flight of ducks as compared to 1962, Pro- 
duction ratios, as reflected by age ratios in 
the kill, should be approximately equal to 
1960, It is emphasized that this increase is 
in relation to the 1962 fall flight which was 
about 50 percent below the level reached in 
the mid-1950’s,. The number of mallards in 
the Columbia Basin should increase over the 
high level of the past several years, 
Geese and Brant 
According to the annual winter survey, 
populations of all geese except cacklers de- 
creased in January 1963, as compared to 
the previous year, Cackling geese increased 
25 percent, while Canada geese decreased 22 
percent, Ross’s geese decreased 10 percent, 
snow geese decreased 11 percent, and white- 
fronted geese decreased 36 percent, Since 
production data for geese are lacking, average 
production must be assumed. Therefore, itis 
estimated that the fall flight of all geese will 
be the same as in 1962, but as compared to 
1961, the flights of cackling geese will be 
larger, while the flights of Canada, Ross’s, 
snow, and white-fronted geese will be 
smaller, 
The number of wintering brant decreased 
a small amount for the second consecutive 
year. Also, a severe storm during the nest- 
ing seastn.on the Yukon-Kuskokwim breeding 
ground completely eliminated production 
from this important area, Recently, a crew 
captured 4,000 brant for banding in this area 
without finding a singly immature. It is ex- 
pected, therefore, that the fall flight of brant 
this year will show a sharp reduction, 
Coots 
Production of coots in most important 
breeding areas is expected to be better and 
a small increase in the fall flight of this 
species is anticipated, 
CENTRAL FLYWAY 
Ducks 
It is anticipated that there will be at least 
a moderate increase in the fall flight of ducks 
in the Central Flyway as compared to 1962, 
The age ratios in the fall flight should at 
least be as good as in 1960, or perhaps 
57 
better. It is emphasized, however, that the 
breeding population this year was smaller 
than in 1960 and was markedly smaller than 
during the mid- 1950's, 
Geese 
All wintering geese in the Central flyway 
increased in January 1963 as comparedtothe 
previous year, with Canada, snow, and white- 
fronted geese increasing 23 percent, 85 per- 
cent, and 147 percent, Since goose production 
data are lacking, average production is 
assumed. Therefore, it is expected that the 
fall flight of all species of geese will be the 
same as in 1962. Compared to 1961, itis 
expected that the fall flight of Canada geese 
will increase a small amount, while the flight 
of snow and white-fronted geese willincrease 
considerably, 
Coots 
The production of coots in most important 
breeding areas has increased this year. 
Therefore, a small increase in the fall flight 
of this species is expected. 
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY 
Ducks 
It is anticipated that there will be at least 
a moderate increase in the fall flight of ducks 
in the Mississippi Flyway this year. The 
age ratios in the fall flight should be at least 
as good as 1960 or perhaps a little better, It 
is emphasized, that the breeding population 
this year was smaller than 1960 and was 
markedly smaller than during the mid- 1950's, 
Geese 
All wintering geese in the MississippiFly- 
way increased in January 1963, as compared 
to the previous year, Canada geese in- 
creased 29 percent; snow, 53 percent; blue, 
15 percent; and white-fronted geese, 61 per- 
cent, Since goose production data are lack- 
ing, average production is assumed, There- 
fore, it is expected that the fall flight of all 
geese will be the same asin1962, Compared 
to 1961, it is expected that the fall flight of 
