Prairie Conditions & Duck Predictions | 2026 Habitat Update

What will the 2026 duck season look like? It all starts on the prairies.

In this annual Ducks Unlimited tradition, host Dr. Mike Brasher is joined by Dr. Scott Stephens and Dr. Steve Adair to break down current habitat conditions across the Prairie Pothole Region and make early predictions for the breeding population survey.

The conversation highlights a familiar but important theme: variability. While parts of the Canadian prairies have benefited from recent precipitation, other regions — particularly across portions of the U.S. prairies — remain dry. 

The group discusses how timing of moisture plays a critical role in duck production, noting that late-season rainfall may improve brood survival but won’t necessarily influence where birds settle to nest. They also revisit last year’s conditions, including below-average pond counts and moderate production, which could translate into slightly lower breeding populations this spring. 

The episode concludes with their annual “prognostications” for pond counts and duck numbers and a reminder that the prairie landscape continues to drive waterfowl success across North America.

Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
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