The Fall Issue of Delta Waterfowl Magazine is on the way...

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s annual Waterfowl Population Status report is out. The total breeding population of ducks was estimated at 33.44 million, a slight 2% decline from last year and 6% below the long-term average. 

Puddle duck populations continue to decline on the breeding grounds, especially mallards, pintails, and blue-winged teal, but diver populations are up. Canvasbacks, redheads, scaup, and ring-necked ducks increased from 2025.

Our staff of expert scientists breaks down the duck survey, conditions in the duck factory, and what it means for hunters this fall.

More from the Fall issue:

• Canada goose and lesser snow goose populations continue to climb
• On Cape with Elmer Crowell, the godfather of decoy carving
• Nebraska hunter shoots 17-year-old cackler from the Canadian Arctic
• Copper shot is the next new non-toxic ammo