
The current hatch appears to be later than that of 1955 for certain 
species and about the same as last year for others. Since the late hatch 
primarily concerns blue-winged teal, a normally abundant epeciess it appears 
that total production for 1956 may equal that of 1955.. ; 
The average 1956 mid-July brood size (all. species) for 515 broods was 
6.37 young per brood. This is 15 percent smaller than the average 1955 brood 
size of 7.38 young per brood, and 17 percent smaller than the 1953-1955, 
three-year average brood size of 7.64 young per brood. The indicated decrease 
in brood size may reflect the general absence of normally large Bae -winged 
teal broods, as of mid-July. 
Table [II- Mid-July Indices to Water Areas and Brood Densitiés and 1955- 
1956 Trends in Eastern South Dakota : 7h) 
Water Areas Ducks Broods 

Physiographic Per Sq. Mile* i | Per Sq. Mile 
Division 1955 1956 Change ._ 1955 1956 Change 
eee eee eee ee ——————e—eeeeeeeeoeeo——————————————————————————ee 
Minnesota Valley 0.56 = 2.56 +357% 0.556 0.111 -80% 
Prairie Hills 1.60 3.28 4+105% 0.906 0.788 -13% 
James River Valley 0.84 °#£x.£1.36 + 62% 0.181 0.132 -27% 
Missouri Hills 1.77 1.99 + 12% 0. 329 0.300 - 9% 
East-River Totals 1.22 2.02 + 66% 0.406 0.336 -17% 

* Water areas of all types other than streams 
Conclusions - 
It is estimated that the fall flight of ducks from South Dakota will be 
-about the same as last year. | 
NORTH DAKOTA 
Weather and Water Conditions - 
Very good moisture conditions and abundant water areas prevailed 
throughout most of the State during the early spring. The precipitation for | 
June and July was near normal with a few local areas receiving heavy rains 
of three to four inches. Hail was reported to have caused crop damage in 
some areas. At the present time, water conditions appear to be about average 
or only ape above average throughout most of North Dakota. 
58 
