BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s annual midwinter waterfowl survey indicates Canada geese numbers are down from last year’s record.
The survey in early January indicated 26,360 Canada geese in the state, down from 222,890 in 2016.
Migratory game bird biologist Andy Dinges says above-average snowfall and below-average temperatures that began in late November continued up until the survey, creating poor wintering conditions for Canada geese and mallard ducks. Dinges says last year, wintering conditions were “excellent.”
An estimated 23,100 Canada geese were observed on the Missouri River, and another 700 were scattered on Nelson Lake in Oliver County. Lake Sakakawea had nearly 500.
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