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WATERFOWL BREEDING GROUND SURVEY IN WYOMING, 1953 
Robert M. Ballou and George Wrakestraw * 
Introduction 
In May and July, 1953, breeding ground Surveys were conducted for the first 
time on all of the major breeding areas in Wyoming. In 1952 only the western slope 
drainages and a portion of the North Platte River drainage were censused, Comparative 
data on the success of the breeding seasons in 1952 and 1953 are available in some 
areas. Results obtained, particularly from the July brood counts, indicate that 
sampling methods will have to be revised to secure reasonably accurate total waterfowl 
production figures for the State. 
Methods 
For the second year aerial coverage by streams was the principal technique 
employed for the survey. Due to the much larger coverage this year, ground surveys 
were used to a much lesser extent. Data were classified by drainages. In as much as 
possible, the same planes, pilots and survey personnel were used as in 1952. 
In accordance with recommendations made by the Technical Committee of the 
Central Flyway Council, an attempt has been made this year to arrive at a tentative 
figure for total waterfowl breeding pair populations for Wyoming. It is believed that 
virtually all of the goose nesting habitat in the State was surveyed, and the goose 
breeding population total was taken directly from the census sheets. 
To obtain the total State-wide duck breeding population the breeding ducks per 
mile for the streams flown in each drainage was computed. The resultant figure for 
each drainage was then multiplied by the total miles of stream within each drainage. 
Adjustments were made where necessary to conform with known variables. It is 
recognized that this technique is subject to a number of serious errors, but greater 
familiarity with the waterfowl] habitat within the State and more representative sampling 
in future years should eventually bring the estimated total duck breeding population 
figure close to reality. 
Drainage Characteristics, Weather, and Water Conditions 
Western Slope Drainages 
Water conditions for the Snake, Salt, Bear and Green River drainages were little 
below average this year. An early, dry, warm Spell followed by a period of low 
temperatures and unsettled weather, made for a late, relatively even spring run-off. 
Central and Eastern Wyoming 
The central and eastern sections of Wyoming, surveyed for the first time this 
year, fall into three large drainage regions. The North Platte River drainage occupies 
the southeast quarter of the State, In its upper reaches, the Platte is a fast-flowing, 
* Assisted by Robert L. Patterson, Associate Biologist; State Game Supervisors 
and Deputy Game Wardens; and Carl Mueller, U. 5. Fish and Wildlife Service 
Game Management Agent. 
