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Home My WebLink AboutAPA3147No. 79 May 1978 PACIFIC FLYWAY ~ WATERFOWL REPORT '-'U(J ~& 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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Members of Pacific Flyway Study Committee. . . . . . . . iv Minutes of Pacific Flyway Study Committee.--C. E. Kebbe. . 1 Pacific Flyway winter waterfowl survey--1978.--J. C. Bartonek. 9 Alaska -no report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Arizona -no report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 California Pacific Flyway report.--F. M. Kozlik. . . . 26 Idaho Pacific Flyway report.--0. Norell. . . . . . . . 40 Pacific Flyway report, State of Nevada.--L. Barngrover 54 Oregon Pacific Flyway report.--C. E. Kebbe . . . 63 Utah Pacific Flyway report.--A. F. Regenthal . . 75 Washington Pacific Flyway report.--R. C. Parker. . . . 83 i i MEMBERS OF PACIFIC FLYWAY COUI'CIL ALASKA Ronald 0. Skoog, Connnissioner Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game Subport Building Juneau, A 1 aska 99801 907-465-4100 (FTS thru Seattle: 399-0150) ARIZONA *Robert A. Jantzen, Director Arizona Game & Fish Dept. 2222 West Greenway Road Phoenix, Arizona 85023 602-942-3000 (FTS thru Phoenix: 261-3900) CALIFORNIA E. C. Fullerton, Director Calif. Dept. of Fish & Game 1416 Ninth Street Sacramento, California 95814 916-445-3535 (FTS: 465-3535) IDAHO 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 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) 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) 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) WASHINGTON Ralph W. Larson, Director Washington Department of Game 600 North Capitol Way Olympia, Washington 98504 206-753-5710 (FTS: 434-5700) 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) MONTANA Dale Witt Montana Fish & Game Dept. Fairfield, Montana 59436 406-467-2646 (FTS thru Helena 585-5011) *Chariman until July 1978 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) 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) ~~£ouncil Secretary (permanent position} 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 The following persons were also present: Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife 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 1 Flyway Representative Alaska Arizona California Idaho Nevada Oregon Utah Washington 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 Edmonton, Alberta Delta, British Columbia Delta, British Columbia California Department of Fish and Game Others 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 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 l. Mid-Winter Inventory -Bartonek San Anselmo Sacramento Sacramento Sacramento Sacramento Sacramento Sacramento Sacramento Gridley Gridley Gridley Live Oaks Yuba City Chico 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 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 sub- specific 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 popu- lations 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 manage- ment 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 I I 'I jl 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. 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. 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 on- the-ground situations that exist so that the Committee will have a better under- standing 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 II I 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 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 sur- veyed because of recurrent storms and fog. Recent rainfall and run- off 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 approxi- mately 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. Foot/ Date Penonnel Aircraft Autos Boat snowmobile of State FWS State Other No. Hrs. Miles No. Miles No. Miles Miles Survey Washington 6 41 0 3 58.0 3,652 29 3,009 17 1 ,943 0 Jan.3-13 Oregon 9 . 40 8 18.5 1,980 25 2,627 40 0 Jan.3-12 Calffomia 1. 17 0 8 52.5 4,100 6 1,300 0 0 0 Jan.ll-27 Idaho 2 7 0 6 23.3 2,100 0 0 0 0 0 Dec.27-Jan.10 Nevada 3 .o 22.9 2,900 20 0 0 0 Jan.9-13 Utah 0 2 0 2 16.6 2,160 0 0 0 0 0 Jan.4-9 Arizona 0 0 14.0 1,000 0 0 0 0 0 Jan.3-5 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 TOTAL 47 123 37 236.6 19,017 75 7,804 22 2,152 174 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 11 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. Highlights of the 1978 winter survey for the Pacific Flyway, includ- ing the west coast of Mexico, are: Species or Group 1978 Total Mallard 1 ,483,500 Wigeon 1,036,496 Green-winged teal 456,936 ·shoveler 795,430 Pintail 3,878,558 Canvasback 78,825 TOTAL DUCKS 8,711,323 White goose 236,681 White-fronted goose 114,659 Canada goose 131 ,252 Lesser Canada goose 139,378 Cackling Canada goose 39,411 Black brant 162,887 Wh is t.l i ng swans 45,597 Coots 417,762 TOTAL WATERFOWL 10,000,011 10 % Change from 1977 24-yr. Aver. +12.9 -22.4 +45.3 +11 .4 +24.2 +33.6 -6.1 +98.6 -6.9 +33.6 -28.2 +5.4 +4.4 +19.8 -53.3 -46.7 +129.2 -11.0 -8.4 +1.3 +19.7 +62.7 -30.1 -35.9 +11.2 +15.6 -3.5 -6.2 -42.5 -39.8 -1.3 +10.3 {!_)5a-r~ James C. Bartonek · Pacific Flyway Representative March 8, 1978 V~ '?C!PtJ'L).l'!O:J St::~ ~ ~~1 C::::.:7i.?r"t A."t?.J./ CCII'i?r'! AP:E..Vca::m A.>iZA/ ccrJ::i':'! AJiZA/ cw~ ,\ ~ •J c~~, ' ----.... _ .. ~ ·~--·· ._.. .... __ . ARIZONA l I f.J~Ser-1 i!J:""J & C;Jserve:-z: Obserrer3; I ~servers: Cillserrer:s 1 I c:--,_,,_::J • _.,. __ --. 1975* 107Ft< 1977* ?d-Yr, 1978* ~ Cbg ~ Cha. .AVe~"C!Oe I fl"nm from I 1954-1977 1 ?4-vr 1977 t I Aver. SPECIES 2 030 I I }l.,!!.l.l.ard 810 l, lSO 3 907 l 381 Gad vall 40 I so 320 9S61 200 :Ea.Ld."'ate 40 I -90 1 .499 100 G.W. '!eal 980 1 !:l10 800 4.0081 67!:l :B • W. . '!eeJ. I I Cinn. '!eal l 30 I 18 Shoveler I 50 I 360 500 I 7F.7 120 -Pill tail. 1 "i5"i I ?SO 1 .000 I R.5R? 310 :wocd Duc.k TOTAL FUDDLE 4.69sl 3,890 I DUC:<S l .980 19.737 3.286 Rect.head. I 10 I 812 I c=vasbaclt 210 100 1 o I 300 30 Scanp 7 20 I 92 Rl.llgnec.:t j!J Z!:l 341 GQ.Ldeneye Jn 4 Bu1'1'l.ehead. 1 5 01 lillddv c;c; 4nn :20~ I Mer=ser 1 .non 1~000 700 "1 400 32 I Sooter . I I I 'rol'AL D:rvn!G , 110 I I DIJC:G l .317 1.100 5.2S5 62 Unid.& Misc. 328 200 320 I 1. 226' 165 '!OT AL DUCXS I 6.340 I 3.280 S,380 26.218 3.513 -85.5 -34.7 Sllov goose ~ 4 I 439 Rosa goose I I ~ ionli te Front I 2 I Call. goose 177 1 c;~;n .1 fill I 4 c;,cn I 1 .:;:;d Lesser Can. ~. goose I TOrAL GEESE 1 . 77_3 1 .S50 1 .617 5.02D 1 .654 f -~7,Q +2.2 nac:!t brant I I Coot 3.140 2.8oo I 1 .9oo I 20.649 1 .850 j,).d .. -r. !N'e.!!. 121 '!rUl:p. s-.n:m I I I I GRAP.D TOl'AL , .2s~ I 7.630 8,8971 51,8991 7,017 I -86.4 -21 . 1 I i I l *Colorado R1ver area of Arizona included in California. ll i r i[ II II i! w~ POPUI..Xrlmi st.."'!oW!! ~ Am:A/ccum.'Y JJfV./ canm ~cam!'! AifZ.A/ car.m A..-rrzA/ car.-m APZA/ cam'!'I ·-. - C8~IFQRt!I8 iUOservers: Observers: .Jbservers: Cbserv"era 1 Cbserv"ers: Cbservers1 1975 1976 1977 24-YPill" 197~ 'l'; l'hn 0: l'hn, Averaae i'rnm -F~nm 1954-1977 ?11-v,. l077 AIIPY" SPECIES I Ma.ll.ard 529,541 386,180 391 ,800 503,094 415 095 Gad vall ?4 !';s:ls:! 16.?00 17.'iQ'i ?t; .ROO 13 985 Ba.ld:~ate S25.3RR 404 440 41iL?O'i liR1 :'ili11 786.860 G.w. Te!!..l. 154.:nli 137 215 -11sf:-n1rf ?11 al n 206 255 B.w. Teal :10 I Cilm. Teal l 094 465 760 4.31:'! 1 .620 Shovel.er 619.920 605.640 736.485 343.872 613_,_375 I Pintail 3.115 781 3.082.675 3.478.410 2.246 783 2.822.590 Wood l)J.c.k ll .873 l .770 l .670 2.871 6 .100 TGT.U. FUDDLE DUCKS 11 • .9B2 .till 11.1i111.'i~t; 'i.??'i ac;c; 11 0?? ?117 4.865.RRO Redhead. s:!7Q 1 .RO'i 1 ?11'i ? 111? ? lO'i Canvas baa 68 468 so 330 72 155 61 .104 6.2 .335 I Sc= 34.889 67.965 58 7R5 81 7Rii 46 035 Rl.I!gneeJt 1 324 l 465 410 ? lFiQ l .675 ~en eye 1 851 l .240 . 1. 77'i 1.?11i l .210 ""Rit-t>"l"l .. n.......t. 7877 5.075 9.285 6.354 3 020 Ruddy 54 252 67 220 81 .1 95 93.5RS 58.925 Mer~ser 3.951 6 965 4 510 1 491 9.120 I S<:Qter 33 126 . 41 .545 23 215 27 !Wi 20.380 01a Sauaw-Har. 5 1 TOr.U. DIVlliG DUCXS 206 617 ·243.615 252.595 281.965 204.895 Unid.& Mise. 5 ,513' 6.300 3.410 53.290 4,050 TGT.U. DUCKS · 5 .1 94 li41 11 RRI1 c;nn s 11s:11 o,:;n 11.1c;7 'in? 5,074,825 +11';'" -1 11 Sllov goose 1133.Ra'i 4fiO.'i~O 117~ .Fi40 111Q l'i4Fi ?20 oqc; *Ross goose (?1 79(1\ (?R ??c;) 111 Rnn\ (?r:; 1Al\ (27.410 'ihi te Front 67.639 81 .005 4R .ass ... 1?7 .nln 111 ~540 can. ~~:oose 36.163 38.225 14 7a0 1~ .1 nfi 22.155 Lesser Can. 17.942 7 850 12.875 10.926 4.385 caa. goose 38.550 51 250 56 .360 119.931 1<."1 ~095. TGTAL GEESE 594 189 647 910 631 620 715.619 398.170 -44.3 -36.9 m.ack brszlt 480 680 0 9.7R6 S60 ' Coot 390,196 339 090 530 700 533.096 220 c335. 'llhl.!!t !!\l!U!. 4ti.9R7 40 .675" 37 920 36,335 28.960 Trump. svan G1Wm TOr.U. 6,225,493 5,912,855 6,682,200 5,652,338 5 722.850 +1.2 -14.3 * Non-add (included in snow goose ta 11 eyJ 12 ~ .. ST~ crr Am:JJ ccum"! J.M.A/camry AREA/ Cam!'! AJrE.A/ cam.rY MrlA/ COJm"! JJIV.)canm: ~Q~QRADQ West of poaervers' Observers: Obser.rera: Obserrers r Observers : Cbservera1 Continental Divide 1975 1976 1977 24-YP;jr 1Q7~ "! r~,~ " r"'~ Averaae -Fl"nm .,.,.""m 1954-1977 ?4-'"'" , 077 Avi>ro SPEC!ES liAllard 11 978 ?1 ?R7 14 029 13 420 _12 408 GadYSJ.l 14 6 11 8 B&ld'DS.te 147 11 G.W. Tea..L ? :a.w. Tes.l. C1Im. Teal Shoveler I ·pintail I 1 I 586 :J5 cWOod Duck TOI'AL FUDDLE: DUCKS 11 ,993 23,287 14.768 13.491 12 416 Redheati ? canvas baa 1 l:lcaup R:ingneck l Gol.deneye 162 . 1 05? lid 7'i? But1'lehead -1 Ruddy Mer~ser 122 536 1R 869 Scoter TOI'AL DIV:niG . DUCXS ?R4 1 'iRO . Tl11i 1 .621 Unid.& Mise:. ..3.85. ?1111 ?7 20? TOI'AL DUCKS 1?.662 ?1 ?R7 l'li c;c;7 11 t:;?d 14 .?1Q .:.<f c; -ld n Snav goose 1 . 15 Ross ·,:teose 'White Front can. P:OOSe 2.174 1 .503 1 .:101 'iR? ? 405 Lesser can. cack. goose TOl'AL GEESE 2 174 1 .503 1 .392 'iR? " 2.420 +315.8 +73.8 Bls.ek br!!Zlt Coot Wbi.!!t ~ T%Ul:lp. lM5.t1 GRAND ·TOI'AL 14.836 24.790 17,949 14,206 16.659 +17.3 -7.2 13 I II I i i V~ ?:JRlL.:.TIC:T St:e'.ARI .§.:2£. ~CC:'Ihl'! ~COJi.Yn AP:EJJccrr.:t!!'! Aii£.AJCC!.J:lJ:'! A..~car:.~ ~7"•Jc::;·;·~t ··-.. , __ ....... .. -··- TIJ8lJQ Oo~erter:u SPEC!ES ~..allsrd Gad.".m.ll Ba.l.d:tla.te G.W. Teal I :s.w. Tee.l I Cinn. TeS! I Sho-re.ler I Pillta.il I Wocd !lUck I TO!.AL FUDDLE DUCKS Redhead I Ca.ttva.s btl.c:!t Sc3Utl R:in;::le~ Gcl.deneye :Buffiehee.a. Ruddy Merg:enser Seoter TCT.AL DIVIliG I DUC:<S Un:!.d.& Mise. TOl'AL OOC:<S snov p;oose Rosa' gcose White Front I Can. ;z:oose I Lasser can. I cacJt. goose I TOl'.U. GEESE ~bnnt Coot '>lhi:rt;, ~~!l . Mute swan GR.-\..'iD TO!'.AL I I I 1975 193 698 ? lQ? 3.342 ?3? ? 026 201 490 9.821 427 /04 ZOO_ R 503 l?n 402 4.751 24.934 n·.sqo· ?"11 n?1 10 ?!1.1 10 ?43 7.325 100 505 260,196 Observer a.: 1976 I 264,487 862 I 2.969 346 2 30 I 6.179 274.875 2.910 I 373 jbt;. 425 I 8.110 _224 238 4.218 . 16.862 ?.3R? ?04.110 I I I ?4 14"i I I I ?4.145 5 547 I I 20.¢ 496 I. 324,511 I I Ol:lserrer:3: Cbse:rver:3: Cbaerver-:~t l C.Jlle::-r::r:: 1977 24-Year 1978 ~ Cha. W. Cha Averaae from from 1954-1977 24-vr. 1977 Aver. 258,070 459,691 508,404 I 1 190 1 .369 10.243 ' 3.789 12.754 22.708 I 326 1_,_898 711 I 6 I 3 I 546 1 .281 I 5.366 13,967 29.907 I 10 I 268,741 490,244 I 573,254 17.603 5.101 7.639 I 46o 2,029 44/ JjJ _£,J_J_t.l_ I ,:JC:(j 837 350 10.156 13.182 9.604 169 564 I 494 236 243 I 117 3 532 5.209 3.519 32,892 I 29,901 23,698 I 1 .02? I 5~84? 60R I 302~ _5_25_ ~8l I ~07 j~Q ~1 ~-. ~ +07 1 1 I 5 11 I J I I I ?4 !I.?C: 13 7?1 I 1c; .;1n I ll I ? I 24.426 13.741 35.641 1+159.3 +45. 9 I I 17.432 19,711 10,106 I 139 I 162 I 224 I 446 299 l z I +15.o +86.6 345,098 559,900 644,143 r STATE C!l' AREJ../ cctml"! A!rZJ./ CCUN.r'Y AJrE.A/ Ctmi'I'Y AEZA/ canm APJ!.A./ canm J...r:;;z:.} camr:! MONTANA I (Pacific) ~servers: Observers: Observers: Observers: Observers: OblServers: 1975 1976 1977 24-Year 1978 ~ Cha. '~ r.hn Avera a~> from frnm 1954-1977 24-vr. 1977 Aver. SPECIES Malls.rd 38.492 27.977 59 161 53.678 25 573 Gad vall 44 23 35 46 33 :Bald-pate 87 115 640 306 !U4 G.W. Teal. 190 90 204 231 10 B.W. Tes.l 5 Cizm. Tes.l Shoveler 18 iinta.i.l. 30 TOT 352 153 25 Wood tuck TO!.AL FUDDLE DUCXS 38.843 28.306 60.392 54 437 25.765 Red.llesa. 1 .454 730 l .534 l .697 207 canvasback 360 360 150 154 200 SCSll"'D 17 208 90 356 4 Rl.DJ5ne~ 11'>0 4?0 10 1<:; 12] Goldeneye ? ?07 . 410 . 1 071 l'i.?7l'l 5.105 ead. <:; -,4 <~'> • lAd 40 Ruddy ?'i ? Merganser <;4o . 1'i4 11>'! 1 .l'i11 686 Sc:oter 'ror.AL DIVIHG DUCKS 4.R4? 2 436 1_?71'i 10.337 6.659 Unid.& Misc. 6 601' 239 177 1 .131 103 'ror.AL DUCKS so 286 30.981 63.845 65 qos 32 527 -50.6 -49. 0 Snov goose ' ? 1 Ross goose White Front can. ·goose 3 O'i? ?A1? ? <:;<:;Q ? . 7A1 1 454 Lesser Can. ca.cx. goose . 'ror.AL GEESE 3.0'i<:; ? >'!1? ? . '>l'il ?.7R4 1 454 -47.8 -43. 2 l!l.ac:k brant . Coot 1 613 7 665 1 .234 ' 4.948 82 'Wh-tat !!VBn '10 5' 20 12 59 T:t=~p. I5W8l1 181 170 235 232 216 G:RAND TO!.AL 55,174 41 ,653 I 67,895 73,881 34,338 -53.5 -49. 4 15 VA!r!lirolL ~!CH SU:·w.RI .!t.:;:!! J...."rZ.~j CX'iml'Y MiZJ.l camr.! J.:F:E).j Ct:U:i'l"l' A..""!Z)./ ccr.m M=' A/~ •.,.,.,. ~} Cctm'!".! . . ··-. ...... ~ ... ··- ~E'£AOA b:..~"r.ll I I Obse..-rera; Obse.......,er:s: Cbserre:-s: Cbserrers: I c.·,~ ..,-;e•s • _ _,__ ... 1975 1976 1977 24-Year 1978 . ~ Cha. % Cha Averaae J from from 1954-1977 I I 24-vr. 1977 t I Aver. SPECIES I li..!Ulard. 11 .555 13.800 11 .617 16.270 8.766 Gad vall" 1 .305 1 .335 1.042 2,901 1 .153 _I ~~'Ca'Ce 565 1 .615 994 l.i87 1.287 I G.w. Teal. 3.915 4.130 2 140 5.881 3.766 I :s.w. Teal. I 9 I . Shoveler I 320 I 1 430 8Li3 ~ ,o!l9 1 38d I Ciml Teal. 30 I 35 I Pintail 3.065 I 12.215 5,533 8,;:l80 I 3.757 I Wood Duck I J TC'l'AL RiDDLE 38,4221 I DUCX.S 20,725 34,555 22,134 19,113 Redhead 4~!:1 ot.u 40:::~ ::~11 I OJO I C:a.z:rve.sbac.!t I 1 020 8.975 991 1 .483 1 .016 I ::SC!!ll.p :;:; d.<; ?85 304 74 1 17<; <;7<; ?71 lOQ 1Rii I ~eneye 1 oc; 400 RQ"i _15.0. liO"i .l :BU:r:rl.ehel!d. 1?"i 170 R"i"i 4R1 om 1 Ruddy 1 d.O"i 1 R4c; 1 470-. ·-? ill 1 1on I Mergal:iser 1 ?"il; 1 1l"i 1 .11iO 1 .370 1 4?7 I Sc:oter 5 I I TC'l'.AL DIV!EG I DUCKS 4.Q4li 16.145 6 569 7.5251 .6 .325 l Uaid.& Misc. 200 3 1 870J. I TO!' AL DUC:<S ?"i.R70 EiO.IQ3 28.703 46.8171 zr;.438 I ·s· ~ _..., .o -li .3 Snov goose 40li I Ei70 951 2.830 236 Ross gc-ose .l 'White FrQn-c I Can. goose 4 730 5.855 6.717 5.648 8.029 Lesser Can. cac:lt• goose TCT.AL GEESE I 5.135 6 425 7 668 9,478 8.265 1-12.7 +7.7 :B!,s.c:!t brant I Coot · 8,660 I 16 '130 7,624 ·-9,785 11 ,491 "!l:!i!!tL~ ~_1\ 111i ? .liR"? 1 .118 3,770 405 Tnl--;7. S"·<l.Il I 1n I 18 28 ~ 27 GlW!D TOl'AL 39.991 1 75,958 45 '141 I 69,8'69 45,626 1-34.6 +1.0 ' I I 16 STATE crt A.~ectmr.r· J:P.ZJ./camr.r AP:£).j ccmm' J:P3J./ C01M'Y ~ C01M'Y AI1ZlJ canrrr NEW MEXICO West of Continental pl3sler'{ers: Observers: Observers: Observers: Observers: Qlservers: Divide 1975 1976 1977 24-Year 1978 %Ch0. % Cha Averaoe from from _1954-1977 24-vr. 1977 Aver. SPECIES MalJ.ard. 11 363 9 000 7.980 5.048 8,967 . Gadwall 217 6 684 262 2.5.£ 1- Ba.ldpa.te 455 1 .052 3/6 318 a2~ G.W. Te&L 138 130 226 303 10 :a.w. Teal Ciml. Teal ShoveJ.er 4 15 Pintail. 4 140 256 95 600 Wood tuck TGrAL FUDDLE DUCKS 12 177 1 0_.332 9 522 6 ,_()2_6_ 10.676 Recihea.c1 canvasback 50 4 15 Scaup 437 82 75 34 __5_ :un.gneeJt 10 1Al Goldeneye 70 1 63 70 BU1"neheed. -29 20 3 Ruddy 4 '? Merg~mser 218 520 221 202 202_ Seater TOl'AL DIVING DUCKS 725 603 438 . 344 608 Ullid.& Mis.::. '? .Ol'i 1-QOl 3 518 1 ~814 1 709 TarAL lXICKS 14.917 1?.836 13 478 8.204 12.993 +58.4 -3.5 snov goose Ross goose '.Jhite Front C~m. goose 179 177 525 69 411 Lesser ean. (,;B.Cj£. goose TGrAL GEESE 179 177 525 69 411 +1403 7 .-21. 7 l3ls.c:lt brl!llt . Coot 120 16 255 'llh '{ at. RVm"' Tnlmp. S"JB.%1 GlWm Tar.AL 15.096 13.013 14,123 8,289 13,659 +64.8 -3.3 17 II , 'I ~~~ ~I~ St:~.ARY §.:.:(£ / ~ GaJTiT! ~ .. "".).} ccrl!Y AEE:.A/ car.?l'! J.HZ.M camrt JJ1J?.A/ canm Ar.-=' v car:.,..~ .... .... ·-. -.. "·-- OREGON pcse:r1ers: u"'".::;;err:r:3: Obser1er~: Cbaerve:::s: Cb.se:"'rers: Qcerv~:=: 1975 1976 1977 24-Year 1978 " rhn "! rhn Avel"'aae fl"nm fr,m I ]q54-1077 _l ?4-V\" 1077 I ' Aver. SPECIE'S I J.l~ 11n.893 190.205 232.310 237,208 177 945 Gad vall 1._351 3 948 459 1 ,008 I 1 ,779 .Ba.ld'tlS.te 76.942 52 580 I 56.524 t6_&I2 _l o0,913 a.w. TeAl 30.837 32 746 t 15 620 _12._:1_~ J '1 135 :B.w. Te.e.J. I 0 1 I I Ciml. Tes.l. I I 0 I j,J~ SbO".re..t.er I 1 767 I . 7 941 I iU ,3_8~ I 0' IU2 I Pintail 1?4 7~4 I ~1.1Ql I 77 ,Z55 I 79 777 _l R5.4?C I Wood. tuck 6? 17 t . 128 l 164 I 110 TO!.AL :?JDDI.E j I DUC'AS 17?.636 370 538 393.185 411 582 353.413 Red.hes.d. 'i.19 392 I 281 211 1 .085 C3.:rrasbac:Jt t1.889 11.112 I 2.810 4.514 8.072 I Scl!ll-p 2.817 9.398 I 9,545 7,752 12,006 Eizlg:leck _885 1 .204 I 1 .044 913 2,_o67 Goldeneye 615 I 1 410 I . 1,270 1 .757 i12 :Bu1'nenes.d. 4 978 2.629 f 2.~53 3.495 4,_295 RUddy 8.281 24 640 I 9,412 9,723 !:1,939 I Mer~ser 2.203 10 384 J 2 .1_6/__ ,,811 _±,4b0 Scoter 656 1 ,29U I !:ll~ -~00 I ,0·18 Old Sauaw-Har. 3 13 I IJ 68 TOr.AL DimiG I 25:866 I . 62,472 I 30,701 I 32,095 40,922 DUCKS Unid.& Misr.:. 1 s.soo· I 9,875 4,1lib I J4 ,(j(Jl) a,Utd TO!AL nuc:G 404.00? 442.885 427,962 I 458 577 "402,353 -12'.3 -6.0 Snov goose 1 ,223 441 849 331 466 Ross ~se 1 iihite F:-on't 4.901 I 92 1 I 305 I 982 I can. goose 10 .?61 1 52.646 59.868 I a.o no l !l.6 .768 Lesser can. <15 .364 .I 90.073 35 000 _l 30 200 _i 50.050 cac:t. goose I ? .2.d4 t· ? .1 2 ..9.25 _i .316 TO!.A!. G!!:SE I ~Z.0 9:J ,. l 1 J .Z22 I 95.720 I 74~04.0 I ... 98.582 +33.1 +?.9 n~ bra::lt 1 .507 I 1 J69 I 2.100 1 .546 1 .110 I Coot 30.680 24.710 18,826 34 486 I 13.826 ;,-.,.,"' ~+. ~"!'.!! ~ 4r:;1 .c;.n67 6.420 5,042 I 8,943 I TrJ:::;~. s---an ]5 I lZ 27 7 I Mute swan I I 551 ,045 I 573,71g l 524,82~ I -8.5 -4. C.aA.'m TO'!'.~ 535,648 618,683 ! ' 7 18 STAn: a Mi:E.A/camn JJIV./camn AF.EA/ccmm AP3.A/ CCl1M'l' AF.EA/ Ccti1rl'Y J.Jr1!A/ camri lila!:! ~cserveraz Observers: Obserters: Clbaerteraz Cbse%""1'ers: Cl:lserversz 1975 1976 1977 24-Year 1978 % Cho. % Cho Averaoe rrom from 19!J4-I~/~ _~4-vr. 1977 ~ver. SPECIES Msllard. 27.050 25,085 34,423 33,735 29.342 Gad vall 1R1 192 359 1 818 291 .BaJ.d:pate 424 458 174 2 174 449 G.w. Teal 5.22? 3 664 3.002 7 261 5.947 .B.w. Teal 3 Cizm. Teal 70 Shoveler 8 472 9 878 5.967 3,!J~ I 4.?55 Pinta:U 1 928 4 946 3 '168 -~tl 6.951 I oWood. Duck l TOl'.AL PUDDLE I OOCKS 43 277 44,223 47,093 57,557 47.235 Redhead 16 I!Jtl ~b 1'!-!J 6 canvasback 50 150 226 162 307 5caup 15 74 506 259 141 z I 101 Gal.deneye <;4":1 . 1<; <;Rn 1 .9~5 1 42R 290 .BUrnenead. R ...B6. 32 Ruddy ?R ?49 6 124 20 Her~er 1 011 one; ?.?09 997 5.364 Scoter Ta:r.AL DIVJliG DUCKS 1 fiQ1 . 17.114 4 OQ8 3.202 6.261 Unid.& Misc. 3.369 ? 590 1 501 2.086 ll 856 TOl'.AL DUC:<S . 4R.JJ5 63.927 53 502 62.845 58.352 -7.1 +0 1 Snow goose 10 2 Ross ~se 'White Front can. ~~:oose 2.054 2.556 6.677 2.895 9.083 Lesser can. C&ck. goose TOl'.AL G:mrE 2 054 2 556 6,677 2,905 9,085 +212.7 +36. 1 Black brant ' Coot fi 'i.:tn 5475. 7 402 ! 5 ,02? 4 508 ~st tNan 130 375 254 2,273 4 816 T%\U:Ip. sw.n GRAND TOl'.AL 57,059 72,333 67,835 73,045 76,761 +5.1 +13.2 19 'rl~"L ~!021 St:-~ ~ A..TIDo./ c::u;:\'1"7 ~ =-u ccmm >.P:EA/ ct:tm:r'! J.JfZ)j ca.rni"! f.Y".J./ camrr A.'ri:Z. aJ c-_,.,.,... . ... -· -·-·-.. . -• . l. . ·--~··-· 111ASHINGTON I I pSserrera 1 I Cia3~~;;;: Observers: Cbse~s: Observer:s1 I C>Jse:-re::-:: 1975 1977 24-Year 1978 "f, Chcr "' Cha, Averaae lfrnm f,.nm 1954-1977 1211-vr. 1977 lAver. SPECIE:S ll..a.lls.rd. 1"io n,:;R ll.'iO ~1R 10? .l?o 'iR7 4Rt: ?01 1~7 Ga.civa.U 11?11 em; 'i.1R 111111 '<00 Bald "Date /4,225 111 975 I T40, 162 104 1112 l 81 .064 G.W. Te!U 16 851 I 44.966 18 431 ~1 .25S d 14.165 :s.w. Teel T 30 0 3 0 Cirm. Teal r I 0 198 9 0 I Shoveler I I ,~91:! I l ,99:, 1 ,o28 1 .494 2.466 I Pintail 29,:,40 l i 3~ '100 I -do ,807 48.925 I 47.0211 l Wocd tuclt I 164 I I::J::i I i::!9 113 76 I = FJDDI31 481,171 757,429 I 509,982 764,096 438,561 Reaiieaa. I i'15 I 9,183 I I ,:J/l:l 1 .033 2,':160 canvasaac!t 2,249 I 11 .861 11.478 11 16() 5.891 Scaup 24,988 f 38.698 41,901 35.9H 124.920 ' 603 I 479 880 8.TI I 1 .n55 I G<lldeneye 20.833 I . 111.089 29 587 1R.975 16 fP,7 :BUrfiehee.d. 13 686 . 12 584 30.544 lf'i . 7'iQ ?.7.1fJ1 Ruddy J 148 11 376 2.178 11.152 4.455 Merganser · 4,575 7 672 7.873 11.971 8.759 Scoter 'i? .-fi5]; -~_QF;Ii It~ 111i'i ,<;? ':!~-~ !<1 R70 01 d Soua·t~~Ha 431 269 545 41';11 11'?7 'l'Ol'.AL DIV"nlG I DUC:<S 121 .'?114,_ ·.1 ~n .177 I ?111 11?0 1/l.O 1';?7 I ?71i ?1~ I Ullid.& Mise:. 7.141" ., 950 l 11.350 11 _fiRn t R ?11 TO'l'AL :OUC:{S 609~556 I -919.556 724.361 O?'i 4n1 l ·7?1 1111!< -21'.8 -11 1 Sllair goose 10,851 16.017 22 748 20.271 14.356 Ross• go<:lse I .L 0 I White FrtJn't l I 13 I 0 Can. _g_CXlse 24,J5/ 88,;:,10 I 3,834 19.093 I 2.809 Lesser e=. ~_,102 <r,a35 ·r 58,:543 44.505 84,943 Ca.~. ffiCOOe I 201 I TarAL GEES.:: I 125,310 108,563 95,125 84.083 102,108 +21 .4 +7.3 Bl~ br&lt 6 '163 I 7,540 I 13,611 14 298 18,100 Coot 28,741 44,236 34,450 24,687 I 23,664 '""h"-"t 1r"~!l. 1 .1?<1 1 14?' 1 401 999 I 2.190 Tru:p. 6'olal1 96 216 1 206 I 41 i40 ~A~ TOl'AL 771 ;120 I 1 .081 .453 I 869,154 l 1 1049l511 869,210 -17.1 0.0 20 r S'l'ATE Vi' AifE.1J cc:mn . JnJ./ca.mry AJt.E},j CClm.l'Y . A.~camr! J.:Ir.'Jicamr! A.T..V c:cuai"' 1d:!QMING West of pose..-rers: Cbaervva: Obser.rer21 : Cbaerver211 Obaerterll: Q~errer3: Continental Divide 1975 1976 1977 24-Year 1978 ~ Cho "( r.hn Averaae from frnm 1954-1977 24-vr. 1Q77 Aver. SPECIES Malle.rd 1 .342 314 1 .614 ? .776 2,242 Gadwall 9 11 18 :Sald:ca;~:e 10 1 16 24 2 G.W. Tea.l 74 24 24 147 ?7 :B.w. Teal 6 Cilm. Teal Shoveler Pintail. 10 I 23 12 53 WQOd Duck 35 -TO!.AL FUDDLE IlUCXS 1 .445 379 1 .noli 3 .OlR 2,306 Redhead. Omva.sbaci; 5Clmp lil ? 1 Rizlgneck A 10 4 7 Goldeneye 1 .054 li4? . 1 ??4 OA<; 1 ?73 :SU:Crl.ehead. ?Q ?<; A 192 Ruddy Mer!l;8nSer ??1 ?7 17? ?1t:i 2~8 S<:oter TOr.AL DIVING I DUCKS 1 .344 7nn 1 440 1 ?7F. 1 .700 tJnid.& Misc. 57? 30 1F. 340 l TOl'AL t:UCXS 3.361 1 .1 no "1.1?? 4.ii14 4.007 -13". 5 +28.3 Snov gQOse ·Rosa 1<;00se 'White Front can. goose 547 215 922 381 8o4 Lesser can. ca.c.lt. p;cose I TOl'.AL G~E 547 215 922 381 854 +124. 1 -7.11 :Bl..s.c% brant I ' Coot 1 Wl.1!!t '""'_, 2 Tx'ul:!p. a-.nm ;q . 36 119 38 56 GltA1ID TOl'AL 3.948 I 1 .360 4,163 5,055 4,917 -2.7 +18.1 21 .I • IIi :lj 1.11 I I I I I 'I I 'I j, I , I I! ,.~ roror.A.Tml' StMW!! ~ AFl.A/ CC".mrT ~ camn A!fEJ./can?!'I A.~ caml'! J.E!..A/ caJ11r! A.~CCJm:'! ---PACIFIC FLYWAY (States only poaerverst Ollservers: Cl!lservers: Observers: Obzse%"'7e:"S:" Ql:serrersl 1975 ~976 1977 24-Year 1978 ~ C:hn <: rnn Averaae from frnm . 1954-1977 ! 24-vr 1077 Aver. SPECIES Mallard 1.1? .1110 l 4110,823 1 .314.283 1 .911 268 1 .483.490 -22.4 +12,9 GadliS.ll. 3( 465 23.153 22.228 33.627 28.346 -15.7 +27.5 BaJ.a:cate _6_7_9 4Z8 575.205 664.117 883.705 954.316 +8.0 +d3.7 G.W. T~ ?12.665 ??3 .. 8?1 178' .803 265.809 252.721 -A.9 +41.3 :a.w. Teal 0 38 62 0 C1m1. Te8.l. 1 .095 495 988 4.468 1 .620 -63.7 +64.0 ShcveJ.er 632.427 627.278 755.777 351 .391 627 .998 +78.7 -16.9 Pint~ 3.277.724 I 3.327.730 3.519 245 2.£111 .878 2.997.128 +2£1·. 3 -17.2 Wood Duck 12.099 1 .9d6 1 .887 3.158 6.286 +99.0 +233. 1 TOI'.AL FtlDilU :oocx:s 6.168,963 6.180 489 6,557,328 5,865.366 6,351.905 +8.3 -3.1 R~eaa. 13 210 15.796 ?2.705 12.780 1 d _ 7?R +15 ? -3<:; 1 Caztva.s back 77,673 83,261 88,336 74,108 78.313 +5.7 -11 ._3 S.C8llp 64.565 116.836 111 .938 129.269 184.713 I +d2.9 +65.0 Hillg!leex 3.392 4.568 2.699 5.251 6.749 I +28 .5_ +l5_QJ] Goldeneye 36.133 41 902 49.030 4.6.516 36 718 -?1 1 -~5. 1 :BUr:rJ.elleaa. • 27 .005 20.945 43~801 28.043 36 080 +28.6 -17.6 Ruddy 65.661 l07 ..5.68. 94.931 110 865 70.648 -36.3 -25.6 MerS!!DSer 19.876 33.260 24.418 24.698 34.666 +40.4 +42.0 Seater 86.437 . 96.801 107.204 91 .076 1 nc; .B.77 +11i 1 -1 ? 01 d c;ll!li1\o1-H" 442 I 287 622 d65 495 _+5.4 -20.4 TOl'.AL D:rv:IOO DUCXS 394.494 . 521 .224 545.684 523.071 568.987 +8.8 +4.3 Unid.&s Mise:. I 38.211 25.470 18,513 93.167 ?7.0?3 -70.0 +511 ~13 TOI'AL IX1CKB 6 601 .668 6.727.183 7.121 .525 6.481.604 li 04R Rlt; +7 ? _, 4 Sncv goose 446 4.00 4Rfi 608 503 196 4.13 '131 ?16 f'lRl -46 .R _:;3 1 * Ross• goose 1?1 .7911) (?R ??'i) 13Z.800) I?S.1Rll (?7 4.1(1) +8.1 -27.4 '.illite Frtmt 72.540 I 81 .oo8 d.8.958 127.327 I 112.522 -11 .5 .;.]?9.8 Can. _g_oose 133.530 218.214 143.319 129 .147 IJI ,t.:Jt:: I -;-I .a -8.-+ Lesse:-Can. 153.408 101 .958 116.418 85.649 139.378 +62.7 +19.7 cac.k. goose I 4.0.794 51 250 56.362 123.058 3o 411 -'" 0 -111 1 TOI'.AL Gz::s:! I 846.672 939.128 868.253 908.714 658.544 -?7 " -2<1. 1 ~br:mt 8.150 9.989 15_, 711 27.179 19 770 -27.3 +25.8 ' CQOt 476.896 445.653 619 688 652.4.54 286 '117 -56.1 -53.8 ih,i!!t !!:'."'Em ~4.347 51 .350 47.272 48,581 45.597 -6.1 -3.5 Tl'ul:lp. ISiilU1 846 936 1,0!::11 bt::/ 1 .056 Mute swan -:J .,. + cmAml TO!AL ·7 ,988,579 8,174,239 8,673,500 8 '119 '159 7.960.004 -1.9 -8.2 * Non-add (included in Snow l:ioose) 22 .,~ POPT.lL.A!!'IOH sc,-:~~ !lli.::.t!£ AEZJ..Icetrar:'! ~~ca:m:J:'! AEEA/crum:y A.":fi:.)j~ J.EA/car:rrt A7-''ic'"r=ro-r ... . ··-. 4 ~ .................. MEXICO I (West Coast) ~osertera1 I c~~~~~:a; Obse..-ver:s: C'oJ:serrers: I ~ze~;;;:Sl 0-l~~r"/~:"~: 1975 1977 12-Year % Cha " Chcr 1 . Averaae I from frnm I 1966-1977 I 112-vr. 1077 I I Aver. SPECIES I - 1871 :!J.ellard 2.027 17..2 10 Gad.~ 4.220 I 15.540 7 .065 6.955 I 20.171 :Ealdt!a:te 87.840 I 275.110 49.402 66 a.ga. ' 82.180 G.W. Tes.l. I 194.030 I 173:,870 189 031 o3 .283 I 204.215 :B.w. Teal 76 150 I 93 .• 660 81 926 35.172 I 265.365 I C:Um. Teal I so I I Shove.J.er 191 .555 I 54 590 91.597 61 .843 i 167.d.32 I ?ill tail 1.047,980 I 685.881 544 538 44.2 .690 I 881 .430 I Wood Duc.!t I I I TOI'.AL FUDDLE I I 706.674 I I DUCKS 1 ,601 '775 1,300,678 963;731 1 ,620,803 Redhe!!d. I 66 ,d.QQ I 'iO.Ii? ? 480 14 1?11 I ?? d.11 I Cmvasbac.!t l 1 .250 I 450 2 084 845J 512 I Scaup 169,140 I 96 776 110 568 49 .d.59 I 60.796 I I 60 a I 872 I GOldeneye I 77 2.02 ' 816 I :au:tfiehead. 5.850 8~593 5.153 2 086 I 2.097 I Ruddy 8.200 875 46.629 9.243 I 9.875 I Mer~ser 7 .2TO 9 019 21 .064 4 565 I 7.010 I Scoter 1 ,380 . 10 312 18.529 3.623_1 7.486 I ~.AI. DIVI:tiG 104.1561 DUCXS 259.500 . 176 705 ?36~59:1 11.1 .875 Unid.& Mise. 10.655 9.080 17.585 ~ li4R I ~~ TOI'AL DUCKS 1 .871 .930 I 1 486 .4_63 1.217.909 818 :178 l ,. . 762..508 L,'i.1 -'-4:1 7 snov gcose I 140 470 4 15.1 51a I 600 Ross goose ' i ',;"hi te Front 1 qc;n 1 071 , 116R , :::RR I ? 117 I can. gcose ?0 ?'i o I ~sser can. I caelt. goose I TOI'.AL GEESE I ? .110 ? 468 5.210 ? ?1'i ?.717 B1acl: br=t 115.340 112..056 130.756 118 <on I 141 117 ... ,no. •O :1 Coat 135,560 162,460 106,872 60.573 I 131 ,645 f!-117.3 +23.2 Rhi!!t. '""'..n Tr.=p. S'w'all I I GRAHD TCT.U. 2.124.940. 1,763,447 1,460,756 I 999,676 2,040,007 +l'04.0 +39.5 23 'i~"L PCIPOLAn~ SL'!Wa ~_.... AEEAI c::xJm'Y XEEJ../ camn AP:E.A/ camn J.JrVJ cami'! AF:?.A/ c::mm ~ camn . . PACIFIC FlYWAY (Incl. West pbserve:rst Cbserverat Cbs.erre:r:s: Ql:lserrer:s 1 Cbserve:r:s: Cbservers: Coast of Mexico)** 1Cl7'i 197b 1977 ?4-Y=~r 1 07R "! l"hn ~ ("~,., ~ .. ~ . ,.,..,m .;.,.....,"" J0<;4-lo77 ?4_, .. 1077 Av .... SPEC!ES Mallard. 1 .323.010 1 .402.850 1 .31 d. .455 1 .911 360 1 .<183 .500 -?2 .4 +1?·. Ga.dw.l.l. 34,685 38.693 29.293 1!.0. 181 1!.8.517 +20.7 +65. ~ .Ba.l.d."'O!lte 767.318 850.315 713.519 9.30.821 1 .036 .d96 +11 .I!. +d5. G."W. 'l'ea.l. 406,b!:I!J 39/ .~_1 361 834 342.097 !156.936 +33.6 +?ll. :s.w. Teal 76 ,15_0 93.698 A1 .92.6 ?fl ...6?? 265 ·.365 1186:8 +223. C:Um. Teal 1 .095 495 oRA ll..fi?ll. 1 .620 -65.0 +64.0 Sllov!!-1-er 823.982 681 .868 847 ,3711 I llQQ._SO? I 795.430 +98.5 -6. i Pintail 1!.,325 701!. 1!.;013.611 4 11i3 ,783 I ? 003 ill? 1 ~7~ c;c;R .J-~1 ~ _,:; a Wood. tuc% 12.099 1 .946 1 .88I t _l L5.8. li ?~fi "'-OO n .:.?11 1 Tar.AL FUDDLE DUCKS 7.770.738 7.481.167 7.521.059 6.556 467 7 . 9.7? ..1!18_ .... ,, .fi "'-fi.(] Rectllesa 79.610 66.416 55.194 I ll.li J14 _37 110 +31 5 +il .1 CSnvasbac:!s: 78,933 83.711 90.420 I 74.774 78 .R?S +5 4 -28 ? 5CI!ll"D 233,80!:1 213,61? 222.506 I 166.305 21!.5.500 +47.1> ... ,, 1 ~ec:!s: 3,392 _<+.~b~ti 2.699 I 5 254 7 .6?1 +.ic;·, +18? -"< Goldeneye 36,133 41 902 . 49.107 I 46.771 _3.7 534 -19.7 -:?3:5 BUrfiehead 32,8!:1!:1 29.531:! 48.954 I 29.156 38.177 -10. Q. _,, 11 Ruddy 73,8Q.l c 108,.44J 141 560 1 118.432 ....80 .523 -32.0 -43.1 Merga.nser ~; ,14o 42 ,"l.l':l 45.482 I 26.989 41 .676 +54.4 -8.4 Seater R7 ._817 ·1 07.113 125.711 0? Qd.1 U3..3fi3 +::11 q -9 ~8 Old Sauaw-Har 442 287 62? 41i5 405 +li 4 -?11 4 rol'.AL DIVIliG. Dl1CXS 653.994 . 697.929 782 277 607.801 680.862 +12.0 -12.9 U:aid.& Misc. l 48.866 34 550 3.6..D.9.8_ .Jll4 .J14l 57 .753 -44.5 ... 60.0 TarAL IJO'OC3 · 8.473.598 8.213 646 . 8.339 434 7 ?68 311 8.711 .323 +19.8 "'-4.4 Sn011 goose 446.540 487.078 507.347 443 RlR 236,681 -46.7 -53.3 * Ross• !2:0Qse (21.790) (28.225) 137 ~8_00) I?S.3ROI (?7 4101 +8.1 -27.4 t,lhi te Front 74 400 R< .0_71 c;n 11?fi 1?~ 047 111!..659 -11 .0 +1?0.? Can. goose 133 '350 ?18.230 141 .1t<l ~?0,_5_11!. Ul .252 .:..] 1 _.q <1 Lesser can. 153.408 101 .958 116 418:.. RS .F'40 139.378 +6? 7 +i9.i cacx. ;z:oose 40 1..9.4 51 .250 Sli 162... ?<.n,:;.q 39.411 -'5.9 -~o .1 TOTAL GEESE 848.782 041 .596 873 47? 911 .nM 661 .381 I -27.4 -24.3 m.ac:x brmrt 123 490 .. 12..2 045 ld.fi.. 452 l411.RRA 162 887 +15.6 +11.2 . Ccot 612 456 608.113 726. 560 ! 60d..2?R 417.762 -39.8 -42.5 W'J,·f!!t. ~ <;c1 147 51 .350 47,272 48.593 45.597 -6.2 -3.5 Trump. avan Rd.fi 936 1 .051 627 1 .056 +63.11 .,.Q.4 ute swan u :J + + M GlWm TOl'.AL lfl 111 c;lo 9.937.686 "10.134.256 9.063.733 10 .000.011 +10.3 -1.3 * Non-add (included in Snow ~oose total) ~11th year of comparable coverage 24 State of Alaska: no report. State of Arizona: no report. 25 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 Wild- life 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 Delta- Suisun Marsh and the San Joaquin Valley areas. Coverage was by low level esti- mates and no aerial photography was used this year. The fall was again warm and dry and with the lack of stormy weather, the water- fowl migration was slower than normal. The drought continued and habitat condi- tions 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 2,056,850 ducks and 135,430 geese tallied. A comparison with the survey of the previous year showed that ducks were down 48 percent while geese were down 46 percent. With the warm weather continuing over most of the west, it appeared that the migration was lagging behind schedule. This was especially evident in the white goose population which stood at only 13,420 birds. 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 depreda- tion 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 un- believable 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 popula- tion. 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 re- port 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 water- fowl 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 2,964 v1aterfowl was banded. 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. 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 Number Number Number Number Total Average of of of of Birds No. Birds Area Hunters ~ ~ ~ ~ Per Hunter 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 Sacramento N. w. R. 9,401 10,243 2, 726 208 13,177 1.4 Delevan N. W. R. 4,201 7,493 660 144 8,297 2.0 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 Grizzly Island l•. A. 9,209 5,500 J5 Z30 5,785 0.6 Joice Island l•. A. 665 1,066 3 6 1,075 1.6 Volta 1•. A. 5,.674 6,762 306 739 7,807 1.4 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 San Luis N. W. R. 4,464 7,212 76 138 7,426 1.7 Kesterson N. W. R. NOT IN OPERATION BECAUSE OF DROUGHT CONDITIONS Mendota W. A. 11,733 20,895 53-434 21,382 1.8 Kern N. l•. R. 889 1,403 2 66 1,471 1.7 Imperial 9,041 9,464 2,692 70 12,226 1.4 (Hazard, Wister, Federal) Imperial (Ramer Lake) 1•. A. 573 838 5 95 938 1.6 Perris Reservoir S. R. A. 404 271 0 45 316 0.8 Totals -1977 85,305 106,249 8,927 4,642 119,818 1.4 1976 115,117 247,168 18,983 5,942 272,093 2.4 1975 127,878 263,502 15,070 10,203 288,775 2.3 1974 124,048 257,449 9,466 11,670 278,585 2.2 1973 109,634 140,366 15,929 9,553 165,848 1.5 1972 108,095 181,999 9,575 6,918 198,492 1.8 1971 111,035 236,493 19,567 6,293 262,353 2.4 1970 108,146 183,534 17,032 5,848 206,414 1.9 1969 103,517 200,563 12,552 5,387 218,502 2.1 1968 96,411 149,614 10,918 3,782 164,314 1.7 1967 102,796 248,539 17,600 3,620 269,759 2.6 1966 84,702 168,558 26,814 2,899 198,2 71 2.3 1965 68,114 136,376 7,610 3,068 147,054 2.2 1964 67,306 108,331 10,710 2,759 121,800 1.3 1963 62,144 120,543 8,197 2,738 131,478 2.1 1962 52,183 74,778 7,749 2,400 84,927 1.6 34 \.JJ Vl lllifM!S W:S::ILAO ~iilM\&iiJM&i!QiS \W wt ZJIOZJ!tJiliNQ!!IJm ............... -........ --------------------------------·-------------------~~ Species Mallard Gadwall Amer. Wigeon Pintail Green-Winged Teal CinniWlon Teal No. Shoveler Redhead CMvasback Ring-Nockod Scb.up Euf!lohe"d Golden-I\)'o . Rudey liood Duck Ful vous 'l'rett Otbero & Unclaaa. SPECIES COIIPOSI'l'ION OF W~TtlU'"OIIL TAKEN ON STATE AIID FEDERAL PUBUC SHOOTUIG AREAS 1977-78 Honey Gr£1¥ Sacra-Griz:z.ly Joica Los San Kester-. Perris Percent LW<e ,r.l.od 0e !!!!!!!2... .Eill!.!!!!. ~ ~ h!.!!!!L ~ !21!!. !!!!2a ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .!:!!!!.._ ~ .2!..l!!ll 1,109 2,502 1,052 1,8~5 2,268 1,73~ 297 205 174 792 }24 1,126 Not In 1,615 60 45 U 15,161 14.2 Operation 162 649 145 lOll 26 116 54 96 :506 112 53 169 4o1 9 57 1 2,460 2.} 528 1,577 1,592 1,550 9?8 2,64? 2,668 1,2?0 ?09 },962 1,492 1 275 10} 942 :n }8} 2,281 1,912 -1,160 2} 81 18 44 50 51 8} 1 18 15 5 199 }8 45 1} 217 166 5 68 21 412 47 96 29 5}} 66 ? 10 ll }48 21 12 4 10} 70 10 }19 1,214 8o7 420 1,222 1,046 }57 1,21} 1,781 12 96 1 4 }8 } 2 } 84 69 54 794 1,0}5 9 5 '•6 2} 1} 39 204 57 4 9 65 10 28 .14 2} 208 69 185 149 392 868 142 616. 105 2,47} 1,421 15 518 172 1,22} -. ?3 20 3 4} 17 49 1 }5 4} } 284 5 365 53} 499 4 10 21 9 8 1 91 1} 88 116 246 255 494 45} },98o 122 160 1 6 9 6 1 1 2 4 2 :506 753 ll 60 12 5 1 }l 5 4 72} 4,757 8,648 1.5'75 2,?45 1} 26 49 16 10 2 217 9 89 62 2}4 248 2,929 576 4,8}1 202 235 1 1 2 6 1 448 676 5 6 9 28 17 9 161 1 4 8112 22 8 . 62 4 2 6 1 15 'l 12} 7 9,?18 Zo,566 }},005 4 ,2?0 14,126 :..82 373 1,22?. }46 }21 18} 2,}15 481 4 1,511 9.1 19.} }1.1 4.0 1}.} 0.2 0.4 1.2 0.} 0.} 0.2 2.2 0.5 1.4 Subtotal Ducka 4,2}9 14,596 10,211} 7,49} },6}3 6,762 5,500 1,o66 6,762 4,}66 1,5o6 7,212 20,895 1,4o} 10,}02 2?1 1o6,249 100.0 Cunada Whito-Frcntod Cackling Lesser Snow Ross 1 a Others & Unclaaa. Subtotal Geoao Coots Grand Total }02 18 42 504 2} 889 9 28 10 1 189 179 266 2,278 2} 79 }}6 2,726 1} 1,441 208 2 15} 46 422 }6 1 66o 144 1 28 10 ?} }4 146 12} 2 46 3'1 21} ll }09 22? 5 }6 10 55 2}0 2 1 } 6 1. 297 8 :506 ?39 9 4}0 10 449. 621 1 8 149 62 220 42 17 2 45 12 76 1}8 5,141 16,}7} 1},17? 8,297 },902 ?,298 5,785 1,075 ?,8o7 5,4}6 1,768 7,426 2? 5 14 7 53 4}4 1 98 1 2,5}1 62 6 2 2,697 66 165 21,}82 1,471 1},164 42} 561 }42 7,227 367 7 4.8 6 •. } }.8 81.0 4.1 0 8,92? 100.0 45 4,642 }16 119,818 CALIFO&~IA DUCK KILL PERCENT OF NUMBER KILLED TOTAL KILL AREA 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 Sacramento Valley 870,300 1,040,300 696,200 28.8 32.9 34.4 North Bay 68,900 66,600 46,300 2.3 2.1 2.3 Suisun Marsh 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 Inyo-Mono 17,700 19,800 12,400 0.6 0.6 0.6 South Coast 113,400 106,600 68,400 3.8 3.4 3.4 Mojave 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 Subtotal 3,012,600 3,158,900 2,021,800 100.0 100.0 100.0 Unspecified 69,000 81,500 52,700 Grand Total 3,081,600 3,240,400 2,074,500 36 I I AREA Northeastern California North Coast Sacramento Valley North Bay Suisun Marsh Delta South Bay Central Coast North San Joaquin South San Joaquin In yo-Mono South Coast/ Mojave Imperial Valley Colorado River Subtotal Unspecified Grand Total 1975 62,200 3,500 133,500 1,000 1,900 8,000 200 600 23,800 2,600 1,200 2,500 1,000 21,800 1,100 264,900 5,000 269,900 CALIFO~~IA GOOSE KILL PERCENTAGE OF NUMBER KILLED TOTAL KILL 1976 1977 1975 1976 1977 59,500 59,300 23.5 20.3 27.6 2,300 3,500 1.3 0.8 1.6 145,700 101,700 50.4 49.9 47.4 1,400 1,600 0.4 0.5 0.7 9,500 2,200 0.7 3.2 1.0 10,900 5,900 3.0 3.7 2.8 200 300 0.1 0.1 0.1 700 500 0.2 0.2 0.2 33,100 20,300 9.0 ll.3 9.5 3,500 1,600 1.0 1.2 0.8 2,100 2,500 0.5 0.7 1.2 2,400 2,300 0.9 0.8 1.1 1,400 300 0.4 0.5 0.1 18,200 12,100 8.2 6.2 5.6 1, 700 700 0.4 0.6 0.3 292,600 214,800 100.0 100.0 100.0 4,400 1,700 297,000 216,500 ' lCVl RFSOURUS ~\BRf:RY ~l.J\)l\1'\ t of the lntenor U.S. DepartlUen 37 WINTER INVENTORY WATERFOWL POPULATIONS (CALIFOR!~IA) 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 Mallard 543,912 529,541 386,180 391,800 415,095 Gadwall 22,616 24,688 16,200 17,595 13,985 .American Wigeon 739,317 525,388 404,440 461,205 786,860 Green-winged Tee.l 230,230 154,226 137,215 138,030 206,255 Shoveler 475,885 619,920 605,640 736,485 613,375 Pintail 3,340,647 3,115,781 3,082,675 3,478,410 2,822,590 Wood Duck 3,630 1.1,873 1,770 1,670 6,100 Redhead 1,718 879 1,805 1,245 2,195 Canvasback 66,857 68,468 50,330 72,155 62,335 Sce.up 31,657 34,889 67,965 58,785 46,035 Ring-necked 1,873 1,324 1,465 430 1,675 Golden-eye 690 1,851 1,240 1,775 1,210 Bu:fflehee.d 2,535 7,877 5,075 9,285 3,020 Ruddy 108,063 54,252 67,220 81,195 58,925 Misc. Ducks 25,088 38,171 48,980 28,485 31,120 Unident. Ducks 10,425 5,51.3 6,300 3,410 4,050 TOTAL DUCKS 5,605,143 5,194,641 4,884,500 5,481,960 5,074,825 White-fronted Goose 85,015 67,639 81,005 48,955 1.11,540 White Goose 431,366 433,895 469,580 478,640 220,995 Cackling Goose 84,210 38,550 51,250 56,360 39,095 Canada. Goose 57,265 54,105 46,075 47,665 26,540 Black Brant 470 480 680 560 TOTAL GEESE 658,326 594,669 648,590 631,620 398,730 Coot 417,304 390,1.96 339,090 530,700 220,335 Swan 61,542 45,987 40,675 37,920 28,960 GRAND TOTAL 6,742,315 6,225,493 5,912,855 6,682,200 5,722,850 WINTER INVENTORY SPECIES COMPOSITION IN PERCENT (CALIFORNIA) Mallard 9-7 10.2 7-9 7.1 8.2 Ge.dwe.ll 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.3 .American Wigeon 13.2 10.1 8.3 8.4' 15.5 ., Green-winged tee.1 4.1 3.0 2.8 2.5 4.1 Shoveler 8.5 11.9 12.4 13.4 12.1 Pintail 59.6 60.0 63.1 63.5 55.6 Wood Duck 0.1 0.2 T T 0.1 Redhead T T T T T Canvasback 1.2 1.3 1.0 1.3 1.2 Scaup 0.6 0.7 1.4 1.0 0.9 Ring-necked T T T T T Golden-eye T T T T T Bu:fflehead 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 Ruddy 1.9 1.1 1.4 1.5 1.2 Misc. & Unident. Ducks 0.6 0.8 1.3 0.8 0.7 TOTAL 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 White-fronted Goose 12.9 11.4 12.5 7.8 28.0 White Goose 65.5 73.0 72.4 75.8 55.4 Cackling Goose 12.8 6.5 7-9 8.9 9.8 Canada Goose 8.7 9.0 7.1 7.5 6.7 Black Brant 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 TOTAL 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 38 CALIFORNIA WATERFCML BANDING SUMMARY October 1, 1977 Through March 31, 1978* TL -Tule Lake SP -San Pablo Bay GL -Gray Lodge c -Crescent City, Del Norte Co. Males Females Unclassified Species Local!ty Adult Immature ~Immature .Adult Immature Totals -------- 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 1 w Canvasback SP 224 6 93 7 330 1.0 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 3 9 2 15 Total Ducks 2,080 Total Geese 884 *Includes all inseason and postseason banding 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: W-170-R-2 Title: Game Bird Management Study No:_-=!:..::.! _____ _ Job No: 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 A. FALL MIGRATION IDAHO PACIFIC FLYWAY REPORT September 1978 No. 77 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 1977 NORTH IDAHO ' Boundary Co •. WMA 1,253 2,256 1,880 1,494 1,495 · Kootenai NWR 60,765 111,315 93,210 135,005 104,330 Pend Orei11e Riv. . 47,511 98,715 ·46,000* 71,320* 43,295* Lower CDA River 15,375 27,545 10,015* 15,428* 12,480* Lower St. Joe Riv. 44,075 63,075 22,085* 53,800* 22,724* . Nez Perce 2,858 5,246 6,503 7 ,994· 11,293 Sub Total 171,837 308,100 170,693* 285,041* 195s617* SOUTHWEST IDAHO Deer Flat NWR 2,100,055 2,009,900 985,320 771' 910 770,570 C. J. Strike WMA 66,240 75,780 35,945 '45,700 82,755 Sub Total 2;166,295 2,085,680 1,021,265 817,610 853,325 SOUTH CENTRAL IDAHO Hagerman WMA 385,284 240,935 228~150 230,466 ' 328,518 Minidoka NWR 328,735 305,555 170,645* 165,955* 73,588* Sub Total 714,019 546,490 398,795* 396,421* 402,106* SOUTHEAST IDAHO American Falls 375,070 370,935 93,007* 106,080* 164,330* Grays L-Bft-Cfld. 72,629 84,216 31~129* 20,509* 29,926* Market Lake WMA 14,714 15,107 2,578*. 8,941* 7,316* Mud Lake WMA 85,302 130,455 118,392* 149,593* 122,556* Camas NWR 35,592 41,359 31,318* 55,964* 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* % Change from Not Previous Year +5% -1% comparable -2% s *1975,. 1976 and 1977 counts from these ar~as not comparable with previous years' figures due to counts being made monthly rather than bi-weekly as fn past years. 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 NORTH IDAHO Boundary Co. WMA 138 25 166 68 Kootenai NWR 1,492 5,645 5,670 4,400 Pend Oreille Riv. 493 865 589* 945* Lower CDA River 217 155 995* 1~181* Lower St. Joe Riv. 222 305 400* 0* Nez Perce 808 601 1,206 828 Sub Total 3,370 7,596 9,026* 7,422* SOUTHWEST IDAHO Deer Flat NWR 52,650 58,700 38,370 369420 C. J. Strike WMA 1,400 2,187 2,218 754 Sub Total 54,050 60,887 40,588 37,174 SOUTH CENTRAL IDAHO Hagerman WMA 1 12 296 117 Minidoka NWR 5,036 4,237 3,852* 3~593* Sub Total 5,037 4,249 4,148* 3,770* SOUTHEAST IDAHO American Falls 43,474 57,407 37,748* 40,918* Grays L-Bft-Cfld 13,011 19,077 3,867* 7j580* Market Lake WMA 0 9 5* 20* Mud Lake WMA 1,643 1,943 2,863* 2,225* Camas NWR 2,572 3,658 1,375* 2,671* Sub Total 60,700 82,094 45,858* 53,414* TOTAL 123,107 154,826 99,620* 101,780* 1977 177 6,321 1.095* 9611¥: 725* 836 10,115;/( 41,610 1,400 43,010 153 2t614* 2,767* 41,902* 4,709* 33* 1,786* 3,206* 51,636* 107,528* *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. 29- Oct. 4 5,675 2,100 2,608 5,001 2,772 8,798 4,394 7,625 7,000 Oct. 13-18 360 959 338 2,226 3,473 5,346 *Oct. 2-7- Nov. l 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 periods: 27,085 14 '1 08 23,025 19,462 25,721 38,511 37,733 40,918 41 ,902 % 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 29- Oct. 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. 27- Nov. 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 +=- ....J ! I Table 4. Mallar·d fall populat·lon estimates, Lake Lowell (Deer Flat NWR), Southwest Idaho, 1968-1976. ----~----------------·=--==--------------= =-Counting f.eriod 1968 1969 1970 1971 t9r~--197l __ . __ 1974 1975 _1976 __ I_9U __ 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 Oct. 8-14 **20,000 **49,00Q **107,200 ~*33,900 **86,400 *59,000 4 "12,200 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 Nov. 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 Dec. 5-11 *375,000 *326,000 570,000 •609,300 183,000 •546,500 505,800 144,000 176,000 221,800 19-25 364,000 304,000 328,000 565,400 475,000 523,700 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). - Ducks No. Duck Canada Geese No. Canada Snow Geese Coots Year Harvested Hunters Harvested Goose Hunters Harvested Harvested 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. % Change from 1976 s -5% -15% -13% +30% +iS% % Change from previous -13% -8% s -4% +29% +20% 5-year av. 1! 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 1 1{),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. Waterfowl hunter success 1971-1977 (based on hunter questionnaire) (season average bag per hunter). change Species 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 from 1976 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. B1rels Gun Hours Hunters Ducks Geese Per Per Area Year Checked Recovered Recovered Hunter Bird Northern Idaho 1969 492 1,542 10 3.2 1.4 (Regions 1 & 2) 1970 228 944 4.2 0.9 1971 647 1,731 '4 2.7 1.3 1972 483 1 ,208 9 2.5 1.1 1973 442 1,321 6 3.0 1.1 1974 429 1 '107 ~5 2.6 1.3 1975 568 1,626 2.9 1.0 1976 557 1,446 1 ·2.6 1.7 1977 288 720 0 2.5 1.8 Southwest Idaho 1969 666 933 166 1.7 1.9 (Region 3) 1970 1,072 2,632 67 2.5 1 . 1 1971 1 ,035 2,275 98 2.3 1.5 1972 749 1 ,641 92 2.3 1.7 1973 1,005 1 ,491 73 1.6 2.3 1974 835 1 ,196 86 1.6 1.8 1975 1 ,010 1,504 124 1.6 2.1 1976 498 968 18 2.0 1.6 1977 547 1,378 17 2.5 1.6 South-Central 1969 525 869 3 1.7 2.4 Idaho 1970 530 900 8 1.7 1.5 (Region 4) 1971 497 1 '119 35 2.3 1.1 1972 172 254 6 1.5 1.1 1973 121 244 2 2.0 1. 2 1974 N/0 N/0 N/0 N/0 N/0 1975 160 270 11 1,8 1.5 1976 106 120 29 1.4 3.3 1977 91 200 0 2.2 N/0 Southeast Idaho 1969 1 ,213 1,767 255 1.7 (Regions 5 & 6) 1970 548 1 ,011 83 1.8 1.5 1971 775 1,841 38 2.7 1.0 1972 1 ,119 2,628 122 2.5 1.4 1973 1,205 1 ,891 133 L7 1.9 1974 930 1 ,885 85 2.1 1.7 1975 2,079 4,930 148 2.4 1.6 1976 1,783 3,519 i88 2.1 1.5 1977 1 ,819 3,936 258 2.3 1.4 TOTALS & AVERAGES 1969 2,896 5,111 434 1.9 1970 2,378 5,487 158 2.4 L2 1971 2,954 6,966 175 2.5 1.2 1972 2,523 5,731 229 2.4 1.4 1973 2,773 4,947 214 1.9 1.8 1974 2,194 4,188 186 2.0 1.7 1975 3,817 8,330 284 2.2 l.o 1976 2,944 6,053 236 2.1 2.0 1977 2,745 6,234 275 2.3 1.7 50 Table 10. Duck species composition in the hunter's bag, from random bag c~ecks, Idaho, 1977. North Idaho sw & sc Idaho Southeast Idaho TOTALS No. %of· No. % of No. % of No. %of Species Ducks Bag Ducks. Bag Ducks Bag 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 C1nn. Teal 2 .1 1 T 3 T Gadwall 23 1.5 520 13.3 543 . 8.8 Shoveler 9 1.3 9 .6 178 4.6 196 3.2 Wood Duck 127 17.6 6 .4 133 2.1 Red Head 2 .l 148 3.8 150 2.4 Scaup 1 .1 1 T 53 1.4 55 .9 Goldeneye 1 T 10 .3 11 .2 Ruddy Duck 2 .1 39 .1 41 .7 Canvasback 27 .7 27 .4 Bufflehead 3 .2 13 .3 16 .3 Ringneck _4 _.1 __ 4 __ T TOTALS 720 99.9 1,578 99.9 3,908 99.2 6,206 100 51 Table 11. Idaho winter waterfowl inventory, 1977 and 1978. % Change in % Change from Species 1977 1978 last 24 years last year Mallard 258,070 508,404 Gadwall 1,190 10,243 Baldpate 3,789 22,708 GW Teal 326 711 BW Teal Cinnamon Teal Shoveler 1,281 Pinta i1 5,366 29,907 Wood Duck Redhead 17,603 7,639 Canvasback 465 447 Scaup 731 1,528 Ringneck 350 Goldeneye 10,156 9,604 Bufflehead 169 494 Ruddy Duck 236 117 Mergansers 3~532 3,519 Unid. Ducks 1,022 608 TOTAL DUCKS 302,655 597,560 +13.6 +97.4 Snow Goose 1 11 Canada Goose 24,425 35,630 Lesser Canada Cackling Goose TOTAL GEESE 24,426 35,641 +159.3 +45.9 Whistling Swan 139 224 Trumpeter Swan 446 610 Coot 17~432 10,106 TOTAL W'FOWL 345,098 644,143 +15.0 +86.6 52 . I !I I Table 12. In-season and Post-season Idaho waterfowl Species In-season & Area (Oct. 16, 1977 -Jan. 31, Mallard OF 1,804 HWMA 271 AFR 25 c. Goose OF 24 AFR 39 TOTALS 2,163 HWMA-Hagerman Wildlife Management Area AFR -American Falls Reservoir 1978) OF -Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge 53 banding summary, 1977-78. Post-season (Feb. l, 1978 -May 14, 1978) Total 222 2,026 17 288 79 104 0 24 49 88 367 2,530 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 permit- only 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 manage- ment 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 approxi- mately 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 ~',;' i,• c\:' ~; \ ' "·:':··~, TABLE I STATEWIDE FALL WATERFOWL POPULATIONS 1973-1977 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 Number Change* Number Change* Number Change* Number Change* Number Change* Se£!ember Ducks 174,650 -9% 145,500 -17% 218,950 +50.5% 142,255 -35% 48,565 -66% Dark Geese 3, 711 + 84% 2,950 -21% 2,595 -13.4% 3,035 + 17% 2,945 -3% White Geese 25 --45 October Ducks 183,415 -33% 190,275 + 4% 291,885 +53.4% 144,065 -51% 65,800 -54% Dark Geese 3,370 -1% 3,285 -2% 2,445 -25.6% 3,195 + 31% 2, 775 -13% White Geese 145 -44% ----30 November U"l Ducks 134,870 + 13% 127,085 -6% 232,030 +82.6% 127,165 -45% 43,825 -66% co Dark Geese 3,020 +116% 3,510 + 16% 4,650 +32.5% 4,260 -8% 3,300 -23% White Geese 11,810 + 36% 7,150 -40% 9,570 +33.8% 7,630 -20% 200 -97% December Ducks 56,850 +176% 85,080 + 50% 149,170 +75.3% 45,690 -69% 25,535 -44% Dark Geese 5,787 + 43% 3,645 -37% 6,195 +70.0% 8,875 + 43% 5,525 -38% White Geese 3,212 --2,315 -28% 3,660 +58 .1% 210 -94% 155 -26% * Percent change from previous year. ,i li Species Mallard Gadwall Pintail G.W. Teal Cinn. Teal Widgeon Shoveler Redhead Canvasback Others TOTAL DUCKS Dark Geese White Geese TOTAL GEESE. Coo·ts Swans TOTAL WATERFOWL TABLE II STATEWIDE WATERFOWL POPULATION BY SPECIES Fall 1976-1977 Se:etem.ber October November 1976 1977 1976 1977 1976 1977 6,800 3,480 7,160 3,675 13,700 6,100 9,095 5,675 5,940 6,925 4,840 2,145 39,645 9,820 38,620 12,205 32,525 9,035 26,540 5,265 22,880 5,945 28,000 4,770 1,945 1,500 425 285 19,935 6,340 11,295 6,085 16,665 3,225 21,025 3,295 11,035 5,810 11,310 3,545 8,655 5,955 7,040 9,925 1,135 1,380 1,390 965 34,790 7,945 13,350 9,545 7,225 6,420 4,880 7,000 5,640 4,080 142,255 48,565 144,065 65,800 127,165 43,825 3,035 2,945 3,195 2, 775 4,260 3,300 7,630 260 3,035 2,945 3,195 2,775 11,890 3,560 210,570 120,620 44,380 77 '780 51,330 22,725 . 30 115 4,595 990 355,860 172,160 191,755 146,355 194,980 71 '100 59 December 1976 1977 14,605 5,390 1,030 1,020 9,615 4,600 5,560 2,670 10 1,985 2,460 6,105 1,035 370 845 3,005 3,340 3,415 4,165 45,690 252535 8,875 5,525 210 155 9,085 5,680 11,355 17,635 4,270 12570 70,400 50,420 TABLE III SUMMARY OF STATEWIDE WATERFOWL HARVEST 1950-1977 Postseason Questionnaire Whist-* Duck Geese Total ling Total ~ Stamps Hunters Ducks ~ ~ ~ Swans Waterfowl 1950 9,553 122,200 29,140 151,340 1951 9,405 . 147,448 10,937 158,385 1952 10,532 13,155 170,007 17,149 187,156 1953 11,867 13,592 134,970 13,130 148,100 1954 9,634 10,975 138,452 10,048 148,500 1955 10,404 11,389 145,380 14,446 159,826 1956 11,286 11,939 149,498 8,570 158,068 1957 11,228 12,087 167,908 7,112 175,020 1958 11,284 12,025 175,025 8,819 1,302 10,121 185,146 1959 9,285 10,020 100,328 8,470 2,466 10,769 111,097 1960 7,736 8,313 61,649 3,671 3,913 7,584 69,233 1961 5,427 5,698 41,994 4,642 671 5,313 47,307 1962 7,983 7,695 37,377 2,224 962 3,186 40,563 1963 8,749 8,479 53,530 2,980 1,100 4,080 57,610 1964 9,639 9,603 70,884 5,929 1,980 7,909 78,793 1965 10,673 11,544 90,036 3,708 792 4,500 94,536 1966 11,928 14,928 109,428 6,060 4,524 10,584 120,012 1967 12,713 13,860 147,400 7,205 2,541 9,746 157,146 1968 12,491 13,635 110,136 2,273 1,277 3,550 113,686 1969 13,220 13,520 137,524 5,453 1,021 6,474 87 144,085 1970 14,361 12,913 147,211 6,649 3,488 10,137 208 157,556 1971 14,260 16,906 178,107 7,357 4,655 12,012 102 190,221 1972 12,608 14,605 149,565 8,066 1,756 9,822 124 159,511 1973 13,732 11,647 97,251 4,047 2,580 6,627 109 103,987 1974 11,953 11,686 139,080 5,480 1,498 6,978 190 146,248 1975 11,938 13,619 162,863 3,629 1,430 5,039 188 173,149 1976 12,113 139,598 6,379 3,194 9,573 206 149,377 1977 8,720 79,491 4,142 1,606 5,748 84 85,323 60 TABLE IV WATERFOWL HARVEST SPECIES COMPOSITION BY MANAGEMENT AREA 1977 AREAS Canvas-Mason Key % of Place iu Sj!ecies Stillwater Humboldt back Clb Valle;t Region II Overton Kirch Pittman Total Com!!• Kill Mallard 21 100 171 23 53 154 111 114 747 12.3% 3 Gadwall 17 19 107 14 22 24 229 19 451 7.4% 4 Pintail 24 78 476 14 14 132 71 87 896 14.8% 2 G.l~. Teal 201 360 415 35 36 154 307 155 1,663 27.4% 1 B.W. Teal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 "' Cinn. Teal 8 12 17 3 0 92 80 19 231 3.8% 9 1-' Widgeon 8 21 70 4 18 81 121 41 364 6.0% 6 Shoveler 18 58 148 8 9 32 111 30 414 6.8% 5 Wood Duck 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 Tr. 19 Redhead 4 1 22 1 2 100 69 142 341 5.6% 8 Ringneck 2 2 2 0 6 41 25 7 85 1.4% 11 Canvasback 5 3 22 0 12 27 87 63 219 3.6% 10 Scaup 0 6 3 0 2 15 25 6 57 0.9% 15 Goldeneye 0 0 1 0 5 0 0 0 6 0.1% 18 Bufflehead 0 1 4 0 13 15 25 18 76 1.3% 12 Ruddy 10 14 3 0 8 40 205 67 347 5.7% 7 Other Ducks 1 6 0 0 0. 5 1 4 17 0.3% 16 TOTAL DUCKS 319 681 1 1 462 102 200 913 1,467 773 5 1 917 Canada Goose 1 1 6 0 3 54 7 0 72 1.2% 13 Snow Goose 0 0 2 0 0 8 0 0 10 0.2% 17 Other Geese 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL GEESE 1 1 8 0 3 62 7 0 82 Swan 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 Tr. 20 Coot 2 0 0 0 0 31 16 20 69 1.1% 14 GRAND TOTAL 322 682 1,472 102 203 1,006 1,490 793 (1,070 100.0% TABLE V MID-WINTER INVENTORY 1974-1978 1954-1977 Species 1974 1975 1976 1977 Averase 1978 Mallard 8,036 11,555 13,800 11,617 16,269 8,766 Gadwall 1,470 1,305 1,335 1,042 2,901 1,153 Widgeon 205 565 1,615 994 1,787 1,287 G.W. Teal 1, 715 3,915 4,130 2,140 5,878 3,766 B.W. Teal 0 0 0 0 9 0 Cinn. Teal 42 0 30 0 35 0 Shoveler 360 320 1,430 808 2,658 384 Pintail 2,050 3,065 12,215 5,533 8,880 3,757 Wood Duck 0 0 0 0 0 0 Redhead 540 425 620 428 517 636 Canvasback 513 1,020 8,975 991 1,483 1,016 Scaup 270 55 45 285 304 74 Ringneck 90 175 575 271 109 386 Goldeneye 460 195 400 895 350 695 Bufflehead 301 325 370 855 481 901 Ruddy 3,504 1,495 3,845 1,479 2,911 1,190 Merganser 769 1,255 1,315 1,360 1,370 1,427 Unidentified 0 200 3 5 870 0 TOTAL DUCKS 20,325 25,870 50 1 703 28,703 46 1 812 25 2 438 % Change From Previous Year +14% +27% +96% -43% -11% Dark Geese 5,051 4,730 5,855 6,717 6,648 8,029 White Geese 432 405 570 951 2 830 236 TOTAL GEESE 5,483 5,135 % Change From 6,425 7,668 9 1 478 8 1 265 Previous Year +31% 6% +25% +19% + 8% Trumpeter Swan 20 10 17 28 19 27 Whistling Swan 679 316 2,682 1,117 3,770 405 Coot 6,220 8,660 16,130 7,624 9 1 785 11 1 486 TOTAL WATERFOWL 32' 727 39 1 991 75,957 45,140 69 1 864 45 1 621 % Change From Previous Year +16% +22% +90% -41% + 1% 62 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 I 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. 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. Species Mallard Pintail Wigeon Table VII Waterfowl Banding AHY-M 43 4 6 67 AHY-F Total 26 69 7 11 2 8 TOTAL 88 ., Table I WATERFOWL MIGRATIONS (10 Areas) Oregon 1973-77 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 October Mallard 47,283 26,565 52,863 31,218 31,144 Pintail 46,955 30,962 67,159 37,085 37,237 Others 76,873 53,490 70,276 57,579 45,224 White Geese 25,814 9,155 43,485 4,977 18,900 Dark Geese 22,395 20,717 27,294 24,517 15,813 TOTAL 219,320 140,889 261,077 155,376 148,318 November Mallard 68,452 57,213 114,945 47,200 100,945 Pintail 76,270 64,370 88,272 52,136 75,960 Others 100,456 31,759 75,692 65,016 63,671 White Geese 113,533 79,072 97,737 81,005 71,005 Dark Geese 64,054 86,060 85,353 75,929 57,797 TOTAL 422,765 318,474 461,999 321,286 369,378 December Mallard 80,663 59,657 184,686 103,344 153,247 Pintail 43,957 75,383 52,979 41,268 77,488 Others 90,942 81,065 120,341 62,348 54,774 White GEese 1 4,554 388 333 1,112 Dark Geese 89,824 92,226 111,970 74,567 54,075 TOTAL 305,387 312,885 470,364 281,860 340,696 January Mallard 112,366 136,893 190,205 232,310 177,945 Pintail 67,362 124,784 83,101 77,755 85,429 Others 83,161 142,325 169,579 117,897 138,979 White Geese 45 1,223 441 849 468 Dark Geese 45,246 93,277 144,580 94,871 99,226 TOTAL 308,180 498,502 587,906 523,682 502,047 68 1" " - - II' ! "~' I{ Number of Waterfowl Hunters* Percent of Licensed Hunters Hunting Waterfowl Total Ducks Killed Total Geese Killed TOTAL WATERFOWL KILLED Change from Preceding Year Table II WATERFOWL HARVEST 1977 57,262 13.9% 529,013 51,485 580,498 -17.7% *Duck Hunters-44,554; Goose Hunters-15,792 69 1976 1975 60,262 60,836 15.9% 15.6% 634,192 966,557 70,869 86,534 705,061 853,091 -17.4% +50.5% , Table III 1977 WATERFOWL HARVEST BY AREA County Hunters Harvest and Area Duck Goose Coot Snioe Duck Goose coot SniEe Benton 1,750 864 84 122 16,263 1,336 0 89 Clackamas 1,369 40 49 134 9,905 0 195 268 Lane 3,093 585 824 275 22,300 1,068 2,820 657 Linn 1,876 306 ll9 154 15,106 243 168 628 Marion 2,446 724 221 68 21,305 1,590 892 484 Polk 2,366 1,735 375 235 14,524 6,657 309 32 Washington 1,604 315 119 154 18,186 193 0 32 Yamhill 858 193 0 32 4,769 108 0 32 WILLAMETTE VALLEY 122,358 ll, 195 4,384 2,222 Clatsop 1,072 221 168 154 14,401 199 536 134 Columbia 2,734 986 49 166 56,918 3,975 293 595 Multnomah 2,417 1,052 168 109 25,580 2,984 572 367 COLUMBIA RIVER 96,899 7,158 1,401 1,096 Lincoln 787 121 84 32 6,649 86 98 0 Tillamook 1,561 0 35 141 19,689 0 2ll 1,787 NORTH COAST 26,338 86 309 1,787 Coos 1,983 86 327· 141 22,464 0 3,209 1,097 Curry 438 36 0 32 6,810 lOS 0 161 SOUTH COAST 29,274 108 3,209 1,258 Douglas 2,046 329 350 154 23,544 72 8,011 766 Jackson 1,750 235 195 300 9, 270 135 1,317 3,530 Josephine 391 so 0 0 1,790 0 0 0 UMPQUA-ROGUE 34,604 207 9,328 4,296 ·Hood River 170 36 0 0 780 72 0 0 Wasco 451 428 35 0 1,753 693 141 0 HOOD RIVER-WASCO 2,533 765 141 0 Crook 903 221 98 89 8,360 221 244 89 Deschutes 1,363 405 252 109 4,072 405 545 223 Jefferson 378 229 0 32 2,066 580 0 32 UPPER DESCHUTES 14,498 l, 206 789 344 70 Table III 1977 WATERFOWL HARVEST BY AREA (Continued) County Hunters Harvest and Area Duck Goose Coot Sniee Duck Goose Coot Snioe KLAMATH 10,674 5,225 1,148 629 102,800 14,459 3,132 1,278 Gilliam 115 36 0 0 456 72 0 0 Morrow 728 306 84 0 2,400 428 49 0 Sherman 642 1,115 0 0 5,259 6,781 0 0 umatilla 2,108 657 328 45 17,732 1,038 970 268 COLUMBIA BASIN 25,847 8, 319 1,019 268 I·~ Grant 438 121 0 0 1,135 207 0 0 Wheeler 183 121 49 32 605 207 0 32 UPPER JOHN DAY 1,740 414 0 32 Baker 936 235 84 65 5,173 179 293 226 Union 953 284 35 89 8,902 ·271 70 223 Wallowa 498 207 49 45 2,157 144 0 0 SNAKE RIVER 16,232 594 363 449 MALHEUR 3,201 792 203 154 28,393 1.626 450 134 HARNEY 762 478 70 32 5,058 2,236 70 0 LAKE 3,047 1,589 434 154 22,441 3,112 751' 89 STATE TOTAL *44,554 *15, 792 *4,839 *3,488 529,015 51,485 25,346 13,253 * State total omits duplication of hunters hunting in more than one county. 71 ........ N Area I I Summer Lake Sauvi~ Island TOTALS Table IV SUMMARY OF PUBLIC SHOOTING GROUNDS SUCCESS Season Hunter Harvest Length Days Ducks Geese Coots Snipe 70 6,940 7' 283 882 109 38 47 9,470 18,102 1,299 92 6 16,410 25,385 2~181 201 44 Total 8,312 19,499 27,811 Success per Hunter Day 1977 1976 1.20 1.27 2.06 2.89 1. 70 2.11 1975 1.83 2.96 2.46 --~ Table V SPECIES COMPOSITION OF WATERFOWL TAKEN ON PUBLIC SHOOTING GROUNDS 1975 -77 Seasons Summer Lake Sauvie Island Total SEecies 1975 1976 1977 1975 1976 1977 1975 1976 1977 Mallard 1,805 2, 286 1,752 6,662 9,408 5, 718 8,467 ll,694 7,470 Am. Widgeon 1,346 1,220 1,412 7,314 7,440 5,857 8,660 8,660 7,269 Europ. Widgeon --1 1 -9 1 -10 G. W. Teal 1, 306 1, 473 984 3,659 3,639 2,186 4,965 5,112 3,170 Pintail 2,169 1,586 1,622 4, 867 5,200 3,178 7,036 6,786 4,800 Shoveler 648 295 289 788 756 645 1,436 1,051 934 Gadwall 572 360 705 136 ll8 ll9 708 478 824 Cinn./B.W. Teal 187 65 61 13 17 9 200 82 70 Wood Duck 8 2 3 26 71 27 34 73 30 Hybrid 1 -1 2 -1 3 -2 Ruddy Duck 100 20 36 26 26 20 126 46 56 Goldeneye 23 31 47 21 4 9 44 35 56 Bufflehead 100 56 94 44 12 19 144 68 ll3 .....:J R. N. Duck 19 7 13 153 104 79 172 lll 92 'vJ Scaup 52 22 45 162 53 142 214 75 187 Canvasback 93 60 66 44 31 24 137 91 90 Redhead 189 ll7 124 4 10 6 193 127 130 11. Merganser 2 4 1 21 40 16 23 44 17 Com. Merganser 10 22 25 14 39 32 24 61 57 Old Squaw -1 - --1 -1 1 Am. Seater --1 -----1 W. W. Seater -1 -- - --1 Surf Seater 1 -1 -- - 1 -1 Seater (Unid.) -- - 2 2 5 2 2 5 Unident. Duck 17 -----17 -- TOTAL DUCKS 8,648 7,628 7,283 23,959 26,970 18,102 32,607 34,598 25,385 Snow Goose 3,504 3,723 598 8 48 17 3,512 3, 771 615 Blue Goose --1 -- ---1 Canada Goose 159 201 199 971 933 902 1,130 1,134 1,101 Lesser Canada 4 15 8 176 494 348 180 509 356 Cackler 30 19 25 13 42 29 43 61 54 White-Fran t 145 53 23 10 2 3 155· 55 26 Ross' Goose 56 39 28 ---56 39 28 Black Brant - --1 --1 -. 'fOTAL GEESE 3, 898 4,050 882 1,179 1,519 1,299 5,077 5,569 2,181 / Table VI WINTER INVENTORY TRENDS IN OREGON Species 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 Mallard 178,324 232,321 190,205 136,893 112,366 Gadwall 1, 779 562 3,948 1,351 1,398 Am. Widgeon 62,114 58,449 52,580 76,942 36,511 G. w. Teal 21,150 15,641 32,746 30,837 13,957 B.W./Cinn. Teal 116 Shoveler 6,139 10,389 7,941 1, 767 1,439 Pintail 85,755 78,327 83,101 124,784 67,362 Wood Duck 110 18 17 62 68 Redhead 1,085 281 392 539 207 canvasback 8,158 3,609 11,112 4,889 7,166 Scaup 12,364 9,690 9,398 2,817 6,243 Ring-Necked Duck 2,667 1, 071 1,204 885 650 Harlequin 2 9 13 3 6 Old Squaw 1 1 Goldeneye 712 1,272 1,410 615 913 Bufflehead 4,556 3,044 2,629 4,978 2,347 Ruddy Duck 6,034 9,962 24,640 8,281 3, 725 Merganser 4,462 3,046 10,384 2,203 2,064 Scoter 1,684 869 1,290 656 797 Unid. Ducks 9,469 4,067 9,875 5,499 5,554 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 466 849 441 1,223 45 Cackling Goose 316 2 2,244 1,647 White-fronted Goose 982 1 92 4,901 ca:nada Goose 95,455 94,868 142,719 84,625 43,599 Black Brant 1,110 2,300 1,769 1,507 1,904 TOTAL GEESE -98,329 98,020 145,021 94,500 47,195 Swan 8,954 6,437 6,067 6,466 4,987 TOTAL WATERFOWL 532,923 556,298 618,683 535,648 334,838 Percent change from ,Erevious year . -4.2% -10.1% +15.5% +60.0% -36.1% 74 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 23,000 20,500 20,880 Pintail ll5,400 90,800 68,200 Others· 230,400 229,900 193,150 White Geese 10 25 150 Canada Geese - 7 800 8 595 6,910 Total 376,610 349,820 289,290 November Mallard 26,000 18,100 17,500 Pintail 88,000 49,200 60,200 Others 218,600 132,600 160,250 White Geese 1,150 350 1,330 Canada Geese 7,100 6 000 4,000 Total 340,850 206,250 243,280 December Mallard 19,100 8,900 12,000 Pintail 10,400 9,900 11' 350 Others 28,900 8,800 25' 200 White Geese 10 Canada Geese 2,600 2,200 3,700 Total 61,000 29,800 52,260 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 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 Adult Hunters 32,448 39,193 38,620 42,010 40,230 Juvenile Hunters 9,362 10,418 9, 723 9,946 10,177 Total Waterfowl Hunters 41,810 49,611 48,343 51,956 50,407 Table 3. A comparison of waterfowl questionnaire returns for 1973-1977. General Total questionnaires mailed Total returned, unclaimed Total questionnaires accepted by addressee Total return of completed questionnaires Percent return of completed questionnaires Number of completed but unusable questionnaires Adult Return Data 1973 16,000 912 15,088 6,319 41.9 0 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 78 212 163 1974 16,668 1,817 14,851 5,126 34.5 19 1,516 3,193 254 144 1975 25' 303 2,872 22,431 9,001 40.1 18 2,010 4, 911 541 303 1976 25,169 2,416 22,753 8,306 36.5 0 1,810 3,681 809 513 1977 34,276 2,499 31,777 10,250 32.3 0 2,780 5,205 645 354 Table 4. Waterfowl questionnaire survey data for duck hunters only, 1973-1977. Questionnaire Data, Actual Adult and Juvenile Combined 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 Total hunters 1,611 1, 722 2,498 2,552 3,295 Total hunter days 10,456 10,722 17,375 15,860 18,458 Days hunted per man 6.49 6.23 6.95 6.21 5.63 Ducks per man-day 1.93 1.88 2.29 2.10 1.55 Ducks per man-season 12.52 11.69 15.93 13.18 8.73 Total ducks killed -20,171 20,127 39,807 33,643 28,797 J- Questionnaire Data, ExEanded Weighted by Class of Hunter Total ducks hunters 41,063 49,611 -48' 343 51,956 50,407 Total duck hunting trips 263,414 242,212 329,398 181,991 161,962. Total ducks killed 487,452 391,986 562,631 382,902 235,231 Table 5. Goose harvest data, Utah, 1973-1977. Goose Hunter and Harvest Expanded Data for Duck Hunts 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 Total hunters 41,063 36,296 36,130 29,279 28,848 Trips per hunter 6.41 6.67 6.93 6.21 5.6i Total hunter trips 263,414 242,212 250,551 181,991 161,962. Geese per man-day (trip) 0.019 0.024 0.030 0.038 0.033 Geese per man-season 0.123 0.158 0.206 0.234 0 .18~ Total goose kill 5,042 5, 746 7,449 6,842 5,41.5. Canada geese 4,475 5,463 7,067 6,439 5,056" Snow geese 567 283 382 403 359 Goose Hunter and Harvest Expanded Data for Goose Hunts Total goose hunters 13,309 12,087 12,789 10,665 11,829: Trips per hunter 3.42 4.04 3.66 3.41 3.74 Total hunter trips 45,544 48,812 46,804 36,323 44,199 Geese per man-day 0.280 0.249 0.302 0.367 0.256. Geese per man-season 0.958 1.005 1.107 1.248 0.957 Total goose kill 12,755 12,144 14,158 13,315 11,336 Canada geese 11,216 11,573 13,425 12,942 10,855 Snow geese 1,539 572 733 373 480' Combined Statewide Kill ExEanded Canada geese 15,691 17' 036 20,492 19,381 15,911. Snow geese 2,106 855 1,115 776 739 Total geese 17,797 17,891 21,607 20,157 16,650 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. Date 10-19-76 11-8-76 12-8-77 Aerial Counts of Swan Population Number Counted 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.· ... 00 I-' Table 6. Summary of hunti.ng activity and s~1ccess during Utah 1 s statewide whlst1ing swan seasons, 1965-77. 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 Total hunter-days with: swan as an objective swan· as the main objective 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 90 90 90 86 86 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 93 2495 2294 2766 4342 6346 7670 5823 6563 5619 7397 8874 8877 8097 995a 1000 1000 1000 2500 2500 2495c 2500 2500 2500 2500 2500 2488d 92 4700 95 91 93 70 89 70 88 65 85.5 65.6 84.5 86.6 63.0 e 88.2 e 86.7 e 4000 4800 4300 10000 11600 11067 11097 1900 4600 5300 7855 5076 9533 11305 11072 e e e 86.2 e 90.8 e 9685 8411 e e Total swan bag 336 491 246 520 1290 812 916 754 981 928 929 764 1277 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 Swans reported hit, not knocked down 236 331 234 305 951 748 722 492 e e e e 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. The five permittees moved from the state and the permits were not reissued. d Eleven permits were undeliverable. One permittee died prior to permit delivery. Permits were not reissued. e These questions were omitted from the questionnaire. 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 Number of snipe hunters 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 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. WATERFOWL BANDING No post:...season banding took place in Utah during this period. -- 82 I I I I· I I I, 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: Waterfowl Survey and Inventory Title: Waterfowl Harvest Project No.: W-27-R-30 Study: 1 Job: 1 Period Covered: 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 pre- season 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 ten- year 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. Influences: 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. 84 t I l l l I ! 1 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 pos- session, 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. Hunting season regulations for waterfowl, Washington 1977. Ducks Open area West Wa. Dates i.nclusive Open Closes Noon Oct. 15 Jan. 15 East Wa. Noon Length/ days 93 Limits Daily Possession 7 14 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. Mergansers* Same areas and dates as ducks. 5 10 Coot *Hooded Merganser: No more than one (1) in daily bag or (2) in possession limit. Same areas and dates as ducks. 25 25 85 00 ()) ---?------:-~---------~-------~-- Figure 1 What com Hunting Regions Of Washington ---.....,..__ -------·-~ ------~-------...... I I I I FAR EASTER~ I ----------,--"------ Adams I 1 Wh•lman I I Table 1. (cont.) Geese Limits Open area Dates inclusive Open Closes Length/ days Daily Possession Statewide** Except:** Extended Season: ** Island, Noon Oct. 15 Jan. 15 93 3 Island, Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom counties Oct. 15 Jan. 22 100 Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom counties Noon Oct. 15 Jan. 1 79 3 6 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 Species Ducks, geese, merganers, .and coot Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Brant Statewide Nov. 19 Feb. 19 93 2 3 4 6 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 in- formation 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. 87 Ducks: The state duck bag was 824,910, down 14 percent from 1976 and.the ten-year average (Table 3). Table 2. Waterfowl hunters and bag in Washington. Waterfowl Average season Total bag Year hunters waterfowl bag Ducks Geese Total 1977 81,600 10.7 824,910 50,800 875,710 1976 88,400 11.6 960,360 62,260 1,022,620 Ten-year Average 90,800 11.2 961,300 59,450 1,020,300 Table 3. Species composition of Washington du~k bag. 1976 Percentage of duck harvest Species 1977 1967-76 Av. 1977 1976 1967-76 Av. Mallard 371,600 461,300 509,300 45 48 53 Pintail 106,300 96,500 86,200 13 10 9 Green-w. teal 149,200 182,900 141,300 18 19 15 Wigeon 137,400 128,700 150,200 17 13 16 Other 60,400 91,000 74,300 7 10 8 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 't' i Table 4. Distribution of waterfowl hunting bag in Washington -1977 season. ---------------------------------------Hunting regions------------------------------------ North South Columbia N. Puget, S. Puget Pacific Columbia Entire S~ecies Central Central Basin Eastern Sound ·sound Coast River State Mallard 7,580 86,280 140,330 26,120 77,810 19,050 8,530 5,930 371,630 Gadwa 11 390 700 1,300 30 100 2,520 Wigeon 1,010 7,720 16,900 23,570 29,200 24,640 22,010 12,360 137,410 Green-winged teal 4,040 13,920 39,240 4,560 54,620 22,360 4,990 5,430 149 '160 Blue-winged teal 190 60 150 4,520 4,920 Shoveler 1,820 2,260 3,230 450 4,580 220 12,560 Pintail 4,340 15,320 9,790 36,120 24,480 8,480 7,790 106,320 Woodduck 250 . 250 Redhead 1,560 30 30 1,620 Canvasback 200 600 300 740 1,680 960 110 4,590 Scaup 2,020 660 1,850 3,350 2,770 1,950 5,290 17,890 Ringnecked duck 420 260 100 780 Goldeneye 60 610 500 440 2,510 200 4,380 Bufflehead 510 140 300 1 ,770 1,670 1,640 440 6,470 00 Ruddy duck 140 60 30 250 190 670 1.0 Seater 70 640 870 60 110 1,750 r~erganser 120 180 580 590 60 240 1 ,770 Old squaw 220 220 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------· Total Ducks 15 '160 116,230 220,460 64,840 210,270 101 ,600 58,430 37,920 824,910 Large Canada goose 880 2,870 6,780 4,450 190 410 940 760 17,280 Lesser Canada goose 760 8,510 12,230 3,070 1 ,350 270 1,290 2,390 29,870 Snow goose 1,680 20 1 '700 Whitefronted goose 100 50 150 Black brant 1,740 60 1,800 Total Geese 1,640 11,380 19,010 7,520 5,060 680 2,360 3,150 50,800 Coot 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 un- seasonably 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: 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 Date Brant Field Checks November 35 December 4 January 8 Total 47 Club Totals November 9 December 89 January 50 February 10 Total 158 Adults 13 2 6 21 3 20 20 7 50 Immatures 22 2 2 26 6 69 30 3 108 *Percent Immatures 63% 50% 25% 55% 67% 76% 60% 30% 68% * Aged by club member utilizing immature plumage characteristics. 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 long- term average. 90 . i I \ I r I • I v I I ! " ! ! . 1 i t i ' I • ! 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 long- term 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 Average (Green-w. teal, Canada Counting Area Period Years Mallard Pintail, Wigeon) Goose Columbia Basin 1977 Waters· Late Nov. 11 count: 85,600 5,700 46,500 Departure: -48% -69% +109% McNary Pool Late Nov. 7 14,800 2,100 4,500 +64% +31% +96% McNary NWR Late Nov. 8 22,100 3,000 26,500 +64% +7% +215% Toppenish Late Nov. 6 7,900 Tr. -84% Hanford Area Late Nov. 9 2,600 100 400 -95% -98% -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 ten- year 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. 91 1.0 N Table 7. Comparison of key census counts in Skagit County, Washington -fall of 1977 with long-term average in Skagit area. 1 Counting Counting Average Green-w. Canada I Area Period Years Mallard Pintail teal Wigeon goose Skagit Early 1977 Oct. 15 count: 74,300 81,600 25,000 39,700 Late Oct. Late Nov. Early Dec. Departure, all counts 1977 from average Mallard +86% Pintail +85% Green-w. teal Wigeon Snow goose Brant +53% +24% -32% +114% 14 13 13 Depart.:+202% +166% 85% 59% 80,000 80,000 . 37,000 32,200 +108% +85% +64% +2% 75,900 45,600 21,400 47,500 +74% +75% +62% +60% 42,600 24,000 20,000 37,700 +15% -10% +25% -3% Snow 9oose 3,000 +50% 13,400 +25% 9,900 -46% 10,400 -43% Brant 1,700 +467% 2,200 -21% 5,200 30% ~ ........... ____ ._..,.__ ia-.:...-. ..,._ -------~----~ --;t-~ ---........__ .. __ ..., -----4-______ ,..._____ --------~ . --=-.-...~--·-------· --~~-·--------------"""'!"""·---~ _..,. ____ ----------__ ......,.., ______ --· ----~.;-------... ·------· ------- 1.0 w Table 8. Comparison of counts in major wintering areas of Washington -January 1978 with 1968-1977 averages. Other Diving* Canada** Snow Area Date Mallard Dabblers Ducks ' Goose Goose Southcentral January 1978 123,000 10,000 1,100 72,200 1968-1977 Av. 225,300 18,800 2,000 24,500 Departure -45% -47% -45% +195% Columbia Basin January 1978 95,600 1,700 3,800 9,100 1968-1977 Av. 232,900 8,200 5,100 12,800 Departure -59% -79% -25% -29% Puget Sound January 1978 60,500 113,500 262,200 300 14,400 1968-1977 Av. 56,900 106,100 146,400 300 18,600 Departure +6% +7% +79% 0% -23% Southwestern January 1978 11,000 16,200 10,400 4,600 1968-1977 Av. 11,000 38,100 8,600 4,400 100 Departure 0% -57% +21% +5% 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). -Table 9.· Winter and spring brant counts -Skagit County, 1971-197a. Date Number of brant Mean 1971 January 4 8,140 January -5,544 April 16 73,500 February -5,125 1972 January 6 2,980 March -11 ,894 April 13 20,300 April 17 31,650 April-36,051 April 19 46,500 May-17,267 ------1973 January (second week) 2,650 94 Table 9. (cont.) Date Number of brant Mean 1974 January (second week) 2,680 January 30 4,650 March 14 12,280 April 8 24,000 April 15 24,000 April 16 30,000 1975 January 10 3,710 February 24 2,650 April 8 13,930 April 14 45,610 April 18 56,610 April 25 53,500 1976 January 5 4,990 March 1 5,502 April 1 16,227 April 30 34,540 May 4 6,300 May 6 7,000 1977 January 12 10,900 March 10 17,900 April 18 43,200 January 17 9,200 February 27 7,600 April ·2 22,000 1978 April 25 41,250 May 10 38,500 Table 10. Waterfowl banding summary for waterfowl banded under Department of Game banding permit, 1976. Male Female Unclassified seecies Area Ad Im Lo Ad Im Lo M F Ad Im Lo Pre-Season: Canada Goose So. Puget Sound 2 2 21 Total Waterfowl Prepared by: Richard C. Parker Game Biologist-11-~ Q4. '.--- Approved by: -- ~Jo~h-n-wR-.~P~a~tt~e-r~s-on-,-.A-ss~t~.~Ch~i~e~f- Game Management Division Wa~hington State Department of Game 95 Total 25 25