By Bruce Ross, Executive Director – bross@wisducks.org
This article appeared in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s July 2025 Newsletter edition.
State game bird biologist Taylor Finger hosted the summer meeting of the DNR’s Migratory Game Bird Advisory Committee Monday. Here’s what the annual spring flights over the state revealed about Wisconsin habitat and waterfowl. Summary: The news is better and worse than it first appears, but what’s happening with blue winged teal?
First, let’s consider breeding habitat. With a wet spring, nesting conditions were considered significantly better than historical averages, which should hopefully yield better nesting and brood-rearing habitats.
And waterfowl population counts were a mixed bag, but should support decent breeding success, too.
| Population estimate | Compared to last year | Compared to the long-term Avg | |
| Total Ducks | 564,639 | +7% | +27% |
| Mallards | 149,568 | +2% | -15.7% |
| Woodies | 89,885 | -2% | +5.1% |
| Blue Wing Teal | 75,894 | -15% | -25% |
| Canada Geese | 131,567 | -8% | +21% |
These Wisconsin conditions are better than those seen across the US and Canadian prairies, which are experiencing slightly below average breeding conditions. Since most birds harvested by Wisconsin hunters are born here in Wisconsin, early season hunters should see a recent number of birds in the fall.
There are several theories about the consistent decline in BWT population counts, but nothing worth reporting. Research continues.
Other updates:
The 2025 Season structure (zones and splits) and bag limits are likely to remain the same as last year.
Several years ago, the WDNR, with input from WWA and other partners, opted to set season structures for 5-year periods, a decision that will continue for the 2026-2030 seasons. Historically, a significant amount of effort was expended each year for only minor—if any — changes.
This decision enables WDNR staff to focus more energy on initiatives that make a difference for Wisconsin hunters, such as habitat management and implementing the Wisconsin Waterfowl Management Plan strategy. However, it also means that we only get a bite at that structure, or the “apple,” every five years. Therefore, the season structure will be established this year for the 2026-2030 period. Your WWA winter survey input has been provided to the WDNR and will help inform the structure. However, we’ll keep you apprised of any opportunities for further input. I wouldn’t expect to see significant changes, but stay tuned.
Avian Flu: The have been no recent reports of significant waterfowl die-offs attributed to the Avian Flu, but that was to be expected as waterfowl move from migratory flocks and pair up for breeding. Interestingly, the DNR reports that most older migratory birds tested have antibodies for this flu, indicating they have been exposed and developed resistance.
Conservation Congress queries: There were three waterfowling resolutions proposed at the Spring conservation congress that the DNR will be considering over the next year (1) delaying the start of the early teal season; (2) adjusting the daily opening hours to reduce the current difference between North and South zones; (3) keeping decoy out overnight on private ponds. Regardless of DNR decision-making on these, it’s not going to make a difference to most of us.
Feet Wet ruling: You may remember a Jefferson County judge’s ruling on behalf of a riparian landowner that the DNR’s “feet wet” rule was inappropriate during the period of high water. The judge ruled that following this guidance during periods of high water resulted in landowner property right violations, and ordered the DNR to change its guidance to reflect that waterway users had to stay waterside of the Ordinary High Water mark. UPDATE: The DNR requested and received a stay of this ruling to consider an appeal, which will occur no later than December 2025. So, no changes this fall hunting season, but stay tuned for possibly significant changes to guidance on Wisconsin’s public trust of public waters.
