Game, Fish and Parks: Continent’s Duck Population Soaring

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks says information gathered to monitor migratory waterfowl numbers shows North America's duck population is soaring.

The Capital Journal reports that the continent's duck population is up about 1 percent over last year at about 49.5 million birds

The Game, Fish and Parks Commission set season dates and duck and geese daily bag limits at the August meeting.

Agency waterfowl biologist Rocco Murano says there will be record mallard and green-winged teal populations this year.

The number of canvasbacks is also up.

Hunters this year will be able to take two canvasbacks a day when filling their six-duck limit.

The state has a lower duck population than it did in 2014. But Murano says 2.5 million ducks is 6 percent above the long-term average.

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