Waterfowl Population Monitoring PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION BUREAU OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT RESEARCH DIVISION PROJECT ANNUAL JOB REPORT

PROJECT CODE NO: 06510

TITLE: Waterfowl Research/Management

JOB CODE NO.: 51004

TITLE: Waterfowl Population Monitoring

PERIOD COVERED: July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000

COOPERATING AGENCIES: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), Office of Migratory Bird Management; Cooperating Atlantic Flyway States

WORK LOCATION(S): Statewide

PREPARED BY: Ian D. Gregg, John P. Dunn, and Kevin J. Jacobs

DATE: August 25, 2000

Abstract: The objectives of this project are to monitor the status of breeding and wintering populations of waterfowl in Pennsylvania and the Atlantic Flyway (AF), and to assess the effects of harvest regulation changes on the waterfowl resource. As in 1998, 1999 duck hunting frameworks included a 60- day season; however, the daily bag limit increased from 5 to 6 birds. For the first time since 1994, a regular Canada goose season was held statewide, as population recovery of migrant Atlantic Population (AP) geese allowed for the reopening of a limited fall season in eastern Pennsylvania where potential exists for harvest of AP geese. The Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) harvest area was further defined to include just southwestern Crawford County and the late Canada goose season was expanded to include Erie, Mercer, Butler and portions of Crawford Counties. Total Pennsylvania goose harvest was 94,700 (USFWS estimate), 72% of which occurred during early and late seasons again held to target increasing resident flocks. This was a 4% increase over the 1998 harvest. Snow goose harvests declined substantially from 1998 in both Pennsylvania (13,600 to 2,900) and the AF (110,900 to 39,200). Pennsylvania’s total duck harvest increased 9% to 143,000, despite a 7% decrease (41,848 to 38,815) in the number of active adult waterfowl hunters in the state. A total of 53,206 waterfowl were observed in January during the Pennsylvania portion of the 2000 Midwinter Waterfowl Survey. Pennsylvania counts for Canada geese (29,388), snow geese (1,400), and tundra swans (1,106) were lower than the 10-year state average, but total AF counts for these species were above the 10-year average. Pennsylvania counts for mallards (7,184) and black ducks (3,878) were both above the 10-year state average, while at the AF

file:///C|/Game/pgc/reports/wildlife_rep/99wmar/51004-99.htm (1 of 17) [10/29/2003 11:18:56 AM] Waterfowl Population Monitoring level mallards were below and black ducks above the 10-year average. In the Pennsylvania portion of the 2000 AF Breeding Waterfowl Survey, conducted in April and May, breeding pair estimates for mallards (88,443 pairs), wood ducks (43,296 pairs), black ducks (354 pairs), and Canada geese (85,379 pairs) all decreased from 1999, although all remained near or above 10-year averages. Wetland habitat conditions in early spring 2000 were below average across much of Pennsylvania and the northern AF region, but abundant rainfall in late spring and summer provided much improved brood habitat conditions, which should result in good waterfowl production for 2000. The spring population of migrant AP geese increased again, to 93,230, but poor production is expected across much of this population’s breeding habitat due to the effects of inclement weather on nesting conditions. In contrast, the spring population estimate for SJBP geese declined 35% to 89,000, but nesting conditions were better for this population and good production is expected in 2000.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the status of breeding and wintering waterfowl populations in Pennsylvania and assess the effects of hunting regulation changes on the waterfowl resource.

PROCEDURES

Hunter activity and waterfowl harvest were estimated from the USFWS Waterfowl Harvest Survey, the Harvest Information Program (HIP), and the PGC’s Game Take Survey.

Age ratios of juveniles per adult in the fall harvest are obtained from the USFWS Parts Collection Survey. This survey samples a number of duck stamp buyers who send in wings of ducks and tails of geese from which species, sex, and age are determined. Age ratios are calculated for each species at the flyway and state level.

Estimates of wintering numbers of waterfowl are obtained from the Midwinter Waterfowl Survey. All states in the Atlantic Flyway conduct this survey in early January. It is primarily an aerial count of waterfowl on their wintering grounds. Survey methods were similar to past years.

Information on breeding population size of mallards, black ducks, wood ducks, and Canada geese was obtained from the Atlantic Flyway Breeding Waterfowl Survey. This survey has been conducted annually since 1989 in Pennsylvania and other Atlantic Flyway states from Virginia north. Identical 1- km2 plots are surveyed each year for ducks and geese from mid-April to early May. Breeding pair units are determined from the presence of pairs, lone drakes, and groups of drakes. Breeding pair estimates show large 95% confidence intervals on the state level; the survey is designed to yield <20% coefficient of variation on the mean over the entire Northeast United States region. Therefore, breeding pair trends over several years are more useful to follow than individual year estimates for Pennsylvania.

FINDINGS

file:///C|/Game/pgc/reports/wildlife_rep/99wmar/51004-99.htm (2 of 17) [10/29/2003 11:18:56 AM] Waterfowl Population Monitoring Hunter Activity and Harvest

Waterfowl hunting regulations for the 1999-2000 season are presented in Appendix 1. Duck season length was 60 days, with outside framework dates of October 1 and January 20. The daily duck bag limit increased to 6 from 5 in 1998. Most species and sex specific regulations were the same as in 1998, but the daily limit on hen mallards was 2 birds (up from 1 in 1998), and the daily limit on scaup was 3 birds (down from 4 in 1998). The 13-day closed period on black ducks implemented in 1998 was again in place for the North, Northwest, and South duck zones to meet harvest reduction goals for this species.

For the first time since 1994, all of Pennsylvania had a regular Canada goose season. Evidence of an ongoing population recovery of AP geese allowed for the re-opening of a limited (split 15-day, 1 bird bag limit) season in the eastern third of Pennsylvania where these birds could potentially be harvested. Based upon band recovery and neckband observation data the boundaries for the SJBP harvest zone were changed to include only the southwest portion of Crawford County. A 35-day 1-bird daily bag limit was maintained in the SJBP zone with season dates of November 15–December 24. A November 15- December 30 regular season with a daily bag limit of 2 birds was in place for the rest of the state excluding the AP area. In addition to the regular goose season, early and late seasons were again held to harvest increasing resident Canada geese. The early season (September 1-25) was held statewide (except for Pymatuning area), with a daily bag limit of 5 birds in southeastern Pennsylvania and 3 birds in the rest of the state. The late season (January 15-February 15), was expanded to include Erie, Mercer, Butler and portions of Crawford Counties. All of Pennsylvania except for the southeastern counties and SJBP area now enjoy a late Canada goose season with a daily bag limit of 5 birds.

The number of active adult waterfowl hunters in Pennsylvania for the 1999 season (as determined from USFWS surveys) was estimated at 38,815, a 7% decrease from 1998. For the Atlantic Flyway, overall numbers of waterfowl hunters declined about 3% to 230,964.

Waterfowl harvest estimates for Pennsylvania by USFWS and PGC are presented in Table 1. As in past years, PGC Game Take Survey estimates were higher than USFWS Harvest Survey estimates. Estimates of total duck harvest for the 1999-2000 season ranged from 143,000 (USFWS) to 169,896 (PGC). The 1999 duck harvest increased 9% over the 1998 harvest of 131,300, and was the highest since 1982. Daily duck bag per hunter increased 20% to 0.53, equaling 1995 as the highest success rate since 1967. Seasonal duck harvest per hunter jumped 30% to 4.53, easily the highest on record. Total Atlantic Flyway duck harvest was 1,972,900, a 1% increase over 1998 and the highest since 1976.

The 4 most commonly harvested duck species in Pennsylvania were mallard (46% of the total harvest), wood duck (28%), green-winged teal (7%), and black duck (5%). Harvest estimates for the past 10 years for the major duck species in the Pennsylvania harvest (the above plus blue-winged teal and scaup) are presented in Table 2. Pennsylvania harvests increased for all 6 of these species in 1999. Wood duck harvest increased 1% from 1998, equaling the 1978 record of 39,500 birds. Black duck harvest (6,400 birds) increased 28% over 1998, but remained 42% below the 1977-81 base year period average, thus meeting the harvest reduction goal. Green-winged teal harvest increased 41% to 9,300 birds, the second

file:///C|/Game/pgc/reports/wildlife_rep/99wmar/51004-99.htm (3 of 17) [10/29/2003 11:18:56 AM] Waterfowl Population Monitoring highest harvest on record for Pennsylvania. The top 10 counties in total duck harvest were Lancaster, Crawford, Mercer, Bucks, York, Bedford, Berks, Huntingdon, Westmoreland, and Venango.

Total Canada goose harvest estimates for Pennsylvania (Table 1) ranged from 94,700 (USFWS) to 118,682 (PGC). This represented a 4% increase over 1998 and was the second highest recorded harvest in Pennsylvania. The largest proportion of the harvest (59,500 birds or 63%) again occurred in the September season, with the regular and late seasons contributing 28% and 9%, respectively, of the total harvest. The top 10 counties in terms of Canada goose harvest were Adams, Crawford, Bucks, Lancaster, Berks, York, Lebanon, Montgomery, Erie, and Clarion. For the Atlantic Flyway, total Canada goose harvest was 344,900, a 4% increase over 1998 and the highest since 1987.

Snow goose harvest in Pennsylvania was 2,900 birds (USFWS). Although this was the third highest harvest on record, it represented a 79% decrease from the record 1998 harvest. Total snow goose harvest for the flyway also declined sharply (65%) to 39,200 birds.

The number of juveniles per adult in the Atlantic Flyway harvest is shown in Table 3. Although a few species such as green-winged teal and gadwall experienced excellent production as demonstrated by high immature: adult ratios, a majority of species in the flyway exhibited declines in age ratios for a second consecutive year, probably reflecting drier than average wetland conditions in the northeastern United States in 1999.

Midwinter Waterfowl Survey

The Pennsylvania portion of the 2000 Midwinter Waterfowl Survey was conducted January 5-7. Survey methods generally were similar to those used in past years, with fixed-wing aerial surveys accompanied by ground surveys at Middle Creek WMA. Aerial surveys resumed for Zone 1 segments, where ground surveys were used in 1999 due to weather conditions. With the exception of shallow marshes and backwaters and some small ponds, the majority of water bodies surveyed this year were ice-free. This contrasted with conditions in 1999 when most water bodies were at least 30% frozen. Consequently, waterfowl probably were less concentrated and more difficult to count in 2000, which may have decreased survey numbers.

A total of 53,206 waterfowl were observed in Pennsylvania (Table 4). This included 11,154 dabbling ducks (99% of which were mallards and black ducks), 1,099 diving ducks (predominantly scaup, goldeneyes, and buffleheads), 7,968 mergansers, 30,788 geese (95% of which were Canada geese), and 1,138 total swans. The total number of waterfowl observed was 22% lower than the 9-year high obtained in 1999 and 2% lower than the 10-year average. However, most of this decrease was due to large declines in numbers of Canada geese (34% lower than 1999, 8% lower than the 10-year average) and snow geese (84% lower than 1999, 69% lower than the 10-year average).

Total numbers of dabbling ducks, diving ducks, mergansers, and swans all increased over 1999, although diving ducks and swans remained below the 10-year average. Mallards increased 15% over 1999 and

file:///C|/Game/pgc/reports/wildlife_rep/99wmar/51004-99.htm (4 of 17) [10/29/2003 11:18:56 AM] Waterfowl Population Monitoring were 26% above the 10-year average, while black duck numbers were 77% higher than in 1999 and 17% above the 10-year average (Table 4). The tundra swan count doubled that of 1999, but was 44% lower than the 10-year average. Because the number of tundra swans wintering in Pennsylvania appears to be inversely related to snow cover, the increase in swan numbers over 1999 may be largely related to the milder weather conditions prevailing during the 2000 survey.

Flyway-level Midwinter Survey results are presented in Appendix 2. For the entire AF, 3,745,263 waterfowl were observed in the Midwinter Survey. This total represented a 12% decline from 1999, but remained 6% above the 10-year average. Although counts of mallards and black ducks increased in Pennsylvania’s 2000 survey, the flyway counts for both species declined from 1999, by 17% for mallards and 18% for black ducks. Mallards were 10% below the 10-year average for the flyway, but black ducks were 2% above the 10-year average. Wood ducks decreased 71% from 1999 and were 49% below the 10- year average. As in Pennsylvania, Canada geese numbers declined from 1999 at the flyway level. In contrast to Pennsylvania, however, the flyway count for this species remained 20% above the 10-year average. The large decline in snow goose numbers in Pennsylvania in 2000 did not reflect a flyway trend, as snow geese at the flyway level increased 24% over 1999 and were 70% above the 10-year average. Because of the potential for widespread habitat degradation by overabundant snow geese, the ongoing population increase of this species reflected in the survey results remains a major management concern.

Breeding Waterfowl Survey

A total of 220 1-km2 plots containing wetland habitats distributed across six physiographic regions (figure 1) of Pennsylvania were field checked for breeding waterfowl. Breeding pair estimates for the most common breeding waterfowl species from the 2000 survey are presented by physiographic strata in Table 5. Survey results from the past 10 years for these and other species encountered during the breeding surveys are presented in table 6.

The number of mallard pairs in 2000 was estimated at 88,443 which is similar to 1991-2000 average of 97,365 pairs, but down from the 1999 estimate of 121,500 pairs. Stratum 10, in southeastern Pennsylvania and stratum 22 in southwestern Pennsylvania had the highest density of breeding mallards (1.57 and 1.10 pairs/km2 respectively). There were an estimated 354 black duck breeding pairs in the Commonwealth during the 2000 survey. This estimate is also similar to past years. Black duck pairs were observed in the northwest (stratum 241) and northeastern (stratum 243) portions of the state. There were 43,296 wood duck breeding pairs estimated during the 2000 survey. This estimate is similar to the 1991- 2000 average of 47,000 pairs, but down from the 1999 estimate of 59,000 pairs. Wood duck densities were highest in southwestern Pennsylvania with 0.8 pairs/km2 and northwestern Pennsylvania with 0.7 pairs/km2.

The 2000 Canada goose population estimate of 225,472 is similar to average and the 1999 estimate. The highest densities of total geese were noted in the northwestern (5.24 geese/km2) and southeastern (3.94 geese/km2) portions of the Commonwealth. Survey observations also indicate 85,379 breeding pairs of Canada geese in the state, which is similar to the 1991-2000 average of 75,300 pairs. Pairs were most

file:///C|/Game/pgc/reports/wildlife_rep/99wmar/51004-99.htm (5 of 17) [10/29/2003 11:18:56 AM] Waterfowl Population Monitoring abundant in the southeast (1.59 pairs/km2) and northwest (1.30 pairs/km2) parts of Pennsylvania.

Breeding pair estimates for the most common breeding species in the Atlantic Flyway were: mallard, 357,114 pairs (down 15% from 1999); black duck, 36,383 pairs (down 6% from 1999); wood duck, 172,931 pairs (down 11% from 1999); and Canada goose, 337,670 pairs (down 11% from 1999). Despite the lower pair estimate for Canada geese, the estimate for total Canada geese (factoring in non-breeding individuals) increased 2% to 1,015,920 birds.

The number of breeding pairs of AP Canada geese in the Ungava Peninsula region of northern Quebec was 93,230, up 20% from 1999. However, poor production is expected from much of this region due to the effects of inclement weather during the nesting season. Conversely, the estimated total population of SJBP Canada geese decreased 35% from 1999 to 89,000 birds, but improved nesting conditions on the Northwest Territories/Ontario breeding grounds of this population are expected to result in good recruitment for 2000.

The number of ducks counted in the traditional mid-continent survey area was 41.8 million, which was similar to last year’s record high estimate of 43.4 million. Mallard abundance was 9.5 million, which is 12% below the 1999 estimate. In the eastern surveyed areas of Canada and Maine the total number of ducks was 3.2 million, which was unchanged from the 1999 estimate. Notable increases were recorded for scaup and scoters. Mallards and green-winged teal decreased from the 1996-99 average, changing 36% and 41%, respectively. Wetland habitat conditions in early spring 2000 were below average across much of Pennsylvania and the northern AF region, but abundant rainfall in late spring and summer provided much improved brood habitat conditions, which should result in good waterfowl production for 2000.

The number of greater snow geese counted on spring staging areas in the St. Lawrence Valley declined 28% from 1999 to 577,300. This was likely due to the poor production experienced in 1999 and the timing of spring hunts in Quebec. Nesting conditions on Bylot Island in the eastern Arctic were again poor in 2000 and below average production is expected due to poor nesting effort and delayed nesting. With the current high population of greater snow geese a large fall flight is expected but with a very low proportion of young.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Continue waterfowl breeding and wintering survey efforts to provide annual information on waterfowl population status.

2. Coordinate with USFWS and Atlantic Flyway states to standardize MWS survey protocols, improve safety, and maximize MWS survey efficiency. Investigate computer and software availability for recording waterfowl and location data during the MWS.

Table 1. Waterfowl harvest in Pennsylvania as estimated by USFWS harvest survey and

file:///C|/Game/pgc/reports/wildlife_rep/99wmar/51004-99.htm (6 of 17) [10/29/2003 11:18:56 AM] Waterfowl Population Monitoring PGC game take surveys.

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 a

Ducks

USFWS 64,400 80,900 68,600 78,550 85,500 104,350 113,740 141,830 131,300 143,000

PGC 110,200 90,400 93,700 133,400 128,160 156,510 152,470 191,800 146,050 169,896

Canada Geese

USFWS 47,400 50,800 50,900 52,180 61,600 54,520 91,250 104,510 91,100 94,700

PGC 72,900 69,100 78,900 84,200 102,980 64,380 83,780 115,510 127,000 118,682

a Preliminary

Table 2. Harvest estimates (USFWS) for major waterfowl species in Pennsylvania.

Species 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999a

Mallard 33,600 41,900 37,900 38,130 50,100 50,230 55,000 71,030 60,900 66,100

Black duck 3,800 5,400 5,200 6,370 4,300 6,530 7,240 8,370 5,000 6,400

Wood duck 16,900 18,600 14,900 20,620 20,300 26,970 29,600 35,720 39,200 39,500

Green-winged teal 2,800 2,500 1,400 2,460 3,400 3,340 2,780 4,780 6,600 9,300

Blue-winged teal 100 300 200 410 800 2,800 1,370 1,140 300 800

Lesser scaup 300 200 900 1,400 600 4,480 1,990 1,950 600 2,500

aPreliminary

file:///C|/Game/pgc/reports/wildlife_rep/99wmar/51004-99.htm (7 of 17) [10/29/2003 11:18:56 AM] Waterfowl Population Monitoring

Table 3. Age ratios (Im/Ad) of the ten most commonly harvested duck species, plus pintails and Canada geese, as determined from wing and tail collections during the 1999- 2000 hunting season, Atlantic Flyway. Presented in order of percentage species composition in the 1998 harvest.

Species 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999a

Mallard 1.41 1.12 1.02 1.36 1.20 1.09 1.15 1.25 1.03 0.90

Wood duck 2.08 1.29 1.20 1.14 1.16 1.24 1.23 1.18 1.09 1.03

Green-winged teal 1.42 1.05 0.90 1.97 2.45 1.81 1.61 2.31 2.33 2.57

Ring-necked duck 1.13 1.61 1.36 1.50 1.16 1.44 1.03 2.05 1.33 1.15

Black duck 1.24 1.23 0.95 1.42 1.16 1.14 0.99 1.38 1.23 1.06

Blue-winged teal 0.88 1.25 2.06 2.30 1.98 2.00 1.03 1.20

Lesser scaup 0.66 1.33 2.31 1.07 0.64 1.05 1.69 0.27

Bufflehead 1.11 0.78 1.21 1.79 0.92 0.74 0.96 0.60

American widgeon 0.72 0.74 0.91 0.87 0.58 1.01 1.23 1.16

Gadwall 1.11 1.60 1.30 1.65 1.52 1.27 0.71 2.31

Pintail 0.84 0.83 0.38 0.82 1.36 0.77 0.81 2.03 1.80 1.08

Canada goose 0.46 0.30 0.17 0.40 0.34 0.36 0.22 0.33 0.26 0.29

aPreliminary

Table 4. Number of waterfowl recorded in zones 1-3 during Pennsylvania’s midwinter waterfowl survey.

Species 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 Avg.

file:///C|/Game/pgc/reports/wildlife_rep/99wmar/51004-99.htm (8 of 17) [10/29/2003 11:18:56 AM] Waterfowl Population Monitoring Canada goose 29,388 44,821 33,350 35,657 40,244 24,195 40,790 22,215 20,900 27,654 31,924

Mallard 7,184 6,274 5,921 6,049 3,452 5,923 3,244 5,456 8,620 4,830 5,695

Black duck 3,878 2,185 5,098 1,378 1,236 5,204 1,923 5,351 4,127 2,847 3,323

Pintail 12 2 13 12 0 0 0 3 2 5 5

Widgeon 1 0 0 3 0 3 0 0 4 3 1

G-w teal 6 0 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

B-w teal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Gadwall 12 1 20 23 0 33 0 15 19 3 13

N. shoveler 61 49 79 23 4 20 0 23 66 73 40

Wood duck 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 24 0 3

Ruddy duck 25 56 66 0 6 0 150 28 2 0 33

Bufflehead 335 102 238 40 4 1,559 194 4 13 667 316

Goldeneye 352 52 161 942 61 320 1,061 600 2,245 3,386 918

Ring-necked 15 1 0 35 7 11 0 23 5 88 19

Scaup 357 400 287 180 25 40 55 425 4,056 843 667

Canvasback 13 66 164 5 2 40 0 5 1,200 294 179

Redhead 0 60 16 1 4 1 0 0 1,000 681 176

Oldsquaw 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 1

Mergansers 7,968 4,263 2,886 1,816 1,773 3,146 9,383 5,468 6,869 4,301 4,787

file:///C|/Game/pgc/reports/wildlife_rep/99wmar/51004-99.htm (9 of 17) [10/29/2003 11:18:56 AM] Waterfowl Population Monitoring Unident.ducks 9 129 35 29 19 29 234 222 190 17 91

Snow goose 1,400 9,023 10,463 11,695 58 12,202 182 1 6 6 4,504

Tundra swan 1,106 553 1,949 3,515 115 2,012 686 4,868 3,058 1,853 1,972

Mute swan 32 10 11 27 13 10 13 9 9 1 14

Coot 1,050 339 420 685 61 1,337 16 75 8 47 404

Totals 53,206 68,388 61,195 62,115 47,084 56,085 57,935 45,571 52,417 39,136 54,316

Table 5. Number of waterfowl breeding pairs + 95% confidence interval by physiographic strata in Pennsylvania for 2000.

Canada goose Canada goose Strata Mallard Black duck Wood duck pairs total

10 20,675 + 11,986 0 6,444 + 4,187 20,944 + 8,288 51,822 + 18,950

13 21,596 + 13,912 0 4,877 + 6,157 16,719 + 10,970 44,585 + 36,585

22 14,650 + 11,495 0 10,654 + 6,978 11,320 + 8,728 35,293 + 34,023

241 6,644 + 3,620 141 + 276 6,927 + 3,697 12,865 + 7,879 51,883 + 41,880

242 13,805 + 11,139 0 5,664 + 4,374 13,097 + 9,431 23,363 + 15,799

243 11,073 + 5,782 213 + 416 8,730 + 4,664 10,434 + 4,515 18,525 + 9,226

24-Total 31,522 + 13,062 354 + 500 21,321 + 7,386 36,396 + 13,092 93,771 + 45,702

88,443 + 25,297 354 + 500 43,296 + 12,598 85,379 + 20,895 225,472 + 2000 PA Total 70,313

file:///C|/Game/pgc/reports/wildlife_rep/99wmar/51004-99.htm (10 of 17) [10/29/2003 11:18:56 AM] Waterfowl Population Monitoring 1991-2000 Avg. 97,365 1,086 47,013 75,299 187,312

Table 6. Pennsylvania waterfowl population estimates for 1991 to 2000.

Species 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 Avg. Estimate

Mallard pairs 88,443121,515 92,453109,767108,731123,174134,065 80,46858,35156,687 97,365

No No Mallard total 185,318246,359191,082223,017220,148264,480275,822170,722 222,119 est. est.

Black duck 354 1,444 1,375 1,444 649 1,760 497 1,184 0 2,157 1,086 pairs

No No Black duck total 709 2,889 2,749 2,889 1,299 3,519 994 2,368 2,177 est. est.

Wood duck 43,296 59,011 52,368 57,733 42,375 45,247 43,048 33,91048,10045,043 47,013 pairs

Wood duck No No 92,648122,783112,629123,140 87,659102,575 98,610 81,519 102,695 total est. est.

Canada goose No 85,379104,343 88,975 87,849 71,120 81,056 57,203 No est. 26,470 75,299 pairs est.

Canada goose No 225,472261,965196,661194,607189,860206,192150,608164,91495,526 187,312 total est.

Bl-wing teal No No 10,293 9,305 15,492 13,697 12,235 5,864 3,224 8,816 9,866 total est. est.

Gr-wing teal No No 7,015 4,338 2,633 3,977 7,856 2,362 418 1,414 3,752 total est. est.

file:///C|/Game/pgc/reports/wildlife_rep/99wmar/51004-99.htm (11 of 17) [10/29/2003 11:18:56 AM] Waterfowl Population Monitoring Hooded merg. No No 3,686 2,833 1,630 5,665 3,097 510 4,246 424 2,761 total est. est.

Common merg. No No 12,292 33,325 11,581 16,304 2,176 8,140 18,343 2,608 13,096 total est. est.

Figure 1. Physiographic zones sampled for breeding waterfowl surveys in Pennsylvania.

Appendix 1 1999-2000 Pennsylvania Waterfowl Seasons

BUREAU OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT MIGRATORY GAME BIRD SECTION

1999/2000 WATERFOWL HUNTING SEASON REGULATIONS

DUCKS, SEA DUCKS, COOTS, AND MERGANSERS

file:///C|/Game/pgc/reports/wildlife_rep/99wmar/51004-99.htm (12 of 17) [10/29/2003 11:18:56 AM] Waterfowl Population Monitoring

BAG LIMITS

DUCKS: 6 daily, 12 in possession; daily limit may not include more than 4 mallards including 2 hen mallards, 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous tree duck, 2 wood ducks, 2 redheads and 3 scaup. Possession limit may not include more than 8 mallards including 4 hens, 2 black ducks, 2 pintails, 2 canvasbacks, 2 mottled ducks, 2 fulvous tree ducks, 4 wood ducks, 4 redheads and 6 scaup.

MERGANSERS: 5 daily, 10 in possession; not more than 1 hooded merganser, 2 in possession.

COOTS: 15 Daily, 30 in possession

SNOW GEESE: 15 daily, no possession limit.

ATLANTIC BRANT: 4 daily, 8 in possession.

Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day (Canada Geese, Ducks, Mergansers, Coots and Moorhens): September 25

SEASON DATES

Lake Erie Zone

All ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers: Oct. 18 – Oct. 30 and Nov. 8 - Jan. 1

North Zone

Black Ducks: Oct. 9 - Nov. 12 and Dec. 21 - Jan. 8 Other ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers: Oct. 9 – Nov. 27 and Dec. 21 – Jan. 8

Northwest Zone

Black Ducks: Oct. 9 – Oct. 23, Nov. 6 – Nov. 12 and Nov. 29 - Dec. 30

Other Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers: Oct. 9 – Oct. 23 and Nov. 6 - Dec. 30

file:///C|/Game/pgc/reports/wildlife_rep/99wmar/51004-99.htm (13 of 17) [10/29/2003 11:18:56 AM] Waterfowl Population Monitoring South Zone

Black Ducks: Oct. 9 – Oct. 16 and Nov. 9 – Dec. 24

Other Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers: Oct. 9 – Oct. 16 and Nov. 9 - Jan. 8

CANADA GEESE

Regular Canada Goose Hunting Season

Southern James Bay Population Zone (The area south of SR 198 from the Ohio state line to intersection of SR 18 to intersection of US Route 322/SR 18, to intersection of SR 3013, south to the Crawford/Mercer County line.)

Nov. 15 – Dec. 24 (1 goose daily bag)

Atlantic Population Zone (The area east of I-83 from the Maryland state line to the intersection of US Route 30 to the intersection of SR 441 to intersection of I-283, east of I-283 to I-83, east of I-83 to intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to the intersection of US Route 322, east of US Route 322 to intersection of SR 147, east of SR 147 to intersection of I-180, east of I-180 to intersection of US Route 220, east of US Route 220 to the New York state line.)

Nov. 20 – 27 and Dec. 31 – Jan. 8 (1 goose daily limit).

Resident Canada Goose Hunting Zone (All of Pennsylvania except for the area south of SR 198 from the Ohio state line to intersection of SR 18 to intersection of US Route 322/SR 18, to intersection of SR 3013, south to the Crawford/Mercer County line (SJBP Zone) and the area east of I-83 from the Maryland state line to the intersection of US Route 30 to the intersection of SR 441 to intersection of I- 283, east of I-283 to I-83, east of I-83 to intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to the intersection of US Route 322, east of US Route 322 to intersection of SR 147, east of SR 147 to intersection of I-180, east of I-180 to intersection of US Route 220, east of US Route 220 to the New York state line (AP Zone).)

Nov. 15 - Dec. 30 (2 goose daily bag).

Late Canada Goose Hunting Season

All of Pennsylvania except for the area south of SR 198 from the Ohio state line to intersection of SR 18

file:///C|/Game/pgc/reports/wildlife_rep/99wmar/51004-99.htm (14 of 17) [10/29/2003 11:18:56 AM] Waterfowl Population Monitoring to intersection of US Route 322/SR 18, to intersection of SR 3013, south to the Crawford/Mercer County line (SJBP Zone) and the area east of I-83 from the Maryland state line to the intersection of US Route 30 to the intersection of SR 441 to intersection of I-283, east of I-283 to I-83, east of I-83 to intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to intersection of I-80, and south of I-80 to the New Jersey state line (AP Zone).

Jan. 15 - Feb. 15 (5 goose daily bag).

Early Canada Goose Hunting Season

(Statewide)Sep. 1 – Sep. 25 (3 goose daily bag, 6 in possession) except 1) no September goose season in that portion of Crawford County south of Route 6 from the Ohio line to its intersection with Route 322 in the town of Conneaut Lake and north of Route 322 west to the Ohio line; however, geese may be taken on the Pymatuning State Park Reservoir and the area extending 100 yards inland from the shoreline, excluding the reservoir area east of State Route 3011, and 2) the daily bag limit is 5 Canada geese, possession limit 10, in the following defined area in southeastern Pennsylvania: the area east of I-83 from the Maryland state line to the intersection of US Route 30 to the intersection of SR 441, east of SR 441 to the intersection of I-283, east of I-283 to I-83, east of I-83 to the intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to the intersection of I-80, and south of I-80 to the New Jersey state line.

BRANT

Oct. 9 – Dec. 6 (2 brant daily limit, 4 in possession)

SNOW GEESE

Nov. 5 - Mar. 10 (15 snow goose daily limit, no possession limit.

Appendix 2

Atlantic Flyway Midwinter Waterfowl Survey, 2000 Final Report

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