
MICHIGAN 
Breeding Population Indices 
Surveys were made to appraise waterfowl production through- 
out the State by using conventional float-trip census methods on selected 
aquatic sites. Sample check areas on each of the 16 districts are covered 
to obtain a comparative index of change for breeding pairs and.numbers of 
broods. Coverage has remained essentially the same for the past nine years. 
The potential breeding population compared to the previous 
years were as follows: 
Lineal Miles | Potential Breeders 
Year Censused , Per Lineal Miles 
1949 85 6.80 
1950 | 81 7.91 
1951 ; 120 8.18 
1952 82 | heels 
1953 ° 95.5 12.75 
1954 93.5 12.31 
1955 111.2 | 11,00 
1956 110.5 11.48 
1957 . 135.4 9.30 
Comparisons show the potential breeding population were down 
slightly from that of the last four years but close to the past eight-year 
average. 
The species composition of the potential breeding population 
as determined on these sample check areas follows: 
Mallard 27.7 percent 
Black Duck 23.7 percent 
Blue-winged Teal 19.8 percent 
Wood Duck 4.9 percent 
Ring-necked Duck 7.0 percent 
Mergansers 0.3 percent 
Pintail 0.5 percent 
Goldeneye 0.5 percent 
Unidentified 9.7 percent 
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