The Dakotas are the breadbasket for waterfowl production and the Devils Lake region is one of the jewels within the famed prairie pothole region. North Dakota had another banner year for waterfowl production and water conditions continue to be good to excellent throughout much of North Dakota and the Devils Lake region. The State's duck brood index was up 38% over last year's index. Continentally, duck numbers are similar to last year.
Duck season should be good and goose numbers continue to provide great heart pounding sights. The Devils Lake area remains very wet with ample water existing in the numerous prairie potholes, which should provide ample hunting opportunities. Top species to expect in the area include mallard, gadwall blue-winged teal, shoveler and pintails. Diver hunting can also be good on the big marshes and prairie lakes and hunters can expect scaup, reheads and canvasback greeting their decoy set. Canada geese and snow geese are always abundant in the area.
It is possible that the area will also have a prolonges season if weather holds out as much of Canada became wet this year. After many of our local birds move out we could see an influx of birds coming in from the north this year.
Scouting is an asset in this large landscape and insuring your hunting access will demand visiting many fields and marshes. It is recommended to call the landowner to gain permission to hunt. Fortunately, the Devils Lake region has numerous public lands and private lands open to sportsmen(PLOTS) which provides open public hunting opportunities.
