
CENTRAL - FLY Way 
_ Production Index ~- Extensive aerial brood surveys were initiated in eastern 
South Dakota this year, thus there is little data from previous years for . 
comparative purposes, A total of 34,470 square miles were sampled and 
an index figure of 25,500 broods calculated, 
The inclement weather during the spring and early summer resulted 
in a duck hatch which was delayed up to as much as three weeks in the 
northern part of the State. This. late hatch seems to have reduced the 
production of pintails and mallards somewhat but the production of the later 
nesting species is up to par or a little. better, Itis estimated, therefore, 
that the production for the 1953 season will be equal to that of 1: 
Conclusions - South Dakota s will send about the same number of birds south 
as it did last year, although the flight may include fewer mallards and pintails | 
and more of the later nesting species. 
