North Dakota hunters are expected to see a larger fall flight of ducks this year after summer rains improved brood habitat.
The state Game and Fish Department forecasts the fall flight will be about 9% larger than last year. That estimate combines the department’s May breeding duck survey with its July brood survey. Biologists counted 55% more broods than in 2025, while the mid-July water index increased 36%.
Biologists say timely rains improved wetland conditions in far northwestern North Dakota and around Devils Lake.
Blue-winged teal and gadwall accounted for nearly 53% of the identified broods. Redhead broods reached the highest count in the survey’s 62-year history, while gadwall and northern pintail broods also increased sharply.
Game and Fish officials say intact prairie wetlands remain central to sustaining duck production in the years ahead.
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