22 
In early summer the tri-State area was 
characterized by hot weather and a general 
lack of precipitation. The lack of rainfall 
resulted in deterioration of pasture lands 
and greatly curtailed production of small 
grains. Hay cutting was prevalent in the 
dried-out pothole basins as well as in 
adjacent Soil Bank lands. This widespread 
destruction of nesting habitat could be an 
important factor in next year's production. 
Drought conditions were less severe in 
the east strata of the Red River Valley, 
but even here, rainfall was not sufficient 
to maintain good habitat conditions. 
Overall waterfowl conditions in South 
Dakota were better than in North Dakota, 
The July pond index was 52 percent below 
the 1960 index, and was less than for the 
dry year of 1959. 
Detailed water data are presented in 
table D-5 (p. 78). 
BREEDING POPULATION INDEXES 
Late vegetative growth, scarcity of water, 
and low water levels with mudflat condi- 
tions on some pothole-type water areas 
probably accounted for a larger part of the 
population being observed this year in 
comparison with 1960. 
Duck breeding population indexes show a 
10-percent decrease from 1960, a 4l-per- 
cent increase over 1959, but a 26-percent 
decrease from 1958. Though the drop in 
total population index is not as drastic as 
that of the water index, it is felt that the 
visibility factors mentioned accounted for 
a larger part of the population present 
being observed than in 1960. 
Although 67 percent of drake mallard, 
pintail, and canvasback were without hens, 
indicating that nesting was underway, many 
grouped birds of all species that did not 
appear to be nesting were noted throughout 
the survey period. 
Diving ducks were down 44 percent from 
1960 and dabbling ducks were down 6 per- 
cent. Mallard and blue-winged teal showed 
24 percent and 6 percent increases over 
1960, All other dabbling ducks were down 
from 6 percent to 34 percent. Canvasback, 
redhead, scaup, and ruddy duck showed 
declines of 11 percent, 62 percent, 39 
percent, and 60 percent, respectively. 
Waterfowl breeding populations, by strata, 
and for the period 1958-61 are given in 
tables E-19 and E-20 (p. 94). 
PRODUCTION INDEXES 
Total duck broods showed a 24-percent 
drop from 1960, though a substantial in- 
crease over 1959, Due to exposed mudflats 
this year it is felt that a larger proportion 
of broods present were observed. Coot 
broods showed a decrease of 37 percent 
from 1960, though numbers were small. 
The late-nesting index showed a 53 per- 
cent increase, but the large numbers of 
loafing birds on the water areas made 
accurate determinations difficult. Water- 
fowl production data by strata and for the 
years 1958-61 are given in tables F-20 
and F-21 (p. 116, 117). 
CONCLUSIONS 
The duck brood index was 24 percent 
below 1960 and coots showed a 37 percent 
decrease from that year. Though late- 
nesting indexes showed a potential late 
brood of 53 percent above that of 1960, 
we do not believe this hatch, even if it 
should materialize, could reach maturity 
because of the lack of available water. 
Therefore, it is concluded that there will 
be considerable reduction in the fall flight 
of ducks from this area as compared with 
last year. 
NORTH DAKOTA 
Data supplied by Charles H. 
Schroeder, North Dakota Game 
and Fish Department 
WEATHER AND WATER CONDITIONS 
Water conditions in North Dakota during 
the spring of 1961 were much worse than 
they were in 1960--the result of below 
average precipitation being received since 
the summer of 1960. The 1961 water index 
was 56 percent below the 1960 index and 
55 percent below the 1948-60 average index. 
Water conditions during the spring of 1961 
were fast approaching the very poor condi- 
tions experienced in 1959, and by mid-July 
they were the poorest recorded since this 
survey was started. The 1961 water index 
of 0.45 per square mile was 91 percent 
below the 1960 index of 5.02, 72 percent 
below the 1959 index of 1.63, and 88 per- 
cent below the 1958-60 average water index 
of 3.89. 
