Reservoir. By the last of December, 13,000 were
counted and numbers steadily increased to a peak of 20,447 when the mid-winter
waterfowl inventory was taken during the first part of January.
As will be noted in Table 3 the total volume for comparable counting periods
on American Falls Reservoir was 2 percent above 1976 and 29 percent above the
previous five year average. Volume through Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge
was up 14 percent from 1976 and 10 percent below the previous five year average.
The mid-winter inventory (35,630) was up 45.9 percent from 1977 and 159.3 percent
above the previous 24 year average (Table 11). This was the largest number of
wintering geese on record in Idaho.
B. HARVEST
DUCKS
Weather conditions during most of the hunting season were not conducive for
good.duck hunting. Bluebird weather kept birds on the refuge area and they left
only at night to feed. Based on hunter questionnaire data, the Idabo duck harvest
was 523,300, the same as 1976, and down 13% from the previous five year average.
The number of duck hunters (43,856) decreased 5% from 1976 and 8% from the five year
average (Table 5). The number of ducks bagged per hunter (11.9) was up 5% from
1976 (Table 6).
Random bag checks by field personnel indicated a slight increase
42
in hunter success and a slight decrease in hours spent per bird bagged (Table 9).
Species composition from random statewaide bag checks showed mallards predominent
in the bag, with 43% of the total ducks taken followed by Green Wing Teal 18.9%,
Gadwall 8.8%, Pintail, 6.8%, Baldpate 6.2% and Blue Wing Teal 6.1% (Table 10).
GEESE
A week delay after the opening of duck season was continued in all but the ten
northern counties of the State. In addition, the season in southwestern and
south central Idaho was shortened to 72 days from the 93 days allowed. The northern
portion of Fremont County (North Fork of the Snake River) was reduced to 44 days
(from 72 days allowed) and complete closures were continued in portions of
south central Idaho and Kootenai County (northern Idaho).
Hunting conditions were not favorable throughout the season as mild weather
prevailed over most of the major harvest areas. Hunting on the Fort Hall
reservation was again limited to the bottoms only. Hunter questionnaire data
shows a statewide harvest of 27,600 geese, a decrease of 15 percent from 1976
and average for the previous five year period. The major reduction occured in
southwestern Idaho where the season was shortened to 72 days and had a closing
data of December 18. In contrast the federal questionnaire showed an increase
in goose harvest in the State of 40 percent, Table 3.
C.
MID-WINTER WATERFOWL INVENTORY
The 1978 mid-winter waterfowl inventory tabulated 644,143 birds in the state
during the first part of January. This is 87% higher than 1977 and 15% above
the long term average. Ducks were-up 97% from 1977 and 14% above the 24 year
average. Canada Geese were up 46% from last year and 159% above the 24 year
average. The 35,641 geese observed is the highest mid-winter count on record
(Table 11).
D.
BANDING
The number and species of ducks and geese banded in Idaho during the reporting
period is listed in Table 12. A total of 2,418 ducks and 112 Canada geese was
banded during the in-season and post-season periods. Banding operation were
again directed primarily toward mallards and Canada geese.
43
· Table L
Cumulative total of ducks counted from mid-September through December
on 15 Idaho waterfowl areas.
Ducks
Area
1973
1974
1975
1976
1,253
60,765
. 47,511
15,375
44,075
2,858
2,256
111,315
98,715
27,545
63,075
5,246
1,880
93,210
·46,000*
10,015*
22,085*
6,503
1,494
135,005
71,320*
15,428*
53,800*
7 ,994·
1,495
104,330
43,295*
12,480*
22,724* .
11,293
171,837
308,100
170,693*
285,041*
195s617*
Deer Flat NWR
2,100,055
C. J. Strike WMA
66,240
2,009,900
75,780
985,320
35,945
771' 910
'45,700
770,570
82,755
2;166,295
2,085,680
1,021,265
817,610
853,325
Hagerman WMA
Minidoka NWR
385,284
328,735
240,935
305,555
228~150
170,645*
230,466
165,955*
Sub Total
714,019
546,490
398,795*
396,421*
402,106*
375,070
72,629
14,714
85,302
35,592
370,935
84,216
15,107
130,455
41,359
93,007*
2,578*.
118,392*
31,318*
106,080*
20,509*
8,941*
149,593*
55,964*
164,330*
29,926*
7,316*
122,556*
65,485*
Sub Total
583,307
642,072
276,424*
341,087*
389,613*
TOTAL
3,635,458
3,582,342
1,876,177*
1,840,159*
1,840,661*
1977
NORTH IDAHO
Boundary Co •. WMA
· Kootenai NWR
Pend Orei11e Riv.
Lower CDA River
Lower St. Joe Riv.
Nez Perce
Sub Total
'
SOUTHWEST IDAHO
Sub Total
SOUTH CENTRAL IDAHO
'
328,518
73,588*
SOUTHEAST IDAHO
American Falls
Grays L-Bft-Cfld.
Market Lake WMA
Mud Lake WMA
Camas NWR
%Change from
Previous Year
+5%
31~129*
Not
comparable
-1%
-2%
s
ar~as not comparable with previous years'
figures due to counts being made monthly rather than bi-weekly as fn past years.
*1975,. 1976 and 1977 counts from these
44
Table 2.
Canada goose surveys, Idaho, 1973-1977, cumulative totals f~om 15
areas counted during period of mid-September through December.
Area
1973
1974
1975
1976
138
1,492
493
217
222
808
25
5,645
865
155
305
601
166
5,670
589*
995*
400*
1,206
68
4,400
945*
0*
828
6,321
1.095*
9611¥:
725*
836
3,370
7,596
9,026*
7,422*
10,115;/(
52,650
1,400
58,700
2,187
38,370
2,218
369420
754
41,610
1,400
54,050
60,887
40,588
37,174
43,010
1
1977
NORTH IDAHO
Boundary Co. WMA
Kootenai NWR
Pend Oreille Riv.
Lower CDA River
Lower St. Joe Riv.
Nez Perce
Sub Total
1~181*
177
SOUTHWEST IDAHO
Deer Flat NWR
C. J. Strike WMA
Sub Total
SOUTH CENTRAL IDAHO
Hagerman WMA
Minidoka NWR
5,036
12
4,237
296
3,852*
3~593*
153
2t614*
Sub Total
5,037
4,249
4,148*
3,770*
2,767*
American Falls
Grays L-Bft-Cfld
Market Lake WMA
Mud Lake WMA
Camas NWR
43,474
13,011
0
1,643
2,572
57,407
19,077
9
1,943
3,658
37,748*
3,867*
5*
2,863*
1,375*
40,918*
7j580*
20*
2,225*
2,671*
41,902*
4,709*
33*
1,786*
3,206*
Sub Total
60,700
82,094
45,858*
53,414*
51,636*
TOTAL
123,107
154,826
99,620*
101,780*
107,528*
117
SOUTHEAST IDAHO
*1975, 1976 and 1977 counts from these areas not comparable with previous years
1
figures due to count being made monthly rather than bi-weekly as in past years.
45
Table 3.
Fall flight Canada goose surveys - American Falls Reservoir and Deer Flat NWR
-- 1969-1977.
01mting
Period
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
AMERICAN FALLS RESERVOIR
*Sept. 15-20
5,675
2,495
4,212
3,918
3,938
5,795
5,895
7,625
7,000
*Sept. 29Oct. 4
5,675
2,100
2,608
5,001
2,772
8,798
4,394
7,625
7,000
360
959
338
2,226
3,473
5,346
1,225
1,658
406
1,969
3,750
5,253
5,264
4,121
7,974
Nov. 10-15
4,255
1,977
7,688
4,185
4,248
4,199
*Nov. 24-29
7,810
2,855
8,600
4,534
7,392
10,234
8,147
11 ,058
6,785
Dec. 8-13
6,705
1,026
8,195
15 ,D66
9,996
9,351
*Dec. 22-27
6,700
5,000
7' 199
4,040
7,869
8,431
14,033
10,489
13' 143
TOTALS
38,405
1_8,070
39,246
40,939
43,474
57,407
37,733
40,918
41,902
*Subtotals from comparable counting
27,085 14 '1 08 23,025
periods:
19,462
25,721
38,511
37,733
40,918
41 ,902
Oct. 13-18
*Oct. 2-7Nov. l
%change from previous 5-year average:
- - - - - - - - - -- - - -- - - -
- -
+29%
- - - - - - - - - -- - - --- -
--
- -- - - --- -
DEER FLAT NWR
Sept. 15-20
2,400
3,100
3,000
2,850
2,000
3,300
2,940
2,000
1,700
Sept 29Oct. 4
4,260
7' 100
4,000
5,500
3,200
6,000
3,000
2,600
3,400
Oct. 13-18
7,500
6,500
5,900
8,550
5,600
9,400
4,700
6,410
7,200
Oct. 27Nov. 1
7,500
8,000
6,900
6,700
9,050
9,600
6,000
5,000
5,540
Nov. 10-15
8,000
8,700
6,500
7,300
8,800
8,000
4,500
4,310
6,310
Nov. 24-29
7,000
5,000
7.,500
7,800
8,650
9,000
7,230
4,400
6,500
Dec. 8-13
6,700
3,725
4,800
3,125
7,500
6,100
5,000
6,700
7,260
Dec. 22-27
4,500
5,500
4,700
4,000
7,850
7,300
7,540
5,000
3,700
TOTALS
47,860
47,6~5
43,300
45,825
52,650
58,700
38,370
36,420
41 ,610
%change from previous 5-year average:
-10%
46
!
I
Table 4.
Mallar·d fall populat·lon estimates, Lake Lowell (Deer Flat NWR), Southwest Idaho, 1968-1976.
Counting
f.eriod
-=
=-
_1976 _ _I_9U__
1969
1970
1971
Aug. 29-9/4 ·
3,000
5,000
14,200
10,000
Sept 12-18
6,000
11,000
14,200
10,700
10,300
7,000
7,600
2,500
10,000
9,550
24-30
6,400
16,000
30,700
13,600
17,200
13,400
10,500
1,000
10,100
5,250
**20,000 **49,00Q **107,200
~*33,900
**86,400
*59,000
4 "12,200
Nov.
+=-
-
1968
Oct.
....J
--------------·=--==- ------ - ----
----~--
Dec.
8-14
t9r~--
197l__. __ 1974
1975
h4,600 A-*19,000 **18,900
24-30
50,000
78,000
174,000
309,700
205,000
87,000
201,400
37,000
27,500
35,800
7-13
80,000
105,000
328,600
410,000
367,700
410,000
190,000
110,000
51,000
86,170
21-27
65,000
181,000 •591,000
493,500 *500,000
390,500
428,000
~20,000
49,000
170,900
570,000 •609,300
183,000 •546,500
505,800
144,000
176,000
221,800
328,000
475,000
5-11
19-25
*375,000 *326,000
364,000
304,000
565,400
523,700
k593,000 *491,000 *402,500 *222,200
*Peak count per1od,
**Waterfowl hunting season opened just prior to thts count, tending to move bltds from surround1ng areas 1nto the
refuge.
Table 5.
Summary of Idaho waterfowl hary7st -- 1960-1977 (based on· annual
hunter questionnaire survey). -
Year
Ducks
Harvested
No. Duck
Hunters
1960
401,500
36,380
17,300
15,449
400
12,000
1961
428,400
36,916
24,400
14,071
900
7,200
1962
321,500
31,998
15,800
ll '121
300
5,900
1963
421,500
34,597
20,800
14,022
800
14, iOO
1964
506,800
33,415
22,800
13,i55
1 ,000
11 ,800
1965
338,700
28,455
21,500
15,383
500
9,300
1966
~28,500
33,159
22,700 .
17,029
800
27,800
1967
423,700
28,743
27,400
18,597
1,400
25,700
1968
328,300
22,320
25,700
18 '147
900
20,800
1969
529,000
42,267
26,100
19,684
300
27,000
1970
648,51)0
42,542
30,600
19,521
900
22,800
1971
697,700
46,496
24,400
21 ,281
900
20,700
1972
733,200
47,991
31,300
23,164
1 ,400
24,000
1973
532,700
47,596
21,400
21,246
300
26,300
1974
634,700
47,654
28,400
22,123
400
17,500
1975
582,500
47,647
24,500
22,771
800
30,300
1976
526,400
46,444
32,600
25,446
200
24,900
1977
523,30oY
43,856
27,600
22,126
800
29,400.
-5%
-15%
-13%
+30%
+iS%
-8%
s
-4%
+29%
+20%
% Change
from 1976
s
% Change from
previous
-13%
5-year av.
1!
Canada Geese
Harvested
No. Canada
Goose Hunters
Snow Geese Coots
Harvested Harvested
All harvest figures rounded to nearest hundred
~Regular duck season October 1, 1977- January 1, 1977 -- 89% of season kill.
Extended season in mallard area counties -January 2, 1978- January 8, 1978 -- 11% of
season ki 11.
Table 6.
Idaho duck harvest by game management regions.
Year
2
3
Reg on
4
5
6
Unknown
1973
30,414
4,171
187,107
128,239
11{),509
51,321
3,387
1974
29,205
3,462
215,682
189,586
131,872
57,711
7,223
1975
44,764
4,029
233,980
131 ,733
91 ,204
53,264
23,562
1976
39,130
6,159
193,207
98,995
88,985
65,940
33,945
1977
55,197
3,439
196,411
123,601
68,230
48 '174
28,254
Table 7.
Idaho Canada goose harvest by game management regions.
Year
2
3
Region
4
5
6
Unknown
1973
1,180
260
6,864
1,076
8,800
2,586
0
1974
1,024
357
11 ,716
. 5,892
7,462
1 ,638
353
1975
1,984
87
8,339
1,372
9,841
2,302
592
1976
2,315
920
10,517
2,228
13,534
2,443
619
1977
1,697
456
5,345
2,482
14,209
2,436
993
Table 8.
Species
Waterfowl hunter success 1971-1977 (based on hunter questionnaire)
(season average bag per hunter).
change
from 1976
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
Ducks
15.00
.15.28
11.19
13.32
12.23
11.33
11.93
+5%
Canada
Geese
1.15
1.35
1.01
1.29
1.08
1.28
1.25
-2%
49
Table 9.
Random waterfowl field bag checks, Idaho, 1969-1977.
Hunters
Checked
Ducks
Recovered
Geese
Recovered
10
Area
Year
Northern Idaho
(Regions 1 & 2)
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
492
228
647
483
442
429
568
557
288
1,542
944
1,731
1 ,208
1,321
1 '107
1,626
1,446
720
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
666
1,072
1 ,035
749
1,005
835
1 ,010
498
547
933
2,632
2,275
1 ,641
1 ,491
1 ,196
1,504
968
1,378
166
67
98
92
73
86
124
18
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
525
530
497
172
121
869
900
1 '119
254
244
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1 ,213
548
775
1 ,119
1,205
930
2,079
1,783
1 ,819
1,767
1 ,011
1,841
2,628
1 ,891
1 ,885
4,930
3,519
3,936
TOTALS &AVERAGES 1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
2,896
2,378
2,954
2,523
2,773
2,194
3,817
2,944
2,745
5,111
5,487
6,966
5,731
4,947
4,188
8,330
6,053
6,234
Southwest Idaho
(Region 3)
South-Central
Idaho
(Region 4)
Southeast Idaho
(Regions 5 &6)
N/0
160
106
91
N/0
270
120
200
50
B1rels
Per
Hunter
Gun Hours
Per
Bird
3.2
4.2
2.7
2.5
3.0
2.6
2.9
·2.6
2.5
1.4
0.9
1.3
1.1
1.1
1.3
1.0
1.7
1.8
17
1.7
2.5
2.3
2.3
1.6
1.6
1.6
2.0
2.5
1.9
1.1
1.5
1.7
2.3
1.8
2.1
1.6
1.6
3
8
35
6
2
1.7
1.7
2.3
1.5
2.0
2.4
1.5
1.1
1.1
1. 2
1,8
1.4
2.2
1.5
3.3
122
133
85
148
i88
258
1.7
1.8
2.7
2.5
L7
2.1
2.4
2.1
2.3
1.5
1.0
1.4
1.9
1.7
1.6
1.5
1.4
434
158
175
229
214
186
284
236
275
1.9
2.4
2.5
2.4
1.9
2.0
2.2
2.1
2.3
1.2
1.4
1.8
1.7
'4
9
6
~5
1
0
N/0
11
29
0
255
83
38
N/0
N/0
N/0
L2
l.o
2.0
1.7
Table 10. Duck species composition in the hunter's bag, from random bag
Idaho, 1977.
Species
North Idaho
sw & sc Idaho
%of· No.
%of
No.
Ducks Bag
Ducks. Bag
c~ecks,
Southeast Idaho
% of
No.
Bag
Ducks
TOTALS
No.
%of
Ducks
Bag
Mallard
229
31.8
1,089
69.0
1,352
34.6
2,670
43.0
Baldpate
50
6.9
34
2.2
301
7.7
385
6.2
Pintail.
49
6.8
46
2.9
327
8.4
422
6.8
GW Teal
133
18.5
351
22.2
690
17.7
1,174
18.9
BW Teal
122
16.9
9
.6
245
6.2
376
6.1
2
.1
1
T
3
T
23
1.5
520
13.3
543
. 8.8
178
4.6
196
3.2
133
2.1
C1nn. Teal
Gadwall
Shoveler
9
1.3
9
.6
127
17.6
6
.4
2
.l
148
3.8
150
2.4
1
T
53
1.4
55
.9
Goldeneye
1
T
10
.3
11
.2
Ruddy Duck
2
.1
39
.1
41
.7
27
.7
27
.4
13
.3
.3
_4
_.1
16
__
4
__
T
3,908
99.2
6,206
100
Wood Duck
Red Head
Scaup
1
.1
Canvasback
Bufflehead
3
.2
Ringneck
TOTALS
720
99.9
1,578
99.9
51
Table 11.
Idaho winter waterfowl inventory, 1977 and 1978.
Species
1977
1978
Mallard
258,070
508,404
Gadwall
1,190
10,243
Baldpate
3,789
22,708
326
711
GW Teal
% Change in
last 24 years
% Change from
last year
BW Teal
Cinnamon Teal
Shoveler
Pinta i1
1,281
5,366
29,907
17,603
7,639
Canvasback
465
447
Scaup
731
1,528
Wood Duck
Redhead
Ringneck
Goldeneye
350
10,156
9,604
Bufflehead
169
494
Ruddy Duck
236
117
Mergansers
3~532
3,519
Unid. Ducks
1,022
608
TOTAL DUCKS
Snow Goose
302,655
1
597,560
Canada Goose
24,425
35,630
Cackling Goose
TOTAL GEESE
24,426
35,641
Whistling Swan
139
224
Trumpeter Swan
446
610
17~432
10,106
644,143
+13.6
+97.4
+159.3
+45.9
+15.0
+86.6
11
Lesser Canada
Coot
TOTAL W'FOWL
345,098
52
. I
Table 12.
Species
& Area
In-season and Post-season Idaho waterfowl banding summary, 1977-78.
In-season
(Oct. 16, 1977 - Jan. 31, 1978)
Post-season
(Feb. l, 1978 - May 14, 1978)
Total
1,804
271
25
222
17
79
2,026
288
104
24
39
49
0
24
88
2,163
367
2,530
Mallard
OF
HWMA
AFR
c.
Goose
OF
AFR
TOTALS
HWMA- Hagerman Wildlife Management Area
AFR - American Falls Reservoir
OF - Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge
!I
I
53
PACIFIC FLYWAY REPORT
STATE OF NEVADA
MAY 1978
Prepared by:
Larry Barngrover
Staff Specialist
Waterfowl and Management Area
NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
RENO, NEVADA
54
. r
NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
RENO, NEVADA
MAY 1978
SUMMARY
A.
The fall population of ducks peaked at only 65,800 birds in
October, the lowest in many years. Late season Canada goose
numbers were at good levels, but snow goose and whistling
swan numbers were at very low levels.
B.
Hunter questionnaire data recorded the harvest of 79,491
ducks, 4,142 Canada geese, 1,606 snow geese, and 84 whistling
swans by 8,720 hunters.
C.
The mid-winter inventory was fairly comparable to most recent
years at a low level.
D.
A very limited amount of Canada goose banding was accomplished
at the Overton Wildlife Management Area.
55
A.
Fall Migration
Drought conditions continued through the fall and early winter of
1977-78, and the major marsh areas of Lahontan Valley continued to
suffer severe habitat deterioration. Wetland habitat throughout the
remainder of western Nevada also suffered severely, but the situation
in Lahontan Valley continues to be aggravated by the dispute over the
Truckee River flows. Wetland habitats throughout northeastern Nevada
were fair, while wetland habitats in southern Nevada were generally
fair to good.
Aerial waterfowl population surveys were conducted throughout the
fall migration period. These surveys were conducted statewide on a
monthly basis, and in western Nevada on a biweekly basis. Duck
numbers were below 1976 levels all fall and varied from approximately
44 percent below the 1976 level in December to about 66 percent below
1976 in September and November (see Table I). Weather conditions
were extremely mild during September, October, November, and December.
Temperatures never did drop drastically; however, the state did start
to receive some precipitation by late December and early January.
Canada goose numbers were very slow in building, and as late as
December the population was recorded at only 5,525 birds. Good numbers
of Canada geese did arrive during the late December period.
Snow goose numbers peaked at only 1,000 birds, as recorded during
the w~stern Nevada aerial survey in late November. Carson Lake, the
primary snow goose concentration area in Nevada, was virtually dry the
entire fall period.
Whistling swan numbers peaked at only 1,570 birds in December.
The Stillwater Wildlife Management Area, the primary swan concentration
area in Nevada, was approximately 90 percent dry all fall.
Habitat conditons were so poor in Nevada's primary wetlands that
no significant buildup of ducks was recorded on these areas. Bird
numbers in northeastern and southern Nevada were similar to or slightly
down from previous years.
B.
Hunting Season
The 1977-78 Nevada general duck season opened on October 15, 1977,
and ran through January 15,1978, for a total of 93 consecutive days.
Clark and Lincoln counties had a split duck season of October 1, 1977,
through November 13, 1977, and December 5, 1977, through January 22,
1978, for a total of 93 days.
56
!
I
!
i
I
I
'
.The 1977-78 Nevada general goose season opened November 19, 1977,
and ran through January 22, 1978, for a 56-day season. Clark and
Lincoln counties had a split goose season of October 1, 1977, through
November 13, 1977, and December 5, 1977, through January 1, 1978, for
a total of 72 days. The White River Valley of Nye County had a permitonly goose hunt (75 permits) on the recently established resident flock
that ran from December 14, 1.977, through January 22, 1978, for a total
of 40 days. Ruby Valley in Elko and White Pine counties was closed to
the taking of any white geese to protect the resident trumpeter swans,
and the Pahranagat Valley of Lincoln County was closed to the taking of
any geese to assist the establishment of a local breeding population of
Canada geese.
Five hundred whistling swan tags were issued for a 72-day season
from November 5, 1977, through January 15, 1978, in Churchill County
only. Only those hunters possessing a swan tag were eligible to hunt
swan and each tag holder was limited to one swan.
Harvest questionnaire data for 1977-78 indicate a harvest of 79,491
ducks, 4,142 Canada geese, and 1,606 snow geese by 8,720 hunters. This
represents a significant decrease from last year's data that indicate
a harvest of 139,598 ducks, 6,379 Canada geese and 3,194 snow geese in
1976-77. Swan hunter questionnaire data indicate a harvest of 84 birds
in 1977-78 compared to 206 birds in 1976-77 (see Table III).
Species harvest composition data were collected at wildlife management areas and other bag check areas throughout the waterfowl season.
There were 6,070 birds checked through these stations. These data
indicate that green-winged teal, pintail, and mallard were the top
three (3) species in the hunters bag and collectively represented
approximately 55 percent of the harvest (see Table IV).
C.
Annual Mid-winter Inventory
The annual mid-winter inventory was conducted between January 9
and 23, 1978. A total of 22.9 hours of flight time covering approximately 2,900 miles, and 20 miles of ground census resulted in the
observation of 45,621 waterfowl. Duck and Canada goose numbers were
generally comparable to last years's but down from the pas·t 24-year
average. snow goose and whistling swan numbers were down from both
last year and the long-term average (see Table V).
This year's mid-winter inventory results were the product of
extremely poor habitat conditions and extremely mild weather conditions,
particularly in western Nevada.
D.
Banding
A minimal postseason banding effort resulted in the banding of
35 Canada geese at the Overton Wildlife Management Area in southern
Nevada.
57
~',;'
c\:'
i,•
~;
\ ' "·:':··~,
TABLE I
STATEWIDE FALL WATERFOWL POPULATIONS
1973-1977
1973
Number
Change*
1974
Number
Change*
1975
Number
Change*
1976
Number
Change*
174,650 - 9%
3, 711 + 84%
25
--
145,500
2,950
45
- 17%
- 21%
218,950
2,595
+50.5%
-13.4%
142,255
3,035
- 35%
+ 17%
48,565
2,945
-
183,415
3,370
145
- 33%
1%
- 44%
190,275
3,285
+
4%
2%
291,885
2,445
30
+53.4%
-25.6%
144,065 - 51%
3,195 + 31%
65,800
2, 775
- 54%
- 13%
134,870 + 13%
3,020 +116%
11,810 + 36%
127,085
3,510
7,150
- 6%
+ 16%
- 40%
232,030
4,650
9,570
+82.6%
+32.5%
+33.8%
127,165
4,260
7,630
-
- 45%
8%
- 20%
43,825
3,300
200
- 66%
- 23%
- 97%
85,080
3,645
2,315
+ 50%
- 37%
- 28%
149,170 +75.3%
6,195 +70.0%
3,660 +58 .1%
45,690
8,875
210
- 69%
+ 43%
- 94%
25,535
5,525
155
- 44%
- 38%
- 26%
1977
Number
Change*
Se£!ember
Ducks
Dark Geese
White Geese
- 66%
3%
October
Ducks
Dark Geese
White Geese
-
--
-
--
November
U"l
co
Ducks
Dark Geese
White Geese
December
Ducks
Dark Geese
White Geese
56,850
5,787
3,212
+176%
+ 43%
--
* Percent change from previous year.
,i
TABLE II
STATEWIDE WATERFOWL POPULATION BY SPECIES
Fall 1976-1977
li
Species
Mallard
Gadwall
Pintail
G.W. Teal
Cinn. Teal
Widgeon
Shoveler
Redhead
Canvasback
Others
Se:etem.ber
1976
1977
October
1976
1977
November
1976
1977
December
1977
1976
6,800
9,095
39,645
26,540
1,945
19,935
21,025
8,655
1,390
7,225
3,480
5,675
9,820
5,265
1,500
6,340
3,295
5,955
965
6,420
7,160
5,940
38,620
22,880
425
11,295
11,035
7,040
34,790
4,880
3,675
6,925
12,205
5,945
285
6,085
5,810
9,925
7,945
7,000
13,700
4,840
32,525
28,000
6,100
2,145
9,035
4,770
14,605
1,030
9,615
5,560
16,665
11,310
1,135
13,350
5,640
3,225
3,545
1,380
9,545
4,080
1,985
6,105
370
3,005
3,415
5,390
1,020
4,600
2,670
10
2,460
1,035
845
3,340
4,165
TOTAL DUCKS 142,255
48,565
144,065
65,800
127,165
43,825
45,690
252535
Dark Geese
White Geese
3,035
2,945
3,195
2, 775
4,260
7,630
3,300
260
8,875
210
5,525
155
TOTAL GEESE.
3,035
2,945
3,195
2,775
11,890
3,560
9,085
5,680
210,570
120,620
. 30
44,380
115
77 '780
51,330
4,595
22,725
990
11,355
4,270
17,635
12570
355,860
172,160
191,755
146,355
194,980
71 '100
70,400
50,420
Coo·ts
Swans
TOTAL
WATERFOWL
59
TABLE III
SUMMARY OF STATEWIDE WATERFOWL HARVEST
1950-1977
Postseason Questionnaire
~
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
Duck
Stamps
9,553
9,405
10,532
11,867
9,634
10,404
11,286
11,228
11,284
9,285
7,736
5,427
7,983
8,749
9,639
10,673
11,928
12,713
12,491
13,220
14,361
14,260
12,608
13,732
11,953
11,938
Geese
Hunters
Ducks
13,155
13,592
10,975
11,389
11,939
12,087
12,025
10,020
8,313
5,698
7,695
8,479
9,603
11,544
14,928
13,860
13,635
13,520
12,913
16,906
14,605
11,647
11,686
13,619
12,113
8,720
122,200
. 147,448
170,007
134,970
138,452
145,380
149,498
167,908
175,025
100,328
61,649
41,994
37,377
53,530
70,884
90,036
109,428
147,400
110,136
137,524
147,211
178,107
149,565
97,251
139,080
162,863
139,598
79,491
60
~
8,819
8,470
3,671
4,642
2,224
2,980
5,929
3,708
6,060
7,205
2,273
5,453
6,649
7,357
8,066
4,047
5,480
3,629
6,379
4,142
Total
~
~
1,302
2,466
3,913
671
962
1,100
1,980
792
4,524
2,541
1,277
1,021
3,488
4,655
1,756
2,580
1,498
1,430
3,194
1,606
29,140
10,937
17,149
13,130
10,048
14,446
8,570
7,112
10,121
10,769
7,584
5,313
3,186
4,080
7,909
4,500
10,584
9,746
3,550
6,474
10,137
12,012
9,822
6,627
6,978
5,039
9,573
5,748
Whist-*
ling
Swans
87
208
102
124
109
190
188
206
84
Total
Waterfowl
151,340
158,385
187,156
148,100
148,500
159,826
158,068
175,020
185,146
111,097
69,233
47,307
40,563
57,610
78,793
94,536
120,012
157,146
113,686
144,085
157,556
190,221
159,511
103,987
146,248
173,149
149,377
85,323
TABLE IV
WATERFOWL HARVEST
SPECIES COMPOSITION BY MANAGEMENT AREA
1977
Sj!ecies
"'
1-'
Stillwater
Humboldt
AREAS
Canvas- Mason
back Clb Valle;t Region II Overton Kirch
Total
154
24
132
154
0
92
81
32
1
100
41
27
15
0
15
40
5
111
229
71
307
0
80
121
111
0
69
25
87
25
0
25
205
1
114
19
87
155
0
19
41
30
1
142
7
63
6
0
18
67
4
747
451
896
1,663
0
231
364
414
3
341
85
219
57
6
76
347
17
200
913
1,467
773
5 1 917
0
0
0
3
0
0
54
8
0
7
0
0
0
0
0
72
8
0
3
62
7
0
82
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
31
0
16
0
20
682
1,472
102
203
1,006
1,490
793
Mallard
Gadwall
Pintail
G.l~. Teal
B.W. Teal
Cinn. Teal
Widgeon
Shoveler
Wood Duck
Redhead
Ringneck
Canvasback
Scaup
Goldeneye
Bufflehead
Ruddy
Other Ducks
21
17
24
201
0
8
8
18
0
4
2
5
0
0
0
10
1
100
19
78
360
0
12
21
58
0
1
2
3
6
0
1
14
6
171
107
476
415
0
70
148
1
22
2
22
3
1
4
3
0
23
14
14
35
0
3
4
8
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
TOTAL DUCKS
319
681
1 1 462
102
Canada Goose
Snow Goose
Other Geese
1
0
0
1
0
0
6
2
0
TOTAL GEESE
1
1
Swan
Coot
0
2
322
GRAND TOTAL
Key
Pittman
17
53
22
14
36
0
0
18
9
0
2
6
12
2
5
13
8
0.
% of
Com!!•
12.3%
7.4%
14.8%
27.4%
0
3.8%
6.0%
6.8%
Tr.
5.6%
1.4%
3.6%
0.9%
0.1%
1.3%
5.7%
0.3%
Place iu
Kill
3
4
2
1
9
6
5
19
8
11
10
15
18
12
7
16
1.2%
0.2%
0
13
17
2
69
Tr.
1.1%
20
14
(1,070
100.0%
10
0
TABLE V
MID-WINTER INVENTORY
1974-1978
1974
1975
1976
1977
1954-1977
Averase
1978
8,036
1,470
205
1, 715
0
42
360
2,050
0
540
513
270
90
460
301
3,504
769
0
11,555
1,305
565
3,915
0
0
320
3,065
0
425
1,020
55
175
195
325
1,495
1,255
200
13,800
1,335
1,615
4,130
0
30
1,430
12,215
0
620
8,975
45
575
400
370
3,845
1,315
3
11,617
1,042
994
2,140
0
0
808
5,533
0
428
991
285
271
895
855
1,479
1,360
5
16,269
2,901
1,787
5,878
9
35
2,658
8,880
0
517
1,483
304
109
350
481
2,911
1,370
870
8,766
1,153
1,287
3,766
0
0
384
3,757
0
636
1,016
74
386
695
901
1,190
1,427
0
20,325
25,870
50 1 703
28,703
46 1 812
25 2 438
+14%
+27%
+96%
-43%
Dark Geese
White Geese
5,051
432
4,730
405
5,855
570
6,717
951
6,648
2 830
8,029
236
TOTAL GEESE
% Change From
Previous Year
5,483
5,135
6,425
7,668
9 1 478
8 1 265
+31%
6%
+25%
+19%
Trumpeter Swan
Whistling Swan
Coot
20
679
6,220
10
316
8,660
17
2,682
16,130
28
1,117
7,624
19
3,770
9 1 785
27
405
11 1 486
TOTAL WATERFOWL
% Change From
Previous Year
32' 727
39 1 991
75,957
45,140
69 1 864
45 1 621
+16%
+22%
+90%
-41%
Species
Mallard
Gadwall
Widgeon
G.W. Teal
B.W. Teal
Cinn. Teal
Shoveler
Pintail
Wood Duck
Redhead
Canvasback
Scaup
Ringneck
Goldeneye
Bufflehead
Ruddy
Merganser
Unidentified
TOTAL DUCKS
% Change From
Previous Year
62
-11%
+ 8%
+ 1%
Oregon Pacific Flyway Report
October 1977-March 1978
Number 79
Prepared by
Chester E. Kebbe
Small Game Biologist
63
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Portland, Oregon
John R. Donaldson, Director
Pacific Flyway Report
October 1977-March 1978
Abstract
1.
Southward migrations of both ducks and geese were delayed
by mild, dry weather which prevailed throughout the
northwest. Early flights of ducks and geese were down 5
percent from 1976.
2.
Hunter success was good but slightly below last year. A
total of 57~200 hunters bagged 529,000 ducks and 51,500
geese.
3.
The annual mid-winter waterfowl inventory revealed a total
of 406,800 ducks and 98,300 geese wintering in the state.
The wintering population of all waterfowl was 4 percent
lower than in 1977.
4.
A total of 88 ducks of 3 species was banded on Sauvie
Island during the post season period.
64
A.
Fall Migrations
The size and pattern of fall flights of waterfowl are
determined by means of bi~weekly counts at ten major
concentration areas. The counting areas are normal rest
stops for ducks and geese migrating through the state and
wintering areas for late arrivals. Results of these
periodic inventories are presented in Table I.
The fall was warm and dry and, with a lack of stormy
weather, the waterfowl migration was slower than normal.
With little or no rain the birds were confined to the large
bodies of water or to the managed waters of public areas
and private duck clubs .
.The size of the early flights into Oregon was 5 percent
_,lower than the flights of 1976 but comparable with the
average of the previous five years. Mallards and wigeon
were especially late in completing their migrations.
In late November and early December waterfowl populations
expanded rapidly as large flights of ducks and geese
arrived for the winter.
Flights of arctic nesting geese were also delayed in migra~
tion by the mild fall weather that occurred throughout the
west. Approximately 70,000 snow geese were recorded at
Summer Lake during the peak of migration, compared with
136,000 in 1976. The decrease can be attributed to an
unsuccessful-nesting season. Only 53 percent of the snow
geese bagged at Summer Lake during the season were birds~
of~the~year.
B.
Hunting Season
The 93~day waterfowl season opened on October 15 and terminated
on January 15 except in the Columbia Basin counties of Baker,
Gilliam, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa
and Wasco. In these 9 counties the season on ducks and coots
extended through January 22.
The goose season also ran concurrent with the duck season in
the five Basin counties that border the Columbia River. In
Baker and Malheur counties the season was shortened to
DecemBer 25 to provide protection for the Canada goose along
the Snake River. The bag limit in these two counties was
also reduced to two daily and in possession.
In western Oregon the season for dusky Canada geese ran
concurrent with the general duck season and a daily bag and
65
,
possession limit of two geese was retained. The long
season followed another successful production year on the
Copper River Delta in Alaska.
The bag limit of 7 ducks a day and 14 in possession was
retained statewide for the second successive season. Two
redheads or canvasbacks were allowed in the daily bag. or in
possession. One hooded merganser daily or 2 in possession
could be included in the special merganser limits of 5 a
day and 10 in possession.
C.
Harvest
The late migration of waterfowl and the dry fall limited
hunting opportunities and resulted in a lower harvest than
in 1976. Hunting remained poor through the first half of
the season but improved sharply with the arrival of fall
rains in late November.
Harvest estimates for the state of Oregon are based on
information received from a game harvest questionnaire
sent to 5 percent of the licensed hunters. Hunters were
asked for the number of days hunted, number of ducks, geese,
coots and snipe bagged and the counties in which most of the
hunting took place.
Results of this random survey indicate the waterfowl harvest
was down 17.7 percent from 1976 with 529,013 ducks, 51,485
geese, 25,346 coots and 13,253 snipe taken. The number of
waterfowl hunters declined from 60,262 to 57,262. See
Table II. Distribution of hunting pressure and waterfowl
harvest by geographic area is presented in Table III.
I
Few hunters took advantage of the extended season on ducks
and geese in the Columbia Basin counties. Success was quite
low due to the lack of hunting sites and the relatively mild
weather that prevailed through January.
Hunters on the Sauvie Island and Summer Lake public hunting
areas had fair success in spite of adverse hunting weather,
a late migration and a lower population of birds. The
harvest of birds and hunter success for the past three
years is shown in Table IV and the species composition by
unit is given in Table V.
Age classification of 570 snow geese bagged by hunters at
Summer Lake showed a ratio of 268 adults or sub-adults to
302 birds-of-the-year. The low percentage of young birds
--·-·- in the bag (53 percent) indicates an excellent production
year.
66
D.
Winter Inventory
The annual mid-winter inventory was conducted during the
first week of January and revealed a total of 406,864
ducks, 97,219 geese, 1,110 brant, 8,954 swans and 18,776
coots wintering in Oregon. See Table VI. Compared with
1977, the duck population was down 6 percent, geese no
change, swans up 39 percent and coots down 2 percent.
The total waterfowl count of 532,923 represents a 4 percent
decline from the 556,298 birds tallied the previous winter.
A slight increase was recorded in the wintering population
of wigeon, teal, pintails and diving ducks but a sharp
decline in the number of mallards. Foggy weather along the
upper Columbia and ice storms in the Willamette Valley
.restricted visibility and undoubtedly resulted in minimal
counts.
E.
Banding
Post season banding operations were conducted on Sauvie
Island with extremely poor success. A total of 88 ducks
of 3 species was banded.
Table VII
Waterfowl Banding
Species
Mallard
Pintail
Wigeon
AHY-M
AHY-F
43
4
6
26
7
2
TOTAL
67
Total
69
11
8
88
.,
Table I
WATERFOWL MIGRATIONS
(10 Areas)
Oregon 1973-77
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
October
Mallard
Pintail
Others
White Geese
Dark Geese
TOTAL
47,283
46,955
76,873
25,814
22,395
219,320
26,565
30,962
53,490
9,155
20,717
140,889
52,863
67,159
70,276
43,485
27,294
261,077
31,218
37,085
57,579
4,977
24,517
155,376
31,144
37,237
45,224
18,900
15,813
148,318
68,452
76,270
100,456
113,533
64,054
422,765
57,213
64,370
31,759
79,072
86,060
318,474
114,945
88,272
75,692
97,737
85,353
461,999
47,200
52,136
65,016
81,005
75,929
321,286
100,945
75,960
63,671
71,005
57,797
369,378
80,663
43,957
90,942
1
89,824
305,387
59,657
75,383
81,065
4,554
92,226
312,885
184,686
52,979
120,341
388
111,970
470,364
103,344
41,268
62,348
333
74,567
281,860
153,247
77,488
54,774
1,112
54,075
340,696
112,366
67,362
83,161
45
45,246
308,180
136,893
124,784
142,325
1,223
93,277
498,502
190,205
83,101
169,579
441
144,580
587,906
232,310
77,755
117,897
849
94,871
523,682
177,945
85,429
138,979
468
99,226
502,047
November
Mallard
Pintail
Others
White Geese
Dark Geese
TOTAL
December
Mallard
Pintail
Others
White GEese
Dark Geese
TOTAL
January
Mallard
Pintail
Others
White Geese
Dark Geese
TOTAL
68
"
1II'
"
-
-
! "~'
I{
Table II
WATERFOWL HARVEST
Number of Waterfowl Hunters*
Percent of Licensed Hunters
Hunting Waterfowl
1977
1976
1975
57,262
60,262
60,836
13.9%
15.9%
15.6%
Total Ducks Killed
529,013
634,192
966,557
Total Geese Killed
51,485
70,869
86,534
580,498
705,061
853,091
TOTAL WATERFOWL KILLED
Change from Preceding Year
-17.7%
*Duck Hunters- 44,554; Goose Hunters- 15,792
69
-17.4%
+50.5%
,
Table III
1977 WATERFOWL HARVEST BY AREA
County
and Area
Benton
Clackamas
Lane
Linn
Marion
Polk
Washington
Yamhill
Duck
1,750
1,369
3,093
1,876
2,446
2,366
1,604
858
Hunters
Goose
Coot
864
40
585
306
724
1,735
315
193
84
49
824
ll9
221
375
119
0
Duck
122
134
275
154
68
235
154
32
16,263
9,905
22,300
15,106
21,305
14,524
18,186
4,769
1,336
0
1,068
243
1,590
6,657
193
108
0
195
2,820
168
892
309
0
0
89
268
657
628
484
32
32
32
122,358
ll, 195
4,384
2,222
14,401
56,918
25,580
199
3,975
2,984
536
293
572
134
595
367
96,899
7,158
1,401
1,096
6,649
19,689
86
0
98
2ll
0
1,787
26,338
86
309
1,787
22,464
6,810
0
lOS
3,209
0
1,097
161
29,274
108
3,209
1,258
23,544
9, 270
1,790
72
135
0
8,011
1,317
0
766
3,530
0
34,604
207
9,328
4,296
780
1,753
72
693
0
141
0
0
2,533
765
141
0
8,360
4,072
2,066
221
405
580
244
545
0
89
223
32
14,498
l, 206
789
344
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
Clatsop
Columbia
Multnomah
1,072
2,734
2,417
221
986
1,052
168
49
168
154
166
109
COLUMBIA RIVER
Lincoln
Tillamook
787
1,561
121
0
84
35
32
141
NORTH COAST
Coos
Curry
1,983
438
86
36
327·
0
141
32
SOUTH COAST
Douglas
Jackson
Josephine
2,046
1,750
391
329
235
so
350
195
0
154
300
0
UMPQUA-ROGUE
·Hood River
Wasco
170
451
36
428
0
35
0
0
HOOD RIVER-WASCO
Crook
Deschutes
Jefferson
903
1,363
378
221
405
229
UPPER DESCHUTES
70
98
252
0
Harvest
Goose
coot
Snioe
89
109
32
SniEe
Table III
1977 WATERFOWL HARVEST BY AREA
(Continued)
County
and Area
KLAMATH
Gilliam
Morrow
Sherman
umatilla
Duck
Hunters
Goose
Coot
Sniee
Duck
Harvest
Goose
Coot
Snioe
10,674
5,225
1,148
629
102,800
14,459
3,132
1,278
115
728
642
2,108
36
306
1,115
657
0
84
0
328
0
0
0
45
456
2,400
5,259
17,732
72
428
6,781
1,038
0
49
0
970
0
0
0
268
25,847
8, 319
1,019
268
1,135
605
207
207
0
0
0
32
1,740
414
0
32
5,173
8,902
2,157
179
·271
144
293
70
0
226
223
0
16,232
594
363
449
COLUMBIA BASIN
I·~
Grant
Wheeler
438
183
121
121
0
49
0
32
UPPER JOHN DAY
Baker
Union
Wallowa
936
953
498
235
284
207
84
35
49
65
89
45
SNAKE RIVER
MALHEUR
HARNEY
LAKE
STATE TOTAL
*
3,201
792
203
154
28,393
1.626
450
134
762
478
70
32
5,058
2,236
70
0
3,047
1,589
434
154
22,441
3,112
751'
89
*44,554 *15, 792 *4,839
*3,488
529,015
51,485
25,346
State total omits duplication of hunters hunting in more than one county.
71
13,253
I
I
Table IV
SUMMARY OF PUBLIC SHOOTING GROUNDS SUCCESS
Season
Length
Area
Hunter
Days
Ducks
Harvest
Geese
Coots
Snipe
Total
Success per
Hunter Day
1977
1976
1975
Summer Lake
70
6,940
7' 283
882
109
38
8,312
1.20
1.27
1.83
Sauvi~
47
9,470
18,102
1,299
92
6
19,499
2.06
2.89
2.96
16,410
25,385
2~181
201
44
27,811
1. 70
2.11
2.46
Island
........
N
TOTALS
--~
Table V
SPECIES COMPOSITION OF WATERFOWL TAKEN ON PUBLIC SHOOTING GROUNDS
1975 - 77 Seasons
SEecies
1975
Summer Lake
1976
Mallard
1,805
1,346
2, 286
1,220
Am. Widgeon
.....:J
'vJ
Europ. Widgeon
G. W. Teal
Pintail
Shoveler
Gadwall
Cinn./B.W. Teal
Wood Duck
Hybrid
Ruddy Duck
Goldeneye
Bufflehead
R. N. Duck
Scaup
Canvasback
Redhead
11. Merganser
Com. Merganser
Old Squaw
Am. Seater
W. W. Seater
Surf Seater
Seater (Unid.)
Unident. Duck
-
-
1, 306
2,169
648
572
187
8
1
100
23
100
19
52
93
189
2
10
1, 473
1,586
295
360
65
2
1
-
-
20
31
56
7
22
60
ll7
4
22
1
-1
1975
1,752
1,412
1
984
1,622
289
705
61
3
1
36
47
94
13
45
66
124
1
25
6,662
7,314
1
3,659
4, 867
788
136
-
1
-1
17
-
TOTAL DUCKS
8,648
7,628
7,283
Snow Goose
Blue Goose
Canada Goose
Lesser Canada
Cackler
White- Fran t
Ross' Goose
Black Brant
3,504
3,723
598
1
199
8
25
23
28
'fOTAL GEESE
3, 898
-
159
4
30
145
56
-
201
15
19
53
39
-
4,050
Sauvie Island
1976
1977
-
13
26
2
26
21
44
153
162
44
4
21
14
-
9,408
7,440
-
3,639
5,200
756
ll8
17
71
-
26
4
12
104
53
31
10
40
39
1977
1975
5, 718
5,857
9
2,186
3,178
645
ll9
9
27
1
20
9
19
79
142
24
6
16
32
1
8,467
8,660
1
4,965
7,036
1,436
708
200
34
3
126
44
144
172
214
137
193
23
24
Total
1976
ll,694
8,660
-
5,112
6,786
1,051
478
82
73
-
46
35
68
lll
75
91
127
44
61
1
-1
1977
7,470
7,269
10
3,170
4,800
934
824
70
30
2
56
56
ll3
92
187
90
130
17
57
1
1
-
2
-
23,959
26,970
18,102
32,607
34,598
25,385
8
48
17
3,512
3, 771
176
13
10
933
494
42
2
902
348
29
-
1,134
509
61
55
39
-
1,130
180
43
155·
56
1
615
1
1,101
356
54
26
28
1,519
1,299
5,077
5,569
2,181
-
2
971
-
-1
882
1,179
-
-
5
-
2
17
2
-
1
5
3
-
1
-
-
-
.
-
-
/
Table VI
WINTER INVENTORY TRENDS IN OREGON
1978
1977
1976
1975
1974
Mallard
Gadwall
Am. Widgeon
G. w. Teal
B.W./Cinn. Teal
Shoveler
Pintail
Wood Duck
Redhead
canvasback
Scaup
Ring-Necked Duck
Harlequin
Old Squaw
Goldeneye
Bufflehead
Ruddy Duck
Merganser
Scoter
Unid. Ducks
178,324
1, 779
62,114
21,150
232,321
562
58,449
15,641
190,205
3,948
52,580
32,746
136,893
1,351
76,942
30,837
6,139
85,755
110
1,085
8,158
12,364
2,667
2
1
712
4,556
6,034
4,462
1,684
9,469
10,389
78,327
18
281
3,609
9,690
1, 071
9
7,941
83,101
17
392
11,112
9,398
1,204
13
1,272
3,044
9,962
3,046
869
4,067
1,410
2,629
24,640
10,384
1,290
9,875
1, 767
124,784
62
539
4,889
2,817
885
3
1
615
4,978
8,281
2,203
656
5,499
112,366
1,398
36,511
13,957
116
1,439
67,362
68
207
7,166
6,243
650
6
TOTAL DUCKS
406,864
432,627
442,885
404,002
262,889
Coot
18,776
19,214
24,710
30,680
19,767
Snow Goose
Cackling Goose
White-fronted Goose
ca:nada Goose
Black Brant
466
316
982
95,455
1,110
849
2
1
94,868
2,300
441
45
1,647
92
142,719
1,769
1,223
2,244
4,901
84,625
1,507
43,599
1,904
- 98,329
98,020
145,021
94,500
47,195
8,954
6,437
6,067
6,466
4,987
532,923
556,298
618,683
535,648
334,838
-4.2%
-10.1%
+15.5%
+60.0%
-36.1%
Species
TOTAL GEESE
Swan
TOTAL WATERFOWL
Percent change from
,Erevious year .
74
913
2,347
3, 725
2,064
797
5,554
UTAH PACIFIC FLYWAY REPORT
FOR PERIOD ENDING MAY 15, 1978
NUMBER 79
Prepared by
Albert F. Regenthal
Waterfowl Supervisor
and
Timothy H. Provan
Waterfowl Biologist
Approved by
Donald A. Smith, Director
75
UTAH STATE DIVISION OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
PACIFIC FLYWAY REPORT
Number 79
FOR PERIOD ENDING May 15, 1978
SUMMARY
1.
Marshlands in Utah were in fair condition for the fall migration. Levels
of the Great Salt Lake were still high holding back vegetative growth.
2.
The duck harvest was down 38.6 percent from 1976 and the Canada goose
harvest declined 17.9 percent. The 1,277 swan harvested was one of the
highest recorded.
3.
Utah had the largest flock of wintering Canada Geese ever recorded; with
over 9,000 staying through the winter. Above normal temperatures left
marshes void of ice. Wintering ducks (47,235) were up 5,000 from 1976
levels.
FALL MIGRATION
Drought conditions prevailed throughout the winter and spring, and water supplies
for the developed marshes of the Great Salt Lake were predicted to be insufficient
to maintain habitat in the units. Two heavy rainstorms in May did permit the
units to be filled and the units managed with only slightly sub-normal efficiency.
Undeveloped marshes, however, felt the impact of the drought conditions, followed
by rising lake levels. Much of the vegetation appeared to be in good condition
but close examination verified that seedheads did not develop. Growth of submergent
vegetation was curtailed in other areas. Overall, food production for waterfowl
was less than optimal.
Levels of the Great Salt Lake were still holding back the regrowth of emergent
vegetation. Migrating waterfowl moved slowly into Utah marshes. Above normal
temperatures prevented most of Utah's marshes from freezing thus more waterfowl
were present during November and December.
Fall migration waterfowl populations on thirteen waterfowl management areas in
Utah for the years 1975-1977 are listed in Table 1.
-----
76
Table 1.
Fall migration waterfowl populations on thirteen waterfowl management
areas, 1975-1977.
1975
1976
1977
October
Mallard
Pintail
Others·
White Geese
Canada Geese
23,000
ll5,400
230,400
10
- 7 800
20,500
90,800
229,900
25
8 595
20,880
68,200
193,150
150
6,910
Total
376,610
349,820
289,290
November
Mallard
Pintail
Others
White Geese
Canada Geese
26,000
88,000
218,600
1,150
7,100
18,100
49,200
132,600
350
6 000
17,500
60,200
160,250
1,330
4,000
Total
340,850
206,250
243,280
19,100
10,400
28,900
8,900
9,900
8,800
2,600
2,200
12,000
11' 350
25' 200
10
3,700
61,000
29,800
52,260
December
Mallard
Pintail
Others
White Geese
Canada Geese
Total
WATERFOWL HARVEST
The general waterfowl season opened at noon on October 1 followed-one week
later by the opening of the goose season on October 8.
A total of 50,407 waterfowl hunters went afield in Utah during the 1977-78
season and harvested a total of 235,231 ducks and 16,650 geese (Tables 2, 3,
4 and 5).
The duck harvest was nearly 148,000 less than that of 1976; a decrease of 38.6
percent. The birds were not on Utah marshes in October in the same numbers as
generally observed (Table 1). Exceptionally mild weather during much of the
season, plus the decreased food supply on natural marshes, resulted in much
greater use of the open waters of the lake by the ducks that were present.
Throughout most of the s·eason they were unavailable to the hunter.
A total of 15,911 Canada geese were taken by hunters; 3,470 less than in
1976-77 but still well above the long term average. The harvest of 839 snow
geese was not substantially different from that of the prior four years.
77
Table 2.
Number and type of waterfowl hunter in Utah, 1973-1977.
Year
Adult Hunters
Juvenile Hunters
Total Waterfowl Hunters
Table 3.
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
32,448
39,193
38,620
42,010
40,230
9,362
10,418
9, 723
9,946
10,177
41,810
49,611
48,343
51,956
50,407
A comparison of waterfowl questionnaire returns for 1973-1977.
General
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
Total questionnaires mailed
16,000 16,668 25' 303 25,169 34,276
Total returned, unclaimed
912 1,817 2,872 2,416 2,499
Total questionnaires accepted by addressee 15,088 14,851 22,431 22,753 31,777
Total return of completed questionnaires
6,319 5,126 9,001 8,306 10,250
Percent return of completed questionnaires
40.1
41.9
34.5
36.5
32.3
Number of completed but unusable
questionnaires
18
0
0
0
19
Adult Return Data
1,516
3,193
2,010
4, 911
1,810
3,681
2,780
5,205
212
254
541
809
645
163
144
303
513
354
Bought adult license-hunted waterfowl
1,437
Bought adult license-did not hunt waterfowl 4,507
Juvenile Return Data
Bought juvenile game bird license-hunted
Bought juvenile game bird license-did not
hunt
78
Table 4.
Waterfowl questionnaire survey data for duck hunters only, 1973-1977.
Questionnaire Data, Actual
Adult and Juvenile Combined
Total hunters
Total hunter days
Days hunted per man
Ducks per man-day
Ducks per man-season
Total ducks killed
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1,611
10,456
6.49
1.93
12.52
-20,171
1, 722
10,722
6.23
1.88
11.69
20,127
2,498
17,375
6.95
2.29
15.93
39,807
2,552
15,860
6.21
2.10
13.18
33,643
3,295
18,458
5.63
1.55
8.73
28,797
J-
Questionnaire Data, ExEanded
Weighted by Class of Hunter
Total ducks hunters
Total duck hunting trips
Total ducks killed
Table 5.
41,063
263,414
487,452
49,611
242,212
391,986
-48' 343
329,398
562,631
51,956
181,991
382,902
50,407
161,962.
235,231
Goose harvest data, Utah, 1973-1977.
Goose Hunter and Harvest
Expanded Data for Duck Hunts
Total hunters
Trips per hunter
Total hunter trips
Geese per man-day (trip)
Geese per man-season
Total goose kill
Canada geese
Snow geese
1973
41,063
6.41
263,414
0.019
0.123
5,042
4,475
567
1974
1975
1976
1977
28,848
5.6i
161,962.
0.033
0 .18~
5,41.5.
5,056"
359
36,296
6.67
242,212
0.024
0.158
5, 746
5,463
283
36,130
6.93
250,551
0.030
0.206
7,449
7,067
382
29,279
6.21
181,991
0.038
0.234
6,842
6,439
403
12,087
4.04
48,812
0.249
1.005
12,144
11,573
572
12,789
3.66
46,804
0.302
1.107
14,158
13,425
733
10,665
3.41
36,323
0.367
1.248
13,315
12,942
373
11,829:
3.74
44,199
0.256.
0.957
11,336
10,855
480'
17' 036
855
17,891
20,492
1,115
21,607
19,381
776
20,157
15,911.
739
16,650
Goose Hunter and Harvest Expanded
Data for Goose Hunts
Total goose hunters
Trips per hunter
Total hunter trips
Geese per man-day
Geese per man-season
Total goose kill
Canada geese
Snow geese
13,309
3.42
45,544
0.280
0.958
12,755
11,216
1,539
Combined Statewide Kill ExEanded
Canada geese
Snow geese
Total geese
15,691
2,106
17,797
79
1977-78 Swan Report
For the sixteenth successive year a limited whistling swan hunting season
was available to Utah waterfowlers. A total of 2,500 permits were issued
by drawing from 8,097 applicants. Of the 2,500 permits issued 2,488
were deliverable. Eleven successful applicants had moved and one had died
prior to delivery. The twelve permits were not reissued.
The swans started to arrive after the second week of October. Peak numbers,
in excess·of 27,000 birds, were present on the marshes by mid-November
The following is a summary of aerial and ground counts of swans in northern
Utah.
Aerial Counts of Swan Population
Date
Number Counted
10-19-76
11-8-76
12-8-77
215
8,825
15,126
Total Number of Swans Censused During Ground Flock Counts
Adults
Gray Birds
2,960
123
Counts made of 459 family groups indicated a 2.38 young per brood ratio.
More swans (1,277) were taken in fewer hunter days (8,411) than in past
years. Hunter success (51.3%) was one of the highest on record. The marshes
of Northern Utah stayed ice free throughout the entire season thus holding
good numbers of swans in areas available to the hunter. It is felt that a
poor duck season prompted a more concentrated effort to bag a swan, consequently
more swans were harvested in Utah in 1977 (Table 6).
-80
f.·...
Table 6.
Summary of hunti.ng activity and
Season length (days)
Number of applications
received for drawing
Number of permits issued
Percent hunting at least once with:
swan as an objective
swan as the main objective
00
I-'
Total hunter-days with:
swan as an objective
swan· as the main objective
Total swan bag
s~1ccess
during Utah 1 s statewide whlst1ing swan seasons, 1965-77.
1965
1966
1967
90
90
90
86
2495
2294
2766
995a 1000
92
4700
95
4000
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
86
93
93
93
93
93
93
93
93
4342
6346
7670
5823
6563
5619
7397
8874
8877
8097
1000
1000
2500
2500
2495c 2500
2500
2500
2500
2500
2488d
91
93
70
89
70
88
65
4800
1968 1969
85.5
65.6
84.5
63.0
4300 10000 11600 11067 11097
1900 4600 5300 7855 5076
88.2
86.7
e
e
e
e
9533 11305 11072
754
86.2
90.8
9685
8411
e
e
e
e
e
981
928
929
764
1277
336
491
246
520
1290
812
Percent young (gray) swans in bag
45
42
54
58
62
52
33.4
38
49.9
42.0
46.3
41.3
53.6
Percent of hunter success
33.6
49.1
24.6
52.0
51.6
32.5
36.6
30.2
39.2
37.1
37.1
30.6
51.3,
Swans knocked down, not retrievedb
60
75
69
102
266
170
175
118
236
217
169
131
311
236
331
234
305
951
748
722
492
e
e
e
e
e
Swans reported hit, not knocked down
916
86.6
e
a
Elimination of duplicate applications among the original 1,000 selected left 995 valid permits under the procedure
used in 1965.
b
This figure provides the best estimate of total unretrieved kill by permit holders.
c
Five permits were returned from the post office several weeks after the swan season had started.
permittees moved from the state and the permits were not reissued.
d
Eleven permits were undeliverable.
e
These questions were omitted from the questionnaire.
One permittee died prior to permit delivery.
The five
Permits were not reissued.
Snipe harvest data was collected from the 1977 waterfowl questionnaire. During
1977 snipe hunters made 3,791 trips and harvested 3,656 snipe (Table 7).
Table 7.
Summary of Utah's snipe harvest 1970-77.
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
790
1,695
2,261
1,433
2,084
1,894
926
1,445
Number of hunter trips
3,101
3,217
5,614
4,666
5,564
6,232
2,496
3, 791
Number of snipe harvested
-3,563
4,006
6,447
3,641
4,906
4,788
2,584
3,656
Number of snipe hunters
WINTER SURVEY
The 1978 midwinter waterfowl census was conducted essentially the same as in prior
years and covered the same area. Two Division observers flew 2,160 miles of
census route in the Division's Cessna 180 and 185.
A total of 76,761 waterfowl were counted during the 1978 census period. Included
in the total were 58~352 ducks, 9,085 geese, 4,816 whistling swan and 4,508 coot.
Ducks were up 5,000 over 1977 and Canada geese were up 2,408. Whistling swan
were up 4,254. Mild winter conditions prevailed and marshes harbored greater
than normal numbers of wintering ducks, geese and swans.
I
I
I
I·
I
WATERFOWL BANDING
No post:...season banding took place in Utah during this period.
-82
II,
I'
WASHINGTON PACIFIC FLYWAY REPORT
October 1, 1977- March 31, 1978
No.
79
Prepared by
Richard C. Parker
Game Biologist II
83
JOB COMPLETION REPORT
RESEARCH PROJECT SEGMENT
State:
Washington
Name:
Project No.:
W-27-R-30
Title: Waterfowl Harvest
Study:
1
Job:
Period Covered:
Waterfowl Survey and Inventory
1
October 1, 1977 through March 31, 1978
FINDINGS
Abstract:
This report includes an analysis of the 1977 waterfowl hunting season,
a comparison of fall and winter waterfowl counts, and a summary of preseason banding.
The 1977 waterfowl harvest was down 14 percent from 1976 and the ten-year
average. A total of 875,710 waterfowl were bagged by 81,600 hunters.
Mallards made up 45 percent of the state duck bag, with a total of 371,600
harvested, down 18 percent from 1976 and 27 percent from the ten-year
average. Bag composition of the remaining dabblers is as follows:
pintail, 13 percent; green wing teal, 18 percent; wigeon, 17 percent.
The total duck harvest was 824,910, down 14 percent from 1976 and the tenyear average.
The state goose bag was 50,800 down 18 percent from 1976 and 15 percent
from the ten-year average.
Fall counts of ducks were below average in eastern Washington, but Canada
goose counts were up from the long-term average. Western Washington duck
counts were well above the long-term average and snow goose counts were
below the ten-year average.
t
Influences:
I
Weather: Marine frontal systems moved through Washington State more
frequently than in recent years. This resulted in more precipitation on
the westside of the Cascade Mountains. Temperatures remained mild,:·well
into January, with no extended periods of freezing weather. Washington
areas east of the Cascades received little precipitation during the fall and
winter of 1977. Some snow did fall in December, but did not persist very
long. Temperatures were sporadic with alternate freezing and thawing
during the later portion of November and through December. No extended
periods of extreme weather conditions were experienced in any part of
WashingtQn.
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Feed and Water: The number of farms in western Washington, with acreage
in feed grains, were reduced in 1977 from recent years. A mild and dry
early fall permitted farmers to plow most of the stubble fields following
harvest. This resulted in less available feed for waterfowl. Eastern
Washington farms were planted with increased acreage in corn, with very
few of the fields harvested in time to provide forage for waterfowl
during the hunting season. Small grains were in good supply, however,
fall plowing removed the stubble from many fields before the hunting
season.
Hunting Season Regulations:
Season Length: The hunting remained open for 93 days for ducks and geese
(Table 1), except that an extended season in eastern Washington allowed
hunters a maximum of 100 days. The snow goose season was extended from
58 days in 1976 to 79 days in 1977. A special falconry season for waterfowl
lasted for 8 days in early October.
Bag Limits: Bag limits remained at 7 ducks per day and 14 in possession
during 1977, statewide, except during the special falconry season for
waterfowl. The daily limit was 2 ducks per day and 4 in possession. The
daily limit on canvasbacks and redheads remained at 2 per day and 4 in possession, but redheads and canvasbacks, in aggregate, could not exceed one
possession limit. The limit on geese was 3 per day and 6 in possession.
The snow goose limit remained at 2 per day and. 4 in possession. The limit
on brant remained at 3 per day and 6 in possession.
Table 1.
Ducks
Hunting season regulations for waterfowl, Washington 1977.
Dates i.nclusive
Length/
Limits
Daily
Possession
Open
Closes
days
Noon
7
14
Oct. 15 Jan. 15
93
East Wa.
Noon
Oct. 15 Jan. 22
100
7
14
Redhead duck and canvasback duck: The daily bag limit shall not
contain more than 2 canvasbacks or 2 redheads or one of each.
The possession limit shall not contain in the aggregate more
than 4 canvasbacks or redheads.
Open area
West Wa.
5
10
Mergansers* Same areas and dates as ducks.
*Hooded Merganser: No more than one (1) in daily bag or (2)
in possession limit.
Coot
Same areas and dates as ducks.
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25
25
What com
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FAR
EASTER~
--------
Adams
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Figure 1
---?------:-~---
- - - - - -~--
Hunting Regions
Of
- --.....,..__ --
----
Washington
-----~--·-~
------~-------
......
-----
1 Wh•lman
Table 1.
(cont.)
Open area
Geese
Species
Brant
Dates inclusive
Open
Closes
Length/
days
Daily
Limits
Possession
Statewide**
Noon
Oct. 15 Jan. 15
93
3
6
Except:** Island, Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom counties
Extended
Season:
Oct. 15 Jan. 22
100
** Island, Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom counties
Noon
Oct. 15 Jan. 1
79
3
6
Geese may be hunted only on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, Nov. 11,
24, 25, in Adams, Benton, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Lincoln,
Okanogan, Spokane, Walla Walla counties; and east of Satus Pass
(U.S. Highway 97) in Klickitat County during regular season in
- these counties.
Extended Season: Open only in Adams, Franklin, Grant, Walla Walla,
Lincoln, Douglas, Kittitas, Yakima, Benton, and Klickitat counties.
Snow Geese: It shall be unlawful to take more than two (2) snow
geese per day or have more than four {4) in possession.
Ross' Geese: It shall be unlawful to take more than one (1)
Ross' in the daily bag or in possession.
Special season for falconers
Ducks, geese, merganers, .and coot
Oct. 2 Oct. 9
2
4
6
Nov. 19 Feb. 19
93
3
Statewide
Brant may be hunted only on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays,
Nov. 24 and 25; Feb. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 1978.
Harvest Statistics:
Methods: Harvest estimates in the State of Washington are based on information received from·a game questionnaire sent to 10 percent of the
hunting license buyers. Hunters are asked to allocate their game harvest,
including the categories 11 ducks 11 and 11 geese 11 , to proper counties. The
species composition of the duck bag is computed-from county weighted data
derived from field bag checks, duck club records, and game processor records.
The species composition of the goose bag 1ts: der~ved by ternpnbn.ing 33
percent of the state questionnaire respondees and asking them what species
of.geese they killed and in what county. These data are then assigned
on a directly proportional basis to the goose harvest totals.
Waterfowl: The state waterfowl bag was 875,710 in 1977, down 14 percent
from l976 and the ten-year average (Table 2).
An estimated 81,600 people hunted waterfowl in 1977, down 8 percent from
1976 and 10 percent from the ten-year average.
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Ducks: The state duck bag was 824,910, down 14 percent from 1976 and.the
ten-year average (Table 3).
Table 2.
Year
1977
1976
Ten-year
Average
Table 3.
Waterfowl hunters and bag in Washington.
Waterfowl
hunters
81,600
88,400
Average season
waterfowl bag
10.7
11.6
Ducks
824,910
960,360
Total bag
Total
Geese
50,800
875,710
62,260 1,022,620
90,800
11.2
961,300
59,450 1,020,300
Species composition of Washington
Species
Mallard
Pintail
Green-w. teal
Wigeon
Other
1977
371,600
106,300
149,200
137,400
60,400
1976
461,300
96,500
182,900
128,700
91,000
du~k
1967-76 Av.
509,300
86,200
141,300
150,200
74,300
bag.
Percentage of duck harvest
1976
1967-76 Av.
1977
53
45
48
9
10
13
15
19
18
16
13
17
8
10
7
The mallard bag was 371,600, which made up 45 percent of the duck harvest,
down 19 percent from 1976 and down 27 percent from the ten-year average.
Most areas of Washington showed a decline in the mallard harvest, except
northcentral, southcentral, and Pacific Coast, which showed increases.
However, only southcentral has a large total mallard bag. (Fig. 1.)
(Table 4).
Other dabblers as a group declined from 442,390 in 1976 to 413,511 in 1977,
a 7 percent drop.
The diving duck harvest totaled 39,920, a 30 percent drop from 1976. Most
state areas showed a decline in the diving duck harvest, except southern
Puget Sound, Pacific Coast, and Columbia River, for 1977. Many lakes in
northcentral Washington were dry or held very little water in 1977. This,
combined with low production of local diving ducks in 1977', resulted in
a decline in the diver harvest.
Geese: The state goose bag was 50,800, down 18 'percent from 1976 and
down 15 percent from the ten-year average. The Canada goose harvest was
47,150, down 14 percent from 1976. Large Canada goose sub-species increased
slightly, from 36 percent of the species bag in 1976 to 37 percent in 1977.
88
Table 4.
Distribution of waterfowl hunting bag in Washington - 1977 season.
S~ecies
00
1.0
Mallard
Gadwa 11
Wigeon
Green-winged teal
Blue-winged teal
Shoveler
Pintail
Woodduck
Redhead
Canvasback
Scaup
Ringnecked duck
Goldeneye
Bufflehead
Ruddy duck
Seater
---------------------------------------Hunting regions-----------------------------------North
South
Columbia
N. Puget, S. Puget Pacific Columbia Entire
·sound
Central Central
Basin
Coast
Eastern Sound
River
State
7,580
1,010
4,040
86,280
390
7,720
13,920
190
1,820
4,340
250
2,020
200
660
510
60
140
140
120
r~erganser
Old squaw
140,330
700
16,900
39,240
60
2,260
15,320
1,560
600
1,850
420
610
300
60
70
180
26,120
23,570
4,560
9,790
.
300
500
77,810
1,300
29,200
54,620
150
3,230
36,120
19,050
30
24,640
22,360
30
740
3,350
260
440
1 ,770
30
640
580
30
1,680
2,770
450
24,480
2,510
1,670
250
870
590
220
8,530
100
22,010
4,990
4,520
4,580
8,480
960
1,950
100
200
1,640
190
60
60
5,930
12,360
5,430
220
7,790
110
5,290
440
110
240
371,630
2,520
137,410
149 '160
4,920
12,560
106,320
250
1,620
4,590
17,890
780
4,380
6,470
670
1,750
1 ,770
220
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------·
Total Ducks
Large Canada goose
Lesser Canada goose
Snow goose
Whitefronted goose
Black brant
Total Geese
Coot
15 '160
116,230
220,460
64,840
210,270
101 ,600
58,430
37,920
824,910
880
760
2,870
8,510
6,780
12,230
4,450
3,070
190
1 ,350
1,680
100
1,740
410
270
940
1,290
20
50
60
760
2,390
17,280
29,870
1 '700
150
1,800
1,640
11,380
19,010
7,520
5,060
680
2,360
3,150
50,800
160
350
.
510
The snow goose harvest was 1,700 during 1977, down 60 percent from 1976.
Snow goose production was ·a complete bust in 1977, with only 3.4 percent
immature geese counted on the Washington wintering grounds. This low
percentage of immatures in the snow goose population resulted in a low
harvest of snow geese. Under these conditions snow geese are harvested at
a low rate until an extended freezing period forces the geese into fields
to feed. This did not occur during the 1977 hunting season, hence, the
low bag.
The black brant harvest in 1977 was 1,800, down 34 percent from 1976.
Age ratio counts in November from 445 brant showed that 191 were immatures,
which was 42 percent of the sample. This compares with a 55 percent composition
of immatures in field bag checks (Table 5). Club records show a 68 percent
immature composition. Weather during the brant hunting season was unseasonably mild and calm. This resulted in a decrease in the brant harvest,
even though a high ratio of immatures would have indicated a larger harvest.
State Public Hunting:
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No data was available from state wildlife management areas.
Table 5.
Age ratios of brant harvested in Skagit County throughout the
1977-1978 season.
Total
Brant
Date
Field Checks
November
35
December
4
January
8
Adults
6
22
2
2
63%
50%
25%
47
21
26
55%
Club Totals
November
9
December
89
January
50
February
10
3
20
20
7
69
30
6
3
67%
76%
60%
30%
158
50
108
68%
Total
Total
13
2
Immatures
*Percent
Immatures
* Aged by club member utilizing immature plumage characteristics.
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Fall Migration and Winter Inventory:
Key area counts have been maintained during the fall migration on four major
waterfowl areas of the state. ·Three are in central Washington and the
other is in northwestern Washington.
Waterfo~-counts in eastern Washington were generally below the long-term
average (Table 6). Mallards were low on all areas except on McNary Pool
and within the McNary NWR, where they were up 64 percent above the 7 and 8
year average, respectively. Combined counts were 54 percent below the longterm average.
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Canada goose counts were up on all areas in 1977, except on the Hanford
area. The combined count on Canada geese was up 100 percent from the longterm average.
Key area counts in the Skagit area of western Washington showed a substantial
increase in the number of mallards, pintails, green-wing teal, wigeon,
and brant in 1977 over the long-term average (Table 7). Early October
counts were up 202, 166, 85, and 59 percent , respectively for mallards,
pintails, green-wing teal, and wigeon. The counts peaked in late October,
bu.t dabbler numbers remained high well past late November.
Table 6.
Comparison of key census counts in eastern Washington - fall of
1977 with long-term average east of Cascades.
Counting Area
Columbia Basin
Waters·
McNary Pool
McNary NWR
Toppenish
Hanford Area
Counting Average
Period
Years
Mallard
1977
Late Nov. 11 count: 85,600
Departure: -48%
14,800
Late Nov.
7
+64%
22,100
Late Nov.
8
+64%
7,900
Late Nov.
6
-84%
2,600
Late Nov.
9
-95%
(Green-w. teal,
Pintail, Wigeon)
Canada
Goose
5,700
-69%
2,100
+31%
3,000
+7%
Tr.
46,500
+109%
4,500
+96%
26,500
+215%
100
-98%
400
-93%
Departure all counts
1977 from average of all counts
Mallard
Pintail, Wigeon
-54%
Green-w. teal
-64%
Canada goose
+100%
Combined counts of waterfowl in 1977 showed an increase in mallards, pintails,
green-wing teal, wigeon, and brant of 86, 85, 53, 24, and 114 percent,
respectively from the long-term average. Combined counts of snow geese
showed a 32 percent decline from the long-term average.
Mid-winter counts in eastern Washington showed mallards down on all areas
surveyed in 1978 (Table 8). Mallards were down 45 percent from the tenyear average in southcentral Washington. They were down 59 percent in the
Columbia Basin. Other dabblers were down 47 and 79 percent, respectively
on the two areas. Diving ducks also showed a decrease of 45' and 25 percent
respectively. Canada goose counts were up 195 percent in the southcentral
area, but down 29 percent in the Columbia Basin from the ten-year average.
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Table 7.
1 Counting
I
Area
Skagit
1.0
N
Comparison of key census counts in Skagit County, Washington - fall of 1977 with long-term average
in Skagit area.
Counting Average
Period
Years
Mallard
Early
1977
Oct.
15
count: 74,300
Depart.:+202%
Late
Oct.
14
80,000
+108%
Late
13
Nov.
75,900
+74%
Early
13
Dec.
42,600
+15%
Pintail
Green-w.
teal
Wigeon
Canada
goose
81,600
+166%
25,000
85%
39,700
59%
3,000
+50%
80,000
+85%
. 37,000
+64%
32,200
+2%
13,400
+25%
1,700
+467%
45,600
+75%
21,400
+62%
47,500
+60%
9,900
-46%
2,200
-21%
24,000
-10%
20,000
+25%
37,700
-3%
10,400
-43%
5,200
30%
Snow
9oose
Brant
Departure, all counts
1977 from average
Mallard
+86%
Pintail
+85%
Green-w.
+53%
teal
+24%
Wigeon
Snow goose
-32%
Brant
+114%
~
........... ____
._..,.__
ia-
.:...-.
..,._ -------~--- -~ --;t-~ --- ........__
.. __ ..., --
---4- ______,..._____
------ --~
. - -=-.-...~-
-·- ------· -- ~~-·---------
-----"""'!"""·-
--~
_..,. ____ -
--------- __ ......,..,______ - - ·
----~.;------- ...· - - - - - - · --- --
--
Table 8.
Comparison of counts in major wintering areas of Washington - January 1978 with 1968-1977 averages.
Area
Southcentral
Columbia
Basin
Puget
Sound
Southwestern
1.0
w
Diving*
Ducks '
1,100
2,000
-45%
Canada**
Goose
72,200
24,500
+195%
Date
January 1978
1968-1977 Av.
Departure
Mallard
123,000
225,300
-45%
Other
Dabblers
10,000
18,800
-47%
January 1978
1968-1977 Av.
Departure
95,600
232,900
-59%
1,700
8,200
-79%
3,800
5,100
-25%
9,100
12,800
-29%
January 1978
1968-1977 Av.
Departure
January 1978
1968-1977 Av.
Departure
60,500
56,900
+6%
11,000
11,000
0%
113,500
106,100
+7%
16,200
38,100
-57%
262,200
146,400
+79%
10,400
8,600
+21%
300
300
0%
4,600
4,400
+5%
Snow
Goose
14,400
18,600
-23%
100
Southcentral: Includes Yakima, Benton, Klickitat, and Walla Walla counties.
Columbia Basin: Includes Grant, Franklin, and Adams counties.
Puget Sound: Includes all counties bordering Puget Sound.
Southwestern: Includes Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Pacific, and Grays Harbor counties.
* Diving ducks: Seaters and Mergansers are included in this category.
** Canada goose: This category includes all of the sub-species.
Brant
13,400
7,300
+84%
4,700
1,500
+213%
l
Counts in the Puget Sound area were up for all species of ducks. Mallards
showed a modest increase of 6 percent from the ten-year average. Other
dabblers were up 7 percent and diving ducks were up 79.percent. Canada
goose counts were unchanged, while snow goose counts were down 23 percent
from the ten-year average. Brant were 84 percent above the ten-year average.
Southwest Washington counts showed that mallards were unchanged from the
ten-year average, while other dabblers were down 57 percent. Diving ducks
showed a 21 percent increase. Canada geese were up slightly with a 5
percent increase over the ten-year average. Brant were up 213 percent over ·
the ten-year average.
The reason for the shift in dabbling ducks away from eastern Washington
areas to western Washington is not clear. Most counts show that the increase
occurs in early October, before weather is much of a factor. There are
more feed grains being raised in western Washington than in the recent past,
but this does not fully explain the migrational change. It may simply be
related to the rate of harvest in the two areas. The 1977 bag was distributed,
with the eastern Washington harvest of mallards at 260,310 and the western
Washington harvest at 111,320. The eastern Washington harvest is roughly
double that of western Washington. This could result in western Washington•s
wintering dabblers filling any nesting habitat voids left from eastern
Washington•s production stock.
The January inventory for Washington was 869,210, down 14 percent from
the ten-year average.
Intermittent winter and spring counts were made in Padilla and Samish
bays of northern Puget Sound (Table 9). January 17, 1978 counts of brant
in both bays totaled 9,200, down 16 percent from 1977. Brant numbers
increased slowly in 1977 and peaked in April at 41,250. Brant are holding
in the Skagit area in May in greater numbers than in recent years, with
a May 10 count of 38,500. This could reflect a delayed breakup in the
arctic nesting areas.
Banding:
Pre-season banding by Department of Game personnel totaled 25 Canada
geese in addition to those reported in the Washington waterfowl production
report for 1977 (Table 10).
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Table 9.· Winter and spring brant counts - Skagit County, 1971-197a.
Date
1971
1972
------
1973
Number of brant
8,140
73,500
2,980
20,300
31,650
46,500
2,650
January
4
April
16
January
6
April
13
April
17
April
19
January (second week)
94
Mean
January - 5,544
February -5,125
March - 11 ,894
April- 36,051
17,267
May-
Table 9.
Date
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
(cont.)
Number of brant
2,680
4,650
12,280
24,000
24,000
30,000
3,710
2,650
13,930
45,610
56,610
53,500
4,990
5,502
16,227
34,540
6,300
7,000
10,900
17,900
43,200
9,200
7,600
22,000
41,250
38,500
January (second week)
January
30
March
14
April
8
April
15
April
16
January
10
February
24
April
8
April
14
April
18
April
25
January
5
March
1
April
1
April
30
May
4
May
6
January
12
March
10
April
18
January
17
February
27
April
·2
April
25
May
10
Table 10.
Mean
Waterfowl banding summary for waterfowl banded under Department
of Game banding permit, 1976.
Area
seecies
Pre-Season:
Canada Goose
Ad
Male
Im Lo
So. Puget
2
Sound
Ad
Female
Im Lo
2
Prepared by:
Richard C. Parker
Biologist-11-~
Q4.
Approved by: -
21
25
25
Total Waterfowl
Game
Unclassified
M F Ad Im Lo Total
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~Jo~h-n-wR-.~P~a~tt~e-r~s-on-,-.A-ss~t~.~Ch~i~e~f-
Game Management Division
State Department of Game
Wa~hington
95