DULUTH — A survey by the Department of Natural Resources shows the number of breeding ducks and geese in Minnesota is significantly higher than last year.
The state's estimated breeding duck population was 687,000. That's up from last year's estimate of 531,000, and 11 percent higher than the long-term average of 622,000 breeding ducks.
The Canada goose population is estimated at 370,000. That's up from last year's estimate of 311,000.
The DNR says the estimated number of wetlands is the highest on record, at 360,000. That's 44 percent above the long-term average.
DNR waterfowl specialist Steve Cordts says with these wetland conditions, he expects a good number of ducks to be hatched this year.
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The DNR will announce this fall's waterfowl hunting regulations this month.
