Bird Research: Duck Ecology in Northern Wisconsin

Objectives of this research are to determine breeding densities, production, harvest characteristics, and habitat use for duck populations in Wisconsin´s northern forests.

Background

Historically, southeastern Wisconsin has held the best duck breeding habitat in the state. This region also has the best agricultural lands; hence, it has suffered the greatest loss of wetlands through drainage for agriculture as well as urban development and roads. Intensive regional waterfowl studies showed that ducks which did nest on and around remaining wetlands had very low nest success and low brood survival, primarily due to mammalian predators.

In contrast, lakes and wetlands in northern Wisconsin are inherently less productive, but their value to ducks has not been as seriously diminished by human activities. Because future duck hunting opportunities in Wisconsin are likely to become increasingly dependent upon birds produced in northern forest habitats, it is important that we have a better understanding of duck populations and habitat within that region. Wisconsin hunters could benefit by increased recreation with a more abundant waterfowl resource.

For more information on this topic, please contact:
Gerald Bartelt
(608) 221-6344