Saskatchewan Habitat Conditions
Habitat conditions are assessed regularly by DUC and are presented in our Habitat Reports. The following is a compilation of impressions, collected from DUC field staff, of environmental conditions relative to breeding waterfowl. These observations are not based on systematic surveys, and are not intended to describe hunting conditions. Our most recent Habitat Report was prepared November 2010, and had the following to say about habitat conditions in Saskatchewan:
This has been the wettest year on record, with most areas of the province experiencing 150 to 200 per cent above-normal moisture levels. As a result, wetland conditions are good to excellent across the province. The Parklands are particularly wet, with some areas receiving over 30 inches of rain over the course of the summer. Although temperatures were above normal in October and early November, they are now well below normal (-20 C), and snow covers most of the province. The cold temperatures should help to create a good frost seal, and many areas of the province have had 6 to 12 inches of snow on the ground. Wetland water levels are well above normal, and some creek systems are still running, which is exceptional at this time of year. Water projects that are typically completed in late June are still in operation. Given that wetland water levels were well above normal going into winter, and snow covers most of the province, wetland conditions in the spring should be excellent for breeding waterfowl. The Province is already warning of spring flooding, and seeding should be very challenging next spring.
Waterfowl stayed longer than normal this fall, likely due to the persistence of warm conditions into early November. However, with the onset of below-normal temperatures and 6 to 12 inches of snow, most waterfowl have now left the province. The wet conditions have also prompted producers to try draining wetlands in an effort to reduce flooding this coming spring.
This report should only be redistributed as a full PDF document, with DUC permission.
Download the full November Report report.
Current moisture maps are also available through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s website at www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/drought/pr_e.htm.
Detailed breeding waterfowl survey reports and forecasts are available at www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/.
