Production Indices - 
It is too early to determine the result of this year's breeding 
activities but indications are that the production will be moderate at 
best. 
The first waterfowl broods, primarily mallard and pintail, were 
noted during the last week of May. Early broods were very small in 
number but brood size is now considered to be quite favorable. 
Blue-winged teal broods were becoming common about the middle of 
July. 
The information available at the present time indicates that the 
peak of the waterfowl hatch will occur about mid-August which is three 
to four weeks later than normal. 
Conclusions = 
It is estimated that waterfowl production in North Dakota will be 
somewhat less than last year. 
: . 
SOUTH DAKOTA 
Weather and Water Conditions - 

The density of water areas at the start of the waterfowl breeding 
season in South Dakota has built up over the past three years to a peak 
of 7.23 water areas per square mile in 1953. During the past winter 
snowfall was light, especially in the western part of the State. Rainfall 
during the early spring failed to bring water levels to their previous 
point, and as a result there were only 4.64 water areas per square © 
mile at the start of the breeding season. This represents a decrease 
of 36 percent below the 1953 density and is 22 percent below the 1950-53, - 
4-year average of 5.93 water areas per square mile. 
This reduction in water areas was general over the State but was 
mast severe in Missouri Hills (56%) and James River Valley (50%). 
The Missouri Plateau suffered moderately (32%) and the Minnesota 
Valley and Prairie Hills were affected the least (10% and 22%, 
respectively). 
Rainfall between the time of the breeding population survey in 
mid-May and the brood survey in mid-July was not sufficient to check 
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